AJ’s Chinese Fast Food

Quick and delicious. I ate the Chicken Burrito… Chinese style w/​the red sauce? The burrito was huge and filled w/​fresh onions and cilantro. Hubby and wife team were friendly and outgoing. New, clean, and spacious.

This place has so much potential for 5 stars. The customer service, the convenience (plentiful parking, middle of town & right by grocery shop), low prices & clean!
The food isn’t bad, but I don’t think some of it is up to par with other Chinese take outs. Chun Wah Kam specifically. My Beijing beef was a bit dry, but the fried rice & chow mein was pretty good. So was the spicy chicken which was recommended. They also don’t give as much choices as the usual. I didn’t see many vegetable plates or shrimp plates.
I’m kind of in the middle of 3 & 4 stars. But I wouldn’t hesitate to give five if they game more options & improved quality of taste. That will be hard given the amount of business I saw. It was pretty empty. Only a few customers came in.
Come on AJ’s I believe in u!
If you a looking for a good meal at a low cost, come here! I even got a large drink for $ 1.50. That’s pretty unheard of nowadays. So they earned at least a 4 star for not jippin ppl off drinks

Clean, bright, cool inside, quick, cheap.
Very friendly fast service. Great value. I had noodles, lemon chicken, and sweet and sour pork for $ 7. My favorite item was actually the humble stir fried noodles, they had an unusually complex flavor. Noodles and fried rice are offered with meat or without.
My food didn’t really wow me but the overall experience for the money was excellent. And the lady didn’t give me any grief over asking for two cups of tap water.

This place was ok for me. I’ve had better Chinese fast food. I came here around 4:30pm and the place was completely empty. The hubby and I walked in there and we didn’t see any workers. About a minute later, this lady pops up from the back. She’s friendly and asked if we were ready to order.
The servings were a decent size, not huge. The price was also cheaper than Chun Wah Kam and Panda Express. Some of the entrees looked dried from sitting out in the warmer. We decided to share a plate and get the two item combo. We got the fried rice with lemon chicken and orange chicken. The flavors for both chicken entrees were good. However, it was just soggy, sitting in the sauce for that long. Bummer!!!

Love this place. Everything’s delicious and cheap. Highly recommend

I had this place bookmarked for a while, and since I was in town, I got the chance to check it out. Bruddah Fran & Bruddah Terrance had reviewed this place, and — If you know these guys, you know they know how fo’ grind, so, I went!
AJ’s has a large sign on the back (Young Street) side of the building. I was going around the block, looking for it, and finally found it — next to Times Supermarket on Beretania Street! Inside is clean, bright and spacious. I was greeted right away, and since I was the only customer this early evening, I had the best service!
It reminded me of a Panda Express. The Chinese food is laid out in the stainless steel warmers, behind the acrylic separators. There were many choices — some looked a bit dried out, so I picked the ones that looked «fresher». I got the $ 10.50 Non-​starch combo: tofu eggplant, the chicken with green beans, and the orange chicken. Without asking for samples, the friendly cashier gave me some lemon chicken, sweet sour pork, and broccoli. Everything tasted great and smelled so good that I forgot to take a photo!
I liked the display on the wall, showing the sizes of the $ 5 bowl, the $ 7 3-​choice bowl, and the $ 9 Bigger Bowl. The free parking is another plus, and the fact that there’s «No MSG» is another bonus! For sure, I will return and get some of the other items!

The food was great and affordable. Had the chow mein noodles which was really tasty. Good to have another Chinese takeout and dine in restaurant in town. Will definitely be back to try more items which they offer. The owner Danny was very friendly and offer different choices. Plus no MSG.

Talk about a terrific value for very good Chinese take out food. I am a Panda Express regular and the food at AJ’s is at least a step above. I ordered a 2 item combo with starch and it only cost $ 7. The serving was generous enough to satisfy my appetite without having breakfast that morning.
A definite must is to try their specially made chow mien. The dish deserves some high praise.

Aaaaaaaah, ever had a moment when you get a — «turn on da light bulb» experience?
Well now I understand what my Unilocal buddy — braddah Val Y. was talkin’ about with this place called AJ’s Chinese Fast Food!
I was jonesing for some Chinese today, and suggested to my co-​workers about going to AJ’s because I remembered Val Y.‘s review on Unilocal.
AJ’s is located just next door to the St. Germain bakery, and some of the other business here are — Grace’s Drive Inn & Times Supermarket.
What can I say about the business? Well, first off hand… the people who worked there were very nice & friendly (not like some other Chinese places where the customer service stills are lacking).
The restaurant was very clean, the food was cheap, and for Chinese fast food… I’d say it was pretty decent for what you paid, and what you got.
The restaurant is kinda like a Patty’s Chinese Kitchen, Panda Express, or Chun Wah Kam kinda deal (if you get my drift)…where you decide what size plate you want, then choose a starch & how many entrees.
The cost for a plate is determined on how much food you like.
They had 4 types of plates —
1. $ 5.00 Bowl = Rice or Chow Mein with 1 item.
2. $ 7.00 Combo = Rice or Chow Mein with up to 3 items.
3. $ 9.00 Bigger Plate = Rice or Chow Mein with up to 3 items (it’s just like #2, but you just get more food!)
4. $ 10.50 Non Starch Combo = No starches at all… just entrees.
The restaurant was quite spacious, as it is located at the former American Savings Bank space in the small strip mall. There were like 7 tables, and 2 «bar strip» tables where you can eat your food.
The grub —
I ended up ordering a $ 7.00 combo today, I had the Chow Mein for my starch, and picked 3 items of Beef Broccoli, Lemon Chicken, & Sweet and Sour Pork.
What can I saw about the grub? First of all, don’t get the idea that this is Chinese fine dining folks!
Gang, this is Chinese fast food, so you know what level of food you will be getting. Overall, I must say the food was pretty tasty, and for what you pay, and what you got, it was of good value.
But what impressed me most of all — was the staff was very friendly, and even «thanked us again» for dining here when we were ready to walk out the door after we had finished eating our lunch.
Would I come back here to eat again? With out a doubt — «YES!»
When a business provides wonderful friendly service like this… well, that goes a long way I tell ya! Chance ‘em gang!

I totally agree with Mark N, Alyssa N and Paul C in previous reviews! Unbelievable deal, great food, very friendly staff. Better than Panda. My mother says so too, and she rarely says positive things :). Food not greasy, has way more vegetables, crisp, just right. Is in my neighborhood; took me a while to go in there, since the place has not taken off yet, and is low on eye-​catching type marketing, but, now that I’ve gone several times, I keep going several times a week. I am rooting for them to succeed!

I actually only came in here to get food for my mom & the first thing i noticed was that the food was covered with lids. I didnt understand why it was covered since there were those heating things on top. Keep out flies? I guess. But the prices were really cheap. The food was cold (she got the white fish thing) & it was majority tofu too. That was a surprise. Overall, the place was clean & friendly. I’d go back.

We love AJ’s! Here’s what to expect:
1). It’s very inexpensive. I think the $ 9 combo is the best value
2). Big portion sizes.
3). Very friendly staff.
4). Good parking — and that’s important in Honolulu
I like the food. I can’t say it’s GREAT — but for the money, it’s the best value in the area.
Check ‘em out.

Very expensive cat food. Ordered close to $ 100 worth of food since this place was new and we wanted to try it as a meal replacement. The char sui was really dry and the duck was just way too overcooked. Had better with other Chinese restaurants. Wanted to charge extra for containers, which is a big no-​no in the islands. Locals will end up avoiding the place due to nickel and diming customers. Other places in the world, businesses can get way from small charges, but Hawaii is an extremely small island and everybody knows everybody else. Word spreads extremely fast. Workers don’t seem like they are very well trained with the local asian cuisine and how business is done in the islands. Probably may not last very long.

I found this gem by accident and what a pleasant surprise ! Although this place is advertised as Chinese fast food, but the quality is even better than some eat in restaurant. I had the roast duck with rice and it took them some time even to prepare. I found out it was made to order so the fast food items are the one where you can get rice plus up to 3 items for $ 7. Not bad for decent Chinese. My duck was crisp, meaty and very tasty. The best part is I don’t feel thirsty afterwards because there’s no MSG. This place will definitely become one of my favorite. I will try some of the other fast food items next time. Cheers!

if i had a sticker on my forehead that reads «AJ» or «blackjack» next to our beloved Gracies restaurant, there would be a steady flow of customer clientelle expecting food and fun from this place. the trays are layed out in the Panda Express format including chicken, eggplant, bittermelon, and many of your other chinese takeout favorites. usually skip all the bs and get straight to the duck is divine. when u order it… they take it to the back… chop, chop, chop, put it on the rice, and then u good to grub. the skin is crispy and the meat is tender. only thing u may also expect to be served up a bit fast or hastily in case u are accustomed to being treated like the center of the universe. take it or leave it.

Ok I’ve tried the place twice, decent portions typical fast food taste decent but nothing outstanding taste wise good to satisfy your hunger. The service was good and they even gave me extra to try I ordered the two choice combo which was a pretty good size hence why I gave them the three stars (I have to warn you I’m conservative usually on my star giving) so three stars for me is decent but not outstanding.
The prices are as follows
$ 5 Bowl: Rice or Chow Mein Plus 1 Item
$ 7 Combo: Rice or Chow Mein Plus 1, 2 or 3 Items
$ 9 Bigger Bowl: Rice or Chow Mein Plus 1, 2, or 3 Items
What I do like about AJ’s is the selection which isn’t the typical Chinese fast food kind of menu the most interesting difference is the Chow Funn which is more like Udon kinda noodles. Another interesting dish was the pig ears which I have to admit is the first time I’ve seen that at a fast food place with another dish I have no idea what it’s called but it’s a pressed meat and gelatin cake thing which of course I’ve seen before but not in a fast food restaurant, the owner/​manager was nice and gave me a piece to try which actually was pretty good.
What I do like is that unlike most Chinese fast food places the vegetables weren’t overcooked and never looked like they’ve been sitting around all day.
Parking can get a bit crowded during peak hours but is readily available, and the place is Pretty clean.

I’m usually pretty skeptical about trying new places, but I decided to give it a shot with AJ’s Chinese Fast Food and I wasn’t disappointed.
The quality of the food really surprised me. It wasn’t the most spectacular Chinese food I’ve ever eaten, but the meat was much leaner and the veggies much more crisp and fresh than some other places I’ve eaten at. Portion wise, I would say average.
What bugs me about some Chinese fast food places is how the chicken (orange chicken especially) is half batter and fat. Gross! Thankfully, they had the decency to serve just chicken — and sauce of course. Thank goodness!
The staff were helpful and friendly, and the atmosphere of the restaurant was clean and pleasant.
I was really impressed by the prices. A combo plate is only $ 7! It’s a great price for a decent meal.
AJ’s had decent food, helpful staff, cool atmosphere, and great prices. Not the greatest place on the island, but definitely worth checking out.
**Update** I am now a regular customer at AJ’s. For me, it comes down to great prices and quality food. Add to that a friendly staff and you’ve got yourself a new favorite local business.

Horrible cheap food.
The portion is insultingly minuscule.
For all the options around, they had better get their act together.
The food is oily and bland, the worst combination.
I wanted to order duck but after reading the previous review, I did not go for it.

A new Chinese restaurant has opened in town.
«AJ’S CHINESE FAST FOOD
GRAND
OPENING»
I live to explore and experience; seeking out the new; looking for new food adventures.
I believe: «Life is a great adventure when you venture off on a new and different path.»
I believe: «Each new adventure brings a new experience. Keep an open mind and enjoy your journey.»
I believe: «An open mind is one that is compassionate, understanding and shows patience.» [3]
I walked in the doors of AJ’s Chinese Fast Food at about 11:45 A.M. The two smiling waitresses standing behind the counter said: «Hello! Welcome!»
It’s always good to be acknowledged with a «welcome» and a smile when walking into a place you have never visited before. Their greeting gave me a warm and fuzzy feeling.
I believe: «Having a warm and fuzzy feeling, improves the taste of food.»
The place is clean and new; but to my surprise, it was pretty empty. I was expecting to see a big, grand opening crowd.
I believe: «Judgment should come after an experience; not before you even get started.»
I took my time browsing the red menu in the back and attentively walked around checking out the Chinese food.
The center menu read:
$ 5 Bowl: Rice or Chow Mein Plus 1 Item
$ 7 Combo: Rice or Chow Mein Plus 1, 2 or 3 Items
$ 9 Bigger Bowl: Rice or Chow Mein Plus 1, 2, or 3 Items in a Bigger Plate [1]
My dining partner ordered the $ 7 Combo. He ordered the chow mein with Kung Pao Chicken, stew beef and eggplant. Not a bad lunch for $ 7.00.
I ordered the $ 5 bowl. My starch was half rice/​half chow mein noodle; and my one choice was Thai Chicken.
There were about 27 different Chinese dishes. The two interesting dishes I noticed were the «pig ear» and «crystal pork meat». The lady behind the counter said the selections were a mixture of Cantonese, Central and Northern Chinese cuisine.
I loved the chewiness of the thick chow mein noodles. The Thai Chicken was lightly seasoned and not a dragon pleaser. But for $ 5.00, I considered it a bargain.
I believe: «Chinese people make the best Chinese food.»
The people here are real Chinese. [2]
I believe: «AJ’s Chinese Fast Food fits somewhere between Panda Express and Chun Wah Kam when it comes to Chinese fast food. Just like in the battle between McDonalds, Burger King and Jack in the Box. Everyone will like one over the other for different reasons.»
I believe: «AJ’s Chinese Fast Food serves pretty good food for a pretty reasonable price.»
I believe: «When the food is cheap, one should not have unrealistic expectations.»
Two people gave this new place one star reviews. They were probably Chinese and I think they were «Wong!»
[1] When they say three items, they mean three. My buddy asked for five choices in smaller portions but they said no.
[2] Many of you are wondering what fake Chinese people looks like. This guy Chan was a fake Chinese.
…and as far as cooking; he made fried rice with Uncle Ben’s Rice.
[3] This does not apply to when I’m driving my car. Keep up with the speed limit. Never cut in front of me and never start crossing the street when the pedestrian light is at «3». If you are stupid enough to do any of these things: Read my lips and I’m flipping you the finger… a$$hole!

The inside has some seating, its nice and clean. Best part to me is the price. A mini plate was only $ 5 with a decent amount of food. The larger plate was $ 7 and you could choose either 1, 2, or 3 choices or $ 9 for an even larger portion.
The workers were also very friendly.
Also, check out the sauce bar for some kimchi and hoisin sauce.