HAPPY BUFFET
1533 W 49 ST, Hialeah FL 33012 · 305.817.2626
Last inspected Jun 29, 2026 · 9 visits since July 2023
OCT 24
APR 25
DEC 25
FEB 26
JUN 26
— STEADY
5 inspections within 21 points of each other. Whatever this kitchen does, it does consistently.
Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. Observed license expired 10/01/2023
★ Spotless◆ Clean streak● Perfect year✓ Never fined
Awarded on the inspection record alone. What they mean →
Disciplinary actions
1 case · $400
| Case | Violation date | Final order | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1--2018039733 | Jul 24, 2018 | Aug 17, 2018 | $400 |
Inspection history
9 visits, newest first
Jun 29, 2026Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 9 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
3 High priority1 Intermediate5 Basic
What the inspector wrote — 9 findingsThe state's own report →
Container of medicine improperly stored. Observed a bottle of peroxide stored on shelf above preparation area at kitchen, manager removed.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed inside two doors cooler at kitchen cooked noodles (57F - Cold Holding); cooked shrimp (57F - Cold Holding) According to manager placed inside cooler 2 hours ago. Operator placed food items inside walk in cooler for rapid chill.
Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed at buffet line sweet plantains (103F - Hot Holding); chicken nuggets (116F - Hot Holding) According to manager placed 2 hours ago. Operator took items to the kitchen to reheat. Second temperature 25 minutes after. sweet plantains (169F - Hot Holding); chicken nuggets (170F - Hot Holding);
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed lids inside hand wash sink sink Operator removed items from inside hand sink.
Show the remaining 5 findings ▾
Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Ware washing and kitchen areas.
Food stored on floor. Observed boxes with plantains,stored on the floor inside walk in freezer.
Opened employee beverage container in a cold holding unit with food to be served to customers. Observed two employee beverages inside reach in freezer at kitchen. Operator removed drinks and discarded them.
Reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Observed reach in cooler shelves rusted.
Stored food not covered. Observed inside walk in freezer, cut krab meat no covered. Operator wrapped with plastic wrap.
Feb 27, 2026Inspection Completed - No Further ActionComplaint Investigation
Met inspection standards. 9 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
6 High priority0 Intermediate3 Basic
Show 9 findings ▾
Container of medicine improperly stored. Observed advil pills on top of dish machine. Employee removed pills.
Dented/rusted cans present. See stop sale. Observed Can with Chocolate pudding dented.
Metal stem-type thermometer soiled. Operator cleaned thermometer before calibration.
Nonfood-grade containers used for food storage - direct contact with food. Observed plastic containers used to store food no food grade, dry storage and inside walk in cooler.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed on buffet line Observed at buffet bean sprouts (50F - Cold Holding); according to operator placed 45 minutes ago., operator placed ice bag under sprouts to cool dawn.., 20 minutes ago after, bean sprouts (40F - Cold Holding
Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed at steam table chicken nuggets (110F - Hot Holding), Operator discarded chicken nuggets.
Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Observed employee water bottle on top of preparation table. Manager discarded water bottle.
Floor area(s) covered with standing water. Observed at kitchen area and ware washing area.
Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Observed at kitchen area.
Dec 11, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 14 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
4 High priority2 Intermediate8 Basic
Show 14 findings ▾
Raw animal food stored over or with unwashed produce. Observed raw chicken container inside walk in cooler stored over sacks with potatoes. Operator moved potatoes away from raw chicken on a pallet six inches above the floor.
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed carton of shell eggs stored above soy and sweet and sour sauce inside reach in cooler. Operator placed shell eggs on shelf under sauces containers.
Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Observed seafood salad according to manager placed last night inside reach in cooler seafood salad (51F - Cold Holding).
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed seafood salad according to manager placed last night inside reach in cooler seafood salad (51F - Cold Holding),hibachi area placed 30 minutes prior cut ham (49F - Cold Holding), operator added ice to cut ham Salad was discarded. seafood salad (51F - Cold Holding)
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed grinder mixer under prep table across from walk in cooler soiled.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed cleaning sponges inside hand washing sink, also sink used as dump sink.
Cardboard used to line food-contact shelves. Observed inside reach in cooler for pizza.
Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed at dining area and kitchen soiled ceiling tiles.
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Observed cleaning sponges at kitchen grooved white cutting board, operator discarded and replaced cutting board.
Employee wearing jewelry other than a plain ring on their hands/arms while preparing food. Employee wearing a big wrist watch while cooking. Employee removed wrist watch.
Grease on the ground and/or pad around grease receptacle. Observed grease on ground grease receptacle on parking area rear of restaurant.
In-use utensil in non-time/temperature control for safety food not stored with handle above top of food within a closed container. Observed scoop handle touching flour inside container, operator stored scoop with handle upwards.
In-use utensil stored in standing water less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed utensils in a metal container water at 85F. Operator discarded water and stored utensils on top of flat grill, water at 140 F.
Reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Observed inside reach in coolers at kitchen.
Apr 9, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 10 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
2 High priority3 Intermediate5 Basic
Show 10 findings ▾
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed inside walk in cooler cooked chicken stored under raw fish and raw chicken. Employee arranged food properly, raw chicken bottom shelf, raw fish above raw chicken and cooked chicken on top shelf above raw animal foods.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed front of hibachi station bean sprouts (48F - Cold Holding). According to to employee placed 30 minutes ago, Employee placed an ice bag under bean sprouts for rapid chill. 10 minutes after, bean sprouts (40F - Cold Holding)
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed can opener blade soiled. Employee cleaned can opener at time of inspection.
Soap dispenser at handwash sink not working/unable to dispense soap. Soap dispenser broken at men bathroom.
Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Observed spray bottle containing chlorine sanitizer at ware washing area not labeled. Manager labeled spray bottle.
Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Observed personal drink on top of table next to rice warmer at kitchen. Manager discarded employee beverage.
Faucet/handle missing at plumbing fixture. Observed at dipper well at ice cream station handle missing.
Food stored on floor. Observed inside walk in cooler, boxes with raw chicken gizzards on the floor and plant food stored on the floor at walk in freezer.
In-use utensil in non-time/temperature control for safety food not stored with handle above top of food within a closed container. Observed sugar scoop handle touching the sugar inside bin at kitchen. Manager stored scoop with handle upwards.
In-use wet wiping cloth/towel used under cutting board. Observed at prep area.
Oct 11, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 13 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
3 High priority1 Intermediate9 Basic
Show 13 findings ▾
Nonfood-grade containers used for food storage - direct contact with food. Observed non food grade plastic containers used to stored pork belly and raw fish at walk in cooler.
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw shrimp stored above onions at walk in cooler. Operator moved the shrimp to another shelf.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed in reach in cooler at kitchen, cooked pork (55F - Cold Holding); cooked chicken (51F - Cold Holding); according to manager placed 90 minutes prior, employee put food items inside reach in freezer for rapid chill. Observed bean sprouts (45F - Cold Holding)at hibachi station. Operator put ice on bean sprouts container for rapid chill.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed hand wash sink at drink station area used as a dump sink.
Buildup of food debris/soil residue on equipment door handles. Observed walk in cooler and walk in freezer handles soiled.
Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed between kitchen and walk in coolers ceiling soiled.
Faucet/handle missing at plumbing fixture. Observed at dipper well at ice cream station.
Floor area(s) covered with standing water. Observed standing water at kitchen area and dishwashing area.
In-use utensil used with moist food stored in running water with insufficient velocity to flush food particles away. Observed ice cream scoop inside dipper well at ice cream station at buffet area.
No container installed for catching grease from hood drip tray. Observed no container to catch grease at hoods kitchen area.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed shelf under prep table soiled. Observed fans at walk in cooler soiled.
Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses. Observed wet cloth not stored in sanitizing solution at preparation area sushi station.
Wiping cloth chlorine sanitizing solution not at proper minimum strength. Observed Sanitizer Bucket (Chlorine 0ppm). Operator prepared a bucket with water and sanitizing solution Sanitizer Bucket (Chlorine 100ppm).
May 29, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 9 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
2 High priority1 Intermediate6 Basic
Show 9 findings ▾
Nonfood-grade containers used for food storage - direct contact with food. Observed inside walk in cooler plastic containers used to store pork belly, and black containers used to store flour, no food grade.
Raw animal food stored over or with unwashed produce. Observed raw ch stored over box of unwashed broccoli inside reach in cooler.. Employee stored raw chicken on bottom shelf under broccoli box.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed employee washing towels in the hand wash sink.
Buildup of food debris/soil residue on equipment door handles. Observed on walk in freezer and cooler.
Faucet/handle missing at plumbing fixture. Observed at dipper well at ice cream area.
Floor area(s) covered with standing water. Observed inside walk in cooler. Employee mop and dried floo.
Food stored on floor. Observed plastic containers with pork belly stored on the floor inside walk in cooler. Employee stored food containers six Inc above the floor.
In-use utensil in non-time/temperature control for safety food not stored with handle above top of food within a closed container. Observed scoop handles buried inside flour.
Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Flour containers no labeled.
Nov 8, 2023Inspection Completed - No Further ActionComplaint Investigation
Met inspection standards. 14 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
3 High priority2 Intermediate9 Basic
Show 14 findings ▾
Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. Observed license expired 10/01/2023
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed salmon and raw tuna containers stored above cooked broccoli container at reach in cooler. Employee stored raw items on bottom shelf under ready to eat food and vegetables.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed on hibachi station cooked noodles (49F - Cold Holding); bean sprouts (49F - Cold Holding); according to manager placed on table 45 minutes ago. Employee took items and placed them in walk in cooler for rapid chill.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed meta sponge inside hand wash sink. Employee removed metal sponge from in hand wash sink.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Observed inside reach in cooler containers with cooked pork, cooked chicken, cut ham and breaded fried chicken, according to cook from the day before around 11:00 am, no date labeled.
Cardboard used to line food-contact shelves. Observed cardboard inside reach in cooler used to store cheese pizzas. Employee removed card boards.
Faucet/handle missing at plumbing fixture. Observed on dipper well next to ice cream freezer.
Floor area(s) covered with standing water. Observed at storage and ware washing areas standing water on the floor.
Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. Observed in front of walk in cooler and freezer missing tiles.
Food stored on floor. Observed soy sauce buckets and box wit melons stored on the floor inside walk in cooler. Employee stored food buckets and box with melons six inches above the floor.
Reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Observed shelves rusted inside reach in coolers at kitchen area.
Water leaking from pipe and/or faucet/handle. Observed leaking faucet at utility sink at Sushi preparation area.
Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry. Observed wet Mops on the floor, Employee stored the mops properly.
Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses. Observed towels on top of counters and prep areas.
Sep 6, 2023□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority1 Intermediate3 Basic
Show 4 findings ▾
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Observed Cooler two door kitchen; containers with cooked pork, cooked chicken, cut ham and breaded fried chicken, according to cook from the day before no date labeled.
Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Observed on metal containers At drying rack by ware washing area.
Floor area(s) covered with standing water. Observed at storage and ware washing areas.
Reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Observed inside reach in coolers at kitchen.
Jul 7, 2023Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 14 recorded, 1 high priority.
1 High priority4 Intermediate9 Basic
Show 14 findings ▾
Raw animal food stored over or with unwashed produce. Observed raw ch container stored above a box of broccoli inside walk in cooler. Manager stored raw chicken in a different shelf away from vegetables.
Establishment has no written procedures for employees to follow in response to a vomiting or diarrheal event where the vomit or diarrhea is discharged onto surfaces in the establishment.
Food manager certification expired. A list of accredited food manager certification examination providers can be found at http://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/hotels-restaurants/food-lodging/food-manager/ Observed for MIN HUA XIAO 02/25/2018 expired
No proof provided that food employees are informed of their responsibility to report to the person in charge information about their health and activities related to foodborne illnesses. Observed no available for any employees.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Observed Cooler two door kitchen; containers with cooked pork, cooked chicken, cut ham and breaded fried chicken, according to cook from the day before no date labeled.
Accumulation of debris on exterior of warewashing machine.
Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair. Observed at ware washing area.
Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Observed on metal containers At drying rack by ware washing area.
Floor area(s) covered with standing water. Observed at storage and ware washing areas.
Food stored on floor. Observed tilapia boxes stored on the floor inside walk in freezer.
In-use utensil used with moist food stored in running water with insufficient velocity to flush food particles away. Observed at ice cream station. Manager open faucet for dipper well more.
Opened employee beverage container in a cold holding unit with food to be served to customers. Observed an open soda container in reach in cooler at kitchen. Manager discarded soda container.
Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Observed inside reach in cooler at kitchen across from wok.
Reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Observed inside reach in coolers at kitchen.
This record follows the licence, not the owner. Restaurants change hands and the licence history normally does not, so an older entry may describe people who no longer run the place. Every inspection above links to the state's own report. Something wrong? Tell us.