Queens, NY — The NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene closed Ruma's Kitchen, a Bangladeshi restaurant located at 37-01 61st Street in Woodside, Queens, following an inspection on July 1, 2026 that produced a score of 97. The action marks the third closure of the establishment in approximately 12 months. Inspection data was released publicly by DOHMH on July 3, 2026.

What Inspectors Found

During the July 1 inspection, health inspectors documented one critical violation at Ruma's Kitchen. The citation, Code 06F under NYC Health Code standards, recorded that wiping cloths were not stored clean and dry, or held in a sanitizing solution, between uses. No non-critical violations were cited during the same visit.

Under the city's scoring methodology, critical violations carry higher point values than non-critical violations because they represent more direct potential pathways for foodborne illness transmission. The establishment received a total inspection score of 97 points, placing it in the C range under the city's grading system.

When DOHMH issues a closure order, violations requiring immediate action must be addressed on-site before the establishment may resume service.

Food Safety Context

Wiping cloth storage requirements are established under NYC Health Code Article 81 and are consistent with the FDA Food Code, which specifies that cloths used to wipe food-contact surfaces must be kept in a sanitizing solution at an appropriate concentration when not actively in use. Improper storage can allow cloths to accumulate and transfer bacteria to surfaces where food is prepared or plated.

The FDA Food Code, which serves as a model standard adopted by New York City and many other jurisdictions, classifies sanitation and equipment cleanliness practices as foundational controls against cross-contamination. Violations in this category do not typically require equipment removal, but inspectors are authorized under NYC Health Code Article 81 to close an establishment when conditions present a public health concern requiring immediate correction.

DOHMH noted that violations requiring immediate action were addressed at the time of the July 1 inspection.

Inspection History

Ruma's Kitchen has an extensive documented inspection record with DOHMH. Based on publicly available records, the restaurant's recent inspection history is as follows:

  • March 25, 2026: Score 4 — reopened following January 2026 closure
  • January 5, 2026: Score 104 — closed by DOHMH
  • July 31, 2025: Score 2
  • July 2, 2025: Score 75 — closed by DOHMH
  • May 29, 2025: Score not available in public record
  • December 17, 2024: Score 53 (Grade C)
  • January 31, 2024: Score 49
  • November 15, 2022: Score 23 (Grade B)

The restaurant was previously closed in July 2025 and again in January 2026. Following the January 2026 closure, the establishment was recorded as reopened in March 2026 with a score of 4. The current action in July 2026 represents the third closure in approximately 12 months and the second closure in the first half of calendar year 2026.

Understanding NYC Restaurant Grades

New York City requires all restaurants to post their most recently issued letter grade in a visible location for customers. Grades are assigned based on scores received at inspection:

  • A: Score of 0 to 13 points (fewest violations)
  • B: Score of 14 to 27 points
  • C: Score of 28 points or higher

Restaurants that are closed by DOHMH or that score above the A threshold during an initial inspection are eligible for a re-inspection, and the resulting letter grade reflects the score from that re-inspection. Closure orders and full inspection histories are posted publicly through the NYC Open Data portal and the DOHMH Restaurant Inspection Results database.

The inspection data cited in this article was recorded on July 1, 2026, and made publicly available on July 3, 2026. Consumers can access current grade information and complete inspection records through the DOHMH Restaurant Inspection Results search tool.

More About This Restaurant

View the full inspection history for Ruma's Kitchen including all past inspections, violations, and grade changes.