Queens, NY — Khalil Biryani House, located at 167-20 Hillside Avenue in Jamaica, was closed by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) following a health inspection conducted on January 20, 2026. The restaurant received a score of 70, well above the 28-point threshold for a Grade C, with inspectors documenting three critical violations. The inspection data was released by DOHMH on February 9, 2026.
The closure marks the second time in less than two years that the Asian/Asian Fusion restaurant has been closed by health authorities.
What Inspectors Found
During the January 20 inspection, DOHMH inspectors identified three critical violations and no non-critical violations at the establishment.
Inspectors documented the presence of filth flies or food/refuse/sewage-associated (FRSA) flies or other nuisance pests in the restaurant's food and non-food areas. FRSA flies include house flies, blow flies, bottle flies, flesh flies, drain flies, Phorid flies, and fruit flies. Pest activity in a food service establishment presents a direct risk of contamination to food preparation surfaces and stored ingredients.
Inspectors also cited the restaurant for food from unapproved or unknown sources. This violation category covers food that is home canned or home prepared, animals slaughtered or butchered on premises, and Reduced Oxygen Packaged (ROP) fish not frozen before processing. Food sourced outside of approved commercial supply chains bypasses the safety controls and traceability systems that help prevent foodborne illness.
The third critical violation involved hot Time/Temperature Control for Safety (TCS) food items not being held at or above 140°F. TCS foods — which include cooked rice, meats, and other protein-rich items — must be maintained at proper temperatures to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria. When hot foods fall below the 140°F threshold, they enter the temperature danger zone (41°F to 140°F), where pathogens can multiply rapidly.
Food Safety Context
NYC Health Code Article 81 establishes the regulatory framework for food service establishments in New York City. Under these regulations, DOHMH inspectors have the authority to close a restaurant when conditions present an imminent health hazard to the public. The FDA Food Code, which serves as the basis for many local food safety regulations, identifies improper holding temperatures and food from unapproved sources as among the leading risk factors for foodborne illness.
The presence of pests in food handling areas is classified as a critical violation because insects can carry and transmit pathogens including Salmonella, E. coli, and other disease-causing organisms. The combination of pest activity, unapproved food sources, and improper temperature control represents multiple simultaneous failures in basic food safety protocols.
Restaurants that are closed by DOHMH must correct all cited violations and pass a re-inspection before being permitted to reopen.
Inspection History
Khalil Biryani House has a documented inspection history that shows a pattern of fluctuating scores over the past several years:
- Jan 23, 2026: Score 3 (Grade Z) — Reopened after closure
- Jan 20, 2026: Score 70 — Closed by DOHMH
- Dec 11, 2025: Score 47
- Sep 10, 2024: Score 4 (Grade A)
- Aug 29, 2024: Score 85
- Mar 25, 2024: Score 38 (Grade C)
- Sep 14, 2023: Score 27
- Mar 31, 2023: Score 4 (Grade P)
- Mar 29, 2023: Score 42 — Closed by DOHMH
- Jun 3, 2022: Score 13 (Grade A)
- Mar 15, 2022: Score 9
The restaurant was previously closed on March 29, 2023, when it received a score of 42. Records indicate the establishment reopened two days later with a score of 4 on March 31, 2023. Following the January 20, 2026 closure, the restaurant again reopened quickly, receiving a score of 3 on January 23, 2026.
The inspection history reflects significant score variability, with the restaurant achieving scores as low as 3 and as high as 85 over the past four years.
Understanding NYC Restaurant Grades
New York City's restaurant grading system assigns letter grades based on inspection scores. Lower scores indicate fewer violations and better compliance:
- Grade A: 0–13 points
- Grade B: 14–27 points
- Grade C: 28 or more points
A score of 70, as recorded during the January 20 inspection, falls significantly above the Grade C threshold. Restaurants that score 28 or above on an initial inspection are offered a re-inspection, and the grade posted is based on the better of the two scores.
A Grade Z designation, as recorded on January 23, indicates a re-inspection or reopening inspection score that will be adjudicated through the grading process.
Consumers can look up restaurant inspection results through the DOHMH restaurant inspection database, available online and updated regularly. The NYC 311 system also provides access to inspection records and allows residents to file complaints about food safety concerns at any establishment.
More About This Restaurant
View the full inspection history for Khalil Biryani House including all past inspections, violations, and grade changes.