Om Indian Cuisine Gets Conditional Pass for Minor Violations

Om Indian Cuisine, a popular Indian restaurant in Haight-Ashbury, received a conditional pass during its routine health inspection on November 20, 2025. While the restaurant remains open for business, health inspectors identified eight violations that require attention and correction. The inspection at 1668 Haight Street revealed a mix of food safety issues that, while concerning, did not warrant closure of the establishment. This inspection found one critical violation, six major violations, and one minor violation, with four issues corrected on-site during the inspector's visit.

Temperature Control and Food Safety Issues

The most significant violations involved temperature control problems that pose potential health risks. Inspectors discovered mango lassi stored overnight at 49°F in an undercounter cooler, well above the required 41°F safety threshold. The product had to be discarded due to the unsafe temperature. Additional temperature violations included tandoor chicken held at 111°F at room temperature for 30 minutes without proper time marking. The restaurant was using Time as a Public Health Control but failed to mark the holding time properly. Staff immediately corrected this issue by placing a four-hour time mark on the chicken. The undercounter cooler at the front service counter was found to be malfunctioning, maintaining an ambient temperature of 48°F instead of the required 41°F or below. All food inside this unit measured 49°F, requiring immediate repair or adjustment of the cooling equipment.

Storage and Sanitation Concerns

Inspectors identified several improper food storage practices that violate health code requirements. Multiple food bins were found stored directly on the walk-in refrigerator floor, and additional food items were discovered on floors in the downstairs area. All food must be stored at least six inches above floor level to prevent contamination. More concerning storage violations included bags of rice stored beneath an unfinished stairwell and a case of wine positioned beneath sewer lines downstairs. Both practices create serious contamination risks and were ordered to cease immediately. The inspection also revealed sanitation issues, including an obstructed handwash sink blocked by a large pot near the walk-in refrigerator. Maintaining clear access to handwashing facilities is critical for preventing foodborne illness transmission.

Pest Control Discovery

Perhaps the most serious finding was the discovery of rat droppings on the floor outside and inside a closet adjacent to the walk-in freezer downstairs. This critical violation required immediate cleaning, sanitization of affected areas, and continuation of regular pest control measures at the facility.

Immediate Corrections and Ongoing Operations

Restaurant staff demonstrated responsiveness by immediately addressing several violations during the inspection. They corrected storage issues, properly marked time-controlled foods, and removed dirty knives that had been improperly placed in the clean utensil rack. The Indian restaurant continues serving customers near the N-Judah transit line while working to address the remaining violations. The conditional pass allows Om Indian Cuisine to maintain operations while implementing necessary corrections to achieve full compliance. This marks the first recorded inspection for the establishment, which is owned by A & A Restaurant Group Inc. The restaurant must address all outstanding violations to avoid potential follow-up enforcement action and ensure continued safe food service for Haight-Ashbury diners.