HONEST INDIAN VEGETARIAN RESTAURANT
2025 E FOWLER AVE, Tampa FL 33612 · 8139776000
Last inspected Oct 28, 2025 · 10 visits since September 2023
5 inspections, swinging between A and F. Consistency is the problem here, not any single visit.
Observed: Roach activity present as evidenced by live roaches found. 2 live roaches on ice machine. 1 live roach inside lintel beans. 2 live roaches on floor in back kitchen area. 1 live roach in second lintel bin. Priority: High Priority
Awarded on the inspection record alone. What they mean →
Disciplinary actions
6 cases · $1,580
| Case | Violation date | Final order | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3--2025070794 | Aug 13, 2025 | Oct 23, 2025 | $400 |
| 3--2025046106 | May 7, 2025 | Aug 20, 2025 | $360 |
| 3--2024070012 | Aug 14, 2024 | Feb 10, 2025 | $200 |
| 3--2022003706 | Dec 16, 2021 | Aug 23, 2022 | $160 |
| 3--2021042430 | Jul 14, 2021 | Apr 29, 2022 | $160 |
| 3--2016013317 | Mar 1, 2016 | Jun 9, 2016 | $300 |
Inspection history
10 visits, newest first
Met inspection standards. 10 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
No currently certified food service manager on duty with four or more employees engaged in food preparation/handling. A list of accredited food manager certification examination providers can be found at http://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/hotels-restaurants/food-lodging/food-manager/
Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Employee drink stored on food preparation table in kitchen area. Employee remove drink and properly stored it.
Food stored on floor. Box of French fries stored on floor in walk in freezer. Owner removed and properly stored fries.
Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Ice buildup in ice cream freezer on front line.
Show the remaining 6 findings ▾
In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Tongs hanging on oven door handle. Chef removed tongs and placed at dishwasher.
In-use wet wiping cloth/towel used under cutting board. Cloth stored underneath cutting board on cooks line. Chef removed cloth and placed in dirty cloth bin.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Wok station has buildup of oils food and grease.
Old labels stuck to food containers after cleaning. Old labels stuck on clean dishes on shelves in back kitchen area.
Standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler. Standing water inside 3 door refrigerator in back kitchen area.
Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Plastic bottles of sauces have no labeling of ingenuity in kitchen area.
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
Show 6 findings ▾
Observed: Establishment operating without a license from the Division of Hotels and Restaurants. Operator must obtain a public food service license from the Division of Hotels and Restaurants within 60 days. Submit a license application and payment to DBPR/Bureau of Central Intake Unit, 2601 Blair Stone Rd., Tallahassee, FL 32399-0783. To apply online or obtain an application for license visit https:// www2.myfloridalicense.com/hotels-restaurants/ Priority: High Priority
Observed: Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Cutting board on reach in cooler has stains. Priority: Intermediate
Observed: No plan review submitted and approved - renovations were made or are in progress. Must submit plans and plan review application to DBPR H and R Plan Review office located at 2601 Blair Stone Rd., Tallahassee, FL 32399-1011. Plans must be submitted AND approved within 60 days. Initial plans from 2010, layout change observed. Exterior back storage area added. Handwash sinks removed based on old plans. Walk in cooler/ walk in freezer added
Observed: Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Cutting board on reach in cooler across from fryer has deep groves. Priority: Basic
Observed: Food stored on floor. Ice cream stored on floor inside walk in freezer. Priority: Basic
Observed: Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Clear bottles of sauces used for cooking has no labeling of ingredients on cooks line. Priority: Basic
Ordered shut on the spot. 13 violations recorded, 2 of them the tier the state says can make you ill. A reinspection is required before this kitchen may reopen.
Show 13 findings ▾
Observed: Establishment operating without a license from the Division of Hotels and Restaurants. Operator must obtain a public food service license from the Division of Hotels and Restaurants within 60 days. Submit a license application and payment to DBPR/Bureau of Central Intake Unit, 2601 Blair Stone Rd., Tallahassee, FL 32399-0783. To apply online or obtain an application for license visit https:// www2.myfloridalicense.com/hotels-restaurants/ Priority: High Priority
Observed: Roach activity present as evidenced by live roaches found. 2 live roaches on ice machine. 1 live roach inside lintel beans. 2 live roaches on floor in back kitchen area. 1 live roach in second lintel bin. Priority: High Priority
Observed: Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Cutting board on reach in cooler has stains. Priority: Intermediate
Observed: No plan review submitted and approved - renovations were made or are in progress. Must submit plans and plan review application to DBPR H and R Plan Review office located at 2601 Blair Stone Rd., Tallahassee, FL 32399-1011. Plans must be submitted AND approved within 60 days. Initial plans from 2010, layout change observed. Exterior back storage area added. Handwash sinks removed based on old plans. Walk in cooler/ walk in freezer added
Observed: Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Mashed potatoes and tomato bisque cooked and held longer then 24 hours has no date markings inside triple door refrigerator. Priority: Intermediate
Observed: Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Cutting board on reach in cooler across from fryer has deep groves. Priority: Basic
Observed: Dead roaches on premises. 1 dead roach inside lintel bin. 1 dead roach in front of walk in cooler. 1 dead roach by back door storage. Priority: Basic
Observed: Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. Employees working in kitchen area with food are not using hair restraints. Employees placed on hair restraints. Priority: Basic
Observed: Food stored on floor. Ice cream stored on floor inside walk in freezer. Priority: Basic
Observed: In-use knife/knives stored in cracks between pieces of equipment. Knife stored in between reach in cooler and food preparation table. Chef p Priority: Basic
Observed: In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Tongs hanging on oven door handle. Manager removed and placed tongs at dishwasher. Priority: Basic
Observed: In-use utensil stored in standing water less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Utensil stored in dirty water at 89F. Employee discarded water and placed utensils at dishwasher. Priority: Basic
Observed: Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Clear bottles of sauces used for cooking has no labeling of ingredients on cooks line. Priority: Basic
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 19 violations recorded, 5 high priority.
Show 19 findings ▾
: Establishment operating without a license from the Division of Hotels and Restaurants unable to license due to plan review not being submitted.Operator must obtain a public food service license from the Division of Hotels and Restaurants within 60 days. Submit a license application and payment to DBPR/Bureau of Central Intake Unit, 2601 Blair Stone Rd., Tallahassee, FL 32399-0783. To apply online or obtain an application for license visit https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/hotels-restaurants/ Priority: High Priorit
Observed: Container of medicine improperly stored. Vitamin container on cooks line shelf Priority: High Priority
Observed: Employee touching ready-to-eat food with their bare hands - food was not being heated as a sole ingredient to 145 degrees F or immediately added to other ingredients to be cooked/heated to the minimum required temperature to allow bare hand contact. Establishment has no approved Alternative Operating Procedure. Employee touched basil with bare hands and put in soup. Discussed with manager the importance of wearing gloves. Priority: High Priority
Observed: Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Reach in cooler on cooks line across from stove cook onions 45 f employee moved to different reach In cooler. Cook onions 43 f Priority: High Priority
Observed: Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Cook veggies 93 f on chefman heater warmer employee moved to stove to reheat. 145 f Butter 54 f sitting on warmer pressure. Priority: High Priority
Observed: Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Ice machine soiled Priority: Intermediate
Observed: Handwash sink removed from food preparation/dishwashing area. Must be reinstalled in the same location where removed. Hand washing sink in front was removed and placed on a different side of the wall and hand washing sink in extra preparation cooks line hand washing sink was not in same location as plans from 2010 Priority: Intermediate
Observed: Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Stored utensils in hand washing sink at front cash out area. Priority: Intermediate
Observed: No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. At sink from cash out area. Priority: Intermediate
Observed: No plan review submitted and approved - renovations were made or are in progress. Must submit plans and plan review application to DBPR H and R Plan Review office located at 2601 Blair Stone Rd., Tallahassee, FL 32399-1011. Plans must be submitted AND approved within 60 days. The direct link to the Plan Review page is https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/hotels-restaurants/licensing/plan-review/. Observed plans from 2010 on file 2 white glass reach in coolers located in dining area. Hand washing sink at cashier service area not listed in correct spot from previous plans. Ice cream coolers on cashier register line. Ice cream area on previous plans show 2 reach no prep coolers merry chef and microwave. On cooks line fryer is missing and big pot grill was added under hood suppression.back kitchen added reach in coolers. On the back wall multiple stoves a fryer a giant three pot grill. Hand washing sink was removed and added next across from back wall ice machine stored next to it not on plans. A dish washing machine was added by three compartment sink by back kitchen entrance a dry can storage rack. Walk in cooler was changed to a dry storage room with different spices. Walk in cooler and walk in freezer was added. **Admin Complaint** Priority: Intermediate
Observed: Proof of required state approved employee training not available for some employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. Observed for one employees Priority: Intermediate
Observed: Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. In flour bin by can rack shelf Priority: Basic
Observed: Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Multiple coffee cups on prep table in kitchen area. Priority: Basic
Observed: Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. For 1 employee. Priority: Basic
Observed: Food-contact surface not smooth and easily cleanable. White cutting boards on cooks line. Priority: Basic
Observed: Missing drain plug at dumpster. Priority: Basic
Observed: No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. At front cash out front area Priority: Basic
Observed: Open dumpster lid. Priority: Basic
Observed: Plumbing system in disrepair. Three compartment sink by the bread pressing station was not connected to water and used as storage Priority: Basic
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 2 violations recorded, 1 high priority.
Show 2 findings ▾
Establishment unable to be licensed at time of licensing inspection from the Division of Hotels and Restaurants. Operator must obtain a public food service license from the Division of Hotels and Restaurants within 60 days. Submit a license application and payment to DBPR/Bureau of Central Intake Unit, 2601 Blair Stone Rd., Tallahassee, FL 32399-0783. To apply online or obtain an application for license visit http://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/hotels-restaurants/ Establishment has compliance violations to comply before being able to be issued license. Operator plans on operating and will
No plan review submitted and approved - renovations were made or are in progress. Must submit plans and plan review application to DBPR H and R Plan Review office located at 2601 Blair Stone Rd., Tallahassee, FL 32399-1011. Plans must be submitted AND approved within 60 days. The direct link to the Plan Review page is https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/hotels-restaurants/licensing/plan-review/. Initial plans from 2010, layout change observed. Exterior back storage area added. Handwash sinks removed based on old plans. Walk in cooler/ walk in freezer added
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 7 recorded, 1 high priority.
Show 7 findings ▾
Establishment unable to be licensed at time of licensing inspection from the Division of Hotels and Restaurants. Operator must obtain a public food service license from the Division of Hotels and Restaurants within 60 days. Submit a license application and payment to DBPR/Bureau of Central Intake Unit, 2601 Blair Stone Rd., Tallahassee, FL 32399-0783. To apply online or obtain an application for license visit http://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/hotels-restaurants/ Establishment has compliance violations to comply before being able to be issued license. Operator plans on operating and will
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. No towels at handwashing sink at front counter. Discussed with operator.
No plan review submitted and approved - renovations were made or are in progress. Must submit plans and plan review application to DBPR H and R Plan Review office located at 2601 Blair Stone Rd., Tallahassee, FL 32399-1011. Plans must be submitted AND approved within 60 days. The direct link to the Plan Review page is https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/hotels-restaurants/licensing/plan-review/. Initial plans from 2010, layout change observed. Exterior back storage area added. Handwash sinks removed based on old plans. Walk in cooler/ walk in freezer added
No soap provided at handwash sink. No soap at handwashing sink at front counter. Discussed with operator.
No conspicuously located ambient air temperature thermometer in holding unit. No ambient air thermometer in coolers at time of inspection.
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. No sign at handwashing sink at front counter. Discussed with operator.
No waste receptacle installed at handwash sink provided with disposable towels. No trash can at handwashing sink at front counter. Discussed with operator.
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
Show 16 findings ▾
Vacuum breaker missing at mop sink faucet or on fitting/splitter added to mop sink faucet. Splitter missing vacuum breaker.
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-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Cutting boards throughout kitchen.
Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Brush in handwash sink in kitchen.
Proof of required state approved employee training not available for some employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. Operator provided 1 food handler certification.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Cooked vegetables in reach in cooler not date marked.
Water with a temperature of at least 100 degrees Fahrenheit not provided/shut off at employee handwash sink. Handwash sink next to oven temp 71 F.
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Cutting boards throughout kitchen.
Drain cover(s) missing. Under wok and near walk in cooler.
In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Tongs on oven door handle.
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. At handwash sinks throughout kitchen.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Hood filters. Exterior on fryer and oven.
Old labels stuck to food containers after cleaning. Old labeled on clean containers in dish area.
Standing water or very slow draining water in handwash sink, three-compartment sink, or mop sink. Slow drain at handwash sink near bakery case.
Water leaking from pipe and/or faucet/handle. Handwash sink faucet leaking next to oven.
Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Containers of seasonings not labeled in dry storage.
Ordered shut on the spot. 26 violations recorded, 4 of them the tier the state says can make you ill. A reinspection is required before this kitchen may reopen.
Show 26 findings ▾
Live, small flying insects in kitchen, food preparation area, food storage area and/or bar area. 15 flies at handwash sink next to 3 Compartment Sink 16 flies above dish machine 11 flies on shelf across from 3 Compartment Sink 9 flies under dish machine 1 fly in dry storage shelf 4 flies under prep table. 6 flies above mixer 2 flies on wall outside of cooler 2 flies near prep table 1 fly near prep sink next to cook line
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Raw shell eggs over cooked vegetables in walk in cooler.
Rodent activity present as evidenced by rodent droppings found. 2 rodent droppings under dish machine 4 rodent droppings under shelves next to dish machine 2 rodent droppings on floor near can goods.
Vacuum breaker missing at mop sink faucet or on fitting/splitter added to mop sink faucet. Splitter missing vacuum breaker.
Employee washed hands in a sink other than an approved handwash sink. Observed employee wash hands in prep sink.
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-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Cutting boards throughout kitchen.
Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Brush in handwash sink in kitchen.
Proof of required state approved employee training not available for some employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. Operator provided 1 food handler certification.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Cooked vegetables in reach in cooler not date marked.
Water with a temperature of at least 100 degrees Fahrenheit not provided/shut off at employee handwash sink. Handwash sink next to oven temp 71 F.
Clean glasses, cups, bowls, plates, pots and pans not stored inverted or in a protected manner. Plates not inverted at at buffet area.
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Cutting boards throughout kitchen.
Drain cover(s) missing. Under wok and near walk in cooler.
Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Employee drink on prep table.
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Employee backpack on shelf.
Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Throughout kitchen.
In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Tongs on oven door handle.
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. At handwash sinks throughout kitchen.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Hood filters. Exterior on fryer and oven.
Old labels stuck to food containers after cleaning. Old labeled on clean containers in dish area.
Single-service articles improperly stored. To go containers on floor near bakery cooler.
Standing water or very slow draining water in handwash sink, three-compartment sink, or mop sink. Slow drain at handwash sink near bakery case.
Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner. Observed chicken being thawed in standing water.
Water leaking from pipe and/or faucet/handle. Handwash sink faucet leaking next to oven.
Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Containers of seasonings not labeled in dry storage.
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 19 violations recorded, 1 high priority.
Show 19 findings ▾
Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. Expired on 02/01/2023.
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. Provided by email.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Multiple cutting boards stained,
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Scrubbing pad stored in handwash sink on cook line.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Cooked rice, cooked potato and various food items in walk-in cooler.
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. In sugar bins and flour bins.
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable.
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Employee bags stored on prep table. Removed.
Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation.
Floor area(s) covered with standing water. At back kitchen.
Hood filter missing from automatic fire suppression/exhaust system.
In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses.
Interior of microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris.
Stored food not covered. Multiple desserts in dessert walk-in cooler.
Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner. Multiple bags of frozen chicken thawing in standing water at prep sink.
Water leaking from faucet in handwash sinks at back kitchen.
Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses.
Wood food-contact surface not properly sealed. Accumulation of deep cut marks on wood top prep table.
Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Multiple flour bins and sugar bins.
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 29 violations recorded, 4 high priority.
Show 29 findings ▾
Dented/rusted cans present. See stop sale.
Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. Expired on 02/01/2023.
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Raw shell eggs stored over milk in reach-in cooler on cook line. Operator rearranged items.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. A carton of heavy cream 45 F stored on reach-in cooler. Operator moved into reach-in cooler.
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. Provided by email.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Multiple cutting boards stained,
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Scrubbing pad stored in handwash sink on cook line.
No currently certified food service manager on duty with four or more employees engaged in food preparation/handling. A list of accredited food manager certification examination providers can be found at http://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/hotels-restaurants/food-lodging/food-manager/ 5 employees working at time of inspection.
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Handwash sink at dish washing area.
No proof of required state approved employee training provided for any employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. Employee in charge unable to provide proof.
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.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Cooked rice, cooked potato and various food items in walk-in cooler.
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. In sugar bins and flour bins.
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable.
Damaged/spoiled/recalled food not properly segregated. Multiple dented canned food stored with other canned food at storage shelves. Operator segregated for return.
Dishmachine not washing/rinsing properly. Must wash, rinse and sanitize all dishware, equipment and utensils in three-compartment sink until dishmachine is functioning properly. Ran dish machine multiple times, tested 10ppm. No warewashing in dish machine at time of inspection, three compartment sink already setup.
Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Employee drinks stored on multiple prep tables at kitchen.
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Employee bags stored on prep table. Removed.
Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation.
Floor area(s) covered with standing water. At back kitchen.
Hood filter missing from automatic fire suppression/exhaust system.
In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses.
Interior of microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris.
Stored food not covered. Multiple desserts in dessert walk-in cooler.
Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner. Multiple bags of frozen chicken thawing in standing water at prep sink.
Water leaking from faucet in handwash sinks at back kitchen.
Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses.
Wood food-contact surface not properly sealed. Accumulation of deep cut marks on wood top prep table.
Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Multiple flour bins and sugar bins.
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.