Makino’s sweetest affair

What better way to welcome back Jus’ Desserts than with a plethora of treats from Makino Chaya. For nine years, the Aiea establishment has served local families a great selection of Japanese cuisine and local favorites.

Makino Chaya has developed a sweet partnership with JJ Bistro & French Pastry to bring decadent desserts to restaurant patrons.

Included in the buffet price ($10.98 for lunch Monday to Friday; seniors snag a deal for $8.95 with coupon and $18.98 for lunch on the weekends. The dinner buffet costs $26.98 Monday to Thursday and $28.98 Friday to Sunday. There also is a happy hour price Monday to Friday from 5 to 6 p.m. for $19.98), customers can choose from JJ’s luscious cake selection of mango, guava, blueberry cheesecake, red velvet, haupia, tiramisu and chocolate decadence.

According to manager Chris Mitchell, Honey Hill Farms frozen yogurt is a favorite among kupuna, as the yogurt features five culture strains, including three probiotics. Currently, customers can choose from orange sorbet, vanilla yogurt, espresso, chocolate and cheesecake flavors.

For an additional $2.99, diners also can partake in RB’s ice cream cakes, as well as JJ’s famous Chocolate Pyramid. And fans of RB’s ice cream cakes will be happy to know that these cold goodies rotate by flavor.

“Switching out the flavors is perfect because you never know what you’re gonna get,” Mitchell says. “It’s not like you get the same thing at every visit.”

Makino Chaya offers up an extra pop of customization to its dessert menu with popping boba balls in the flavors of cherry and passion fruit, which Mitchell says tastes similar to lychee.

“People love the popping bubbles inside the crepes,” he adds.

With an all-you-can-eat buffet and a variety of desserts to devour, it’s obvious why Makino Chaya has been a neighborhood staple in Westridge Shopping Center.

Mitchell says there’s a bright future ahead for this flagship location as far as the menu is concerned.

“We’re trying out new things,” he concludes with a smile.

Makino Chaya

98-150 Kaonohi St. #B219
486-5100
Lunch: Monday to Friday, 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Happy Hour: Monday to Friday, 5-6 p.m.
Dinner: Sunday-Thursday, 5-8:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 5-9 p.m.
makinochayahawaii.com