Don’t hold back at this popular buffet spot

Oxtail soup (dinner menu; buffet pricing)

Locals like to eat. And at Makino Chaya — an all-you-can-eat buffet located in Aiea — they can grind as much as they want without breaking the piggy bank.

Restaurant manager Chris Mitchell explains that Makino Chaya’s goal is “to cater to the locals at a decent price.”

Prices vary, but range from $15.98 (Monday-Friday, lunch) to $35.98 (Friday-Sunday, dinner).

King Crab is this month’s special offered Friday-Sunday during dinner.

No matter what time of day, customers always can expect tons of mouthwatering choices such as chow fun, egg rolls, yakisoba, fried rice, sushi, tempura, ramen and much more.

“We’re always trying to change the menu, trying to put new stuff out there,” Mitchell notes.

With an abundance of food and seating, it is no wonder Makino Chaya is one of the island’s go-to spots for celebrations. The eatery holds up to 300 people and also hosts private events (minimum of 250 people). Makino Chaya also welcomes live bands, photo booths and menu adjustments for large, private celebrations.

Next month’s dinner special is Cornish Hen.

“I usually can adjust the menu and work with the customers, and make it better for them,” Mitchell says. ”

Anytime is a great time to dine at Makino Chaya, but for those in the mood to chow down like there’s no tomorrow, dinner is the ideal time. Why, you may ask? Well, diners who stop in for dinner have the option of ordering off a menu — which includes about 22 local favorites like oxtail soup, sashimi and kalbi — and taking limitless trips to the buffet line. (Menu items are not served during early bird hours or lunch.)

Also, every month Makino Chaya presents a special dish only found on its order-menu Friday through Sunday during dinner hours. King Crab is this month’s feature and customers can look forward to Cornish Hen in April.

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: Sunday-Thursday, 5:30-8:30 p.m.; Friday-Sunday, 5:30-9 p.m.