Manhattan, NY — Chahalo, a coffee and tea shop located at 79 Mott Street in Manhattan's Chinatown neighborhood, was closed by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) following an inspection conducted on April 6, 2026. The establishment received a score of 136, far exceeding the 28-point threshold that results in a C grade under the city's restaurant grading system. Inspection data was released by DOHMH on April 8, 2026.

Inspectors cited four critical violations and two non-critical violations during the visit. Among the critical findings was a concern involving the establishment's potable water supply.

What Inspectors Found

Inspectors documented six violations in total during the April 6 inspection, four of which were classified as critical under NYC Health Code standards.

The most significant critical violation involved the potable water supply (Code 03E). Inspectors noted either no adequate potable water supply, or water or ice that was not potable or from an approved source. This category of violation can also include cross-connections in the water supply system — conditions that may allow non-potable water to enter the drinking water supply.

A second critical violation (Code 06C) was cited for food, supplies, or equipment not being protected from potential sources of contamination. Specifically, condiments were not stored in single-service containers or dispensed directly by the vendor, creating a risk of cross-contamination.

Inspectors also cited Code 06E, a critical violation for sanitized equipment or utensils — including food dispensing utensils — that were improperly used or stored. A fourth critical violation (Code 06F) was recorded for wiping cloths not being stored clean and dry, or held in a sanitizing solution between uses, as required.

Two non-critical violations were also recorded. Code 10H addressed single-service articles that were not provided, reused, or not properly protected from contamination — specifically, drinking straws not completely enclosed in a wrapper or dispensed from a sanitary device. Code 08A noted conditions conducive to harborage of rodents, insects, or other pests.

Food Safety Context

Under NYC Health Code Article 81, food service establishments are required to maintain safe food handling practices, adequate sanitation, and a protected potable water supply. The violations documented at Chahalo touch on several foundational elements of food safety.

Potable water violations are treated with particular seriousness under both the NYC Health Code and the FDA Food Code, which serves as a national framework for food safety regulation. Access to safe, uncontaminated water is essential for cooking, cleaning, and sanitizing equipment. A cross-connection or unapproved water source can introduce pathogens that are difficult to detect without laboratory testing.

Improper storage of wiping cloths and sanitized equipment can undermine the effectiveness of a facility's sanitation practices. Wiping cloths, if not held in an approved sanitizing solution between uses, can become vehicles for spreading bacteria across food contact surfaces. Similarly, improperly stored utensils may be recontaminated after sanitizing, negating the sanitation step entirely.

Pest harborage conditions (Code 08A) are classified as non-critical but remain a significant concern. Physical conditions in a facility that allow pests to shelter or breed increase the risk of ongoing infestation, which can compromise food safety over time.

When inspectors determine that violations pose an immediate risk to public health — as was the case here — DOHMH is authorized to order the establishment closed until the conditions are corrected and the facility passes reinspection.

Inspection History

According to publicly available DOHMH data, no prior inspection history is on record for Chahalo at this location. This April 6, 2026 inspection represents the first inspection record available for this establishment.

  • April 6, 2026: Score 136 — Closed by DOHMH, 4 critical violations, 2 non-critical violations

Understanding NYC Restaurant Grades

New York City uses a letter grading system based on the numerical score assigned during a DOHMH inspection. Scores reflect the number and severity of violations found, with lower scores indicating fewer violations.

  • Grade A: Score of 0–13 points
  • Grade B: Score of 14–27 points
  • Grade C: Score of 28 or more points

A score of 136 is well above the C threshold. When an establishment scores in the C range during an initial inspection, it is typically given the opportunity to correct violations and undergo a re-inspection before a grade is publicly posted. However, when violations requiring immediate corrective action are identified, DOHMH may order closure regardless of whether a grade is being issued.

Closures remain in effect until the establishment demonstrates that conditions have been corrected to the satisfaction of health inspectors. Reinspection results are reflected in subsequent DOHMH records.

More About This Restaurant

View the full inspection history for Chahalo including all past inspections, violations, and grade changes.