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Longtime buffet serves up monthly items

A La Carte Columns

July 9, 2017

Story By: Christina O Connor | Photos by: LAWRENCE TABUDLO

Lechon (available in August)

For any food lover, buffets are pretty much the greatest thing ever: You’ve got a huge variety of items, and you can take as much as you want.

It’s a concept that has kept customers coming back to Makino Chaya since it opened its doors in 2005 — bolstered by the fact that the restaurant has become known for its fresh seafood and local favorites.

At Makino Chaya, you can find an array of items that include snow crab, half Maine lobster, raw oysters, ahi, salmon and hamachi sashimi, shrimp and vegetable tempura, teriyaki chicken and miso butterfish. And you can get all of this for a reasonable price: Lunch is $15.98 Monday-Friday and $20.98 Saturday-Sunday; dinner is $33.98 Monday-Thursday and $35.98 Friday-Sunday. Plus, there are discounts for early birds, seniors, children, birthdays and military.

Prime Rib (special item featured this month)

And to keep customers guessing, Makino Chaya is constantly concocting new items and offering different specials. Now through the rest of the month, you can find Prime Rib, which is slow-roasted and seasoned with fresh thyme and rosemary.

Next up, throughout August, Lechon will join the lineup. Makino Chaya’s take on the beloved Filipino dish is boiled for 1.5 hours, seasoned, baked for three hours and then deep-fried to obtain that crispy skin.

The variety of food and the regularly changing menu has helped Makino Chaya attract a dedicated, regular following of customers throughout the years. According to the restaurant, many of its return customers often celebrate special occasions there.

Speaking of special occasions, if you’re looking to celebrate one at Makino Chaya, it can accommodate up to 300 guests, and private parties are available, too.

Makino Chaya

98-150 Kaonohi St., Aiea
486-5100
Lunch: Monday-Friday, 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Saturday-Sunday, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.; Dinner: Monday-Thursday, 5:30-8:30 pm., Friday-Sunday, 5:30-9 p.m.
(Note that holiday hours and prices may change.)

Aiea, HI 96701

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