SF Curry Restaurant Fails Health Inspection with Grease Buildup

Curry Hyuga, a popular restaurant in San Francisco's Mission District, failed its routine health inspection on October 2, 2025, due to concerning sanitation violations that could attract cockroaches and compromise food safety standards. Inspector Tiombe Wiley discovered significant equipment issues during this inspection at the Valencia Street establishment, located at 525 Valencia Street near the 24th Street Mission BART station. The inspection, conducted between 3:35 PM and 4:40 PM, revealed violations that directly impact the restaurant's ability to maintain proper food safety protocols.

Health Violations Found

The most serious concern identified was an accumulation of grease inside the restaurant's fry cabinet. Inspector Wiley specifically noted that the buildup created conditions that could attract cockroaches, warning management about the increased pest infestation risks. The inspector ordered immediate action, requiring the restaurant to "routinely degrease, clean and sanitize the interior of the deep fryer" to prevent cockroach attraction. Additionally, inspectors found food residue accumulating on flooring underneath kitchen equipment, indicating inadequate daily cleaning practices. This violation compounds the sanitation concerns, as food debris on floors creates an environment conducive to pest activity and bacterial growth. Both violations fell under California Retail Food Code Section 114161 and 114178, which govern equipment, utensils, and linens storage and use requirements. While classified as minor violations, the specific nature of grease buildup and food debris accumulation raises significant concerns about the restaurant's overall sanitation practices.

Inspection Details

The inspection was received by Masaya Takaue, who was identified as the person in charge during the visit. Inspector Wiley's findings resulted in a total of two violations, both categorized as minor under current health department classifications, though their implications for food safety and pest control are substantial. The grease accumulation in the fryer represents a particular health risk, as improperly maintained cooking equipment can harbor dangerous bacteria and create fire hazards. When combined with the food residue on floors, these conditions create an environment where cross-contamination becomes increasingly likely.

Restaurant Background

This marks the first recorded inspection for Curry Hyuga in the city's database, making it impossible to establish patterns of compliance or previous violations. The restaurant specializes in restaurant cuisine and operates in the bustling Mission District, an area known for its diverse dining scene and heavy foot traffic from both residents and tourists using the nearby BART station.

Health Implications

The violations discovered pose multiple health risks for customers. Grease buildup in cooking equipment can lead to rancid oil contamination, while cockroach attraction increases the likelihood of pathogen transmission. Food residue on floors creates breeding grounds for bacteria that can cause foodborne illnesses, particularly when combined with inadequate cleaning protocols. The restaurant was not ordered to close following the inspection, indicating that while the violations require immediate attention, they were not deemed severe enough to pose imminent public health risks. However, customers should be aware that these sanitation issues were active during regular food service operations. Inspector Wiley can be reached at tiombe.wiley@sfdph.org for additional information about the inspection findings and required corrective actions.