Nestled in the convenient row of stores across the street from the Chemistry Building on Crenshaw Boulevard is the newly opened restaurant Afghan Express.

Operating since early September, an inviting sign reads, “$5.99 for lunch buffet” on the front window. The extensive buffet offers eight choices for hungry customers to choose. From salads to entrées, there is indeed something for everyone.

“We change two or three of the items on the buffet menu daily so that there is always something different to try,” restaurant owner and manager, Najeeb Shinwari said. “For example, we’ll have chicken kabob instead of beef, or okra instead of eggplant for the vegetable dish.”

In the Gorgonzola bean dish, the scent of basil compliments the rich tomato flavor. Using the naan, a pita-like bread, similar to a tortilla, to soak up the sauce or mixing it with rice brings out the flavor.

A plate can be covered in a variety of colors of food. From a simple salad with romaine lettuce, tomato and cucumbers to an eggplant dish called Toor Banjan. Choolay, or gorgonzola beans, cooked spinach, pallao or challao rices and kabobs also add variety to a plate.

“We use only the freshest ingredients, and everything is homemade,” Shinwari said. “No preservatives or too many dry spices are used. For flavor, we use real herbs and fresh chilis.”

Afghan Express makes lunch quick, easy, and affordable with to-go options for those on a serious time crunch. The buffet is open Monday through Friday from 11a.m. to 3p.m.

“We don’t believe in coupons, but we believe in ‘group on,'” Shinwari said. “Come with a group of seven and one person eats free.”

Pay at the register, grab a plate or a box, and eat to your heart’s content. It is all you can eat, after all. Bon Appetite!