Aiea Eatery Satisfies With Buffets, Specials

Lechon (August special)

By Randy Dela Cruz

If you plan on dining at Makino Chaya, there is one thing you must remember: Bring your appetite.

Located on the top floor of Westridge Shopping Center in Aiea, Makino Chaya has been satisfying even the most finicky appetites for 22 years — and the tradition continues.

Choose from a large selection of mouthwatering cuisine with more than 75 daily choices offered from the buffet, teppanyaki grill and sushi bar. (General buffet prices range from $15.98 to $35.98.)

Island favorites include lobster, snow crab legs, kalbi, shrimp and vegetable tempura, egg rolls, barbecue chicken and ribs, and more.

The sushi bar offers fresh fish daily, such as ahi and hamachi. And don’t forget to top off your meal with a visit to the dessert station, which features crepes and four different types of yogurts and sherbets.

Also perfect for large gatherings, the 300-seat restaurant provides a family-friendly environment for kamaaina and visitors alike.

Furthermore, Makino Chaya continues to offer discounts to military service members, seniors 65 years and older, as well as those celebrating their birthday.

LEAPING FOR LECHON

Every month, Makino Chaya presents diners with a special treat. This month, the restaurant is serving up its delicious lechon, a traditional Filipino dish that has become a local favorite.

Prepared by chefs Eric Galbones and Jacob Elizares, lechon is a hearty portion of roasted pork that has been deep-fried to crispy perfection, before being marinated in a delicious vinegar sauce.

Specials are offered at dinner every Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Something else to look forward to: Makino Chaya’s special for September will be corned beef.

Makino Chaya

Westridge Shopping Center
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.