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Winner, winner, veggie dinner?

Columns Veg'n Out

September 14, 2014

Story By: Andy Beth Miller |

When it comes to winning, Makino Chaya knows what it takes to make the grade. Located in Aiea’s Westridge Shopping Center, this renowned Japanese Seafood establishment has enjoyed the bragging rights of being voted “Hawaii’s Best” in the Honolulu Star-Advertiser polls for the past three years in a row.

And by the way things are looking (and tasting), I’d have to say that winning streak isn’t stopping anytime soon. The restaurant’s most-known claim to fame is its all-you-can-eat buffet, boasting more than 100 items to feast upon.

Did I mention the incredible value Makino Chaya literally brings to the table as well? With its lunch buffet priced at $11.98 Monday through Friday and $18.98 Saturday and Sunday, and the dinner buffet available Monday through Thursday for $27.98 and Friday through Sunday for $29.98, you can rest assured that no one goes home hungry here.

And although the esteemed establishment prides itself on its ever-popular seafood fare, for those of us who aren’t hooked by that particular bait, Makino Chaya offers more than ample vegetarian options that suit all palates swimmingly.

One feature that will really reel you in is the eatery’s near endless Salad Bar (included in fixed buffet pricing), a bounty of rotating wonders varying from watercress salad, spinach salad and balsamic tomato salad, just to name a few.

“The watercress salad is by far one of our most popular of the salads,” said manager Jo Makino. “Our salads change daily based on availability and what’s in season, so you never get a lack of variety here.”

For those sweet-toothed savants, Makino Chaya’s Dessert Bar (included in fixed buffet pricing) is divine, featuring indulgently decadent offerings alongside healthy fresh fruits and even a liquid, chocolate fountain sure to make a satisfying splash while supplying your sugar fix. “Our desserts come fresh made from JJ’s Bistro, and the customers love them,” explains Makino.

So the next time you are deciding your dining destination, keep Makino Chaya in mind — because while winning isn’t everything, the taste of victory sure is sweet.

Contact Andy Beth Miller at diningout@staradvertiser.com

Makino Chaya

Westridge Shopping Center
98-150 Kaonohi St. #B219, Aiea
486-5100
Lunch: Monday-Friday, 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Saturday-Sunday, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Dinner: Sunday-Thursday, 5-8:30 p.m., Friday-Saturday, 5-9 p.m.
makinochayahawaii.com

Aiea, HI 96701

Ilima Awards
Hawaii's Best