Grocery and markets Bonaire

[sammy631000]

Need some info on grocery and markets on Bonaire please.

Heading off for first time to Bonaire for 2 weeks August 26th. Staying at Buddy Dive so have breakfast covered, done my research for good restaurants, however, unsure about cooking in their condo kitchenettes.

Trying to keep costs down by doing some of my own cooking, but want to source fresh seafood and vegetables whenever possible. Also wary of what cooking utensils are stocked in Buddy's kitchenettes. Should I bring some basic dry spices/seasoning?

From posts there is a chinese grocery within walking distance, and can use the rental truck to hit the larger grocery stores in Kralendijk. I have read about the vegetable market which I think is only on Saturdays and a fish market (open daily?). Don't mind getting a week's worth of citrus/veggies from Saturday market, but would be nice to grab seafood every other day.

Any feedback or general foodie advice for Bonaire greatly appreciated.

 

[Sirto]

Need some info on grocery and markets on Bonaire please.

Heading off for first time to Bonaire for 2 weeks August 26th. Staying at Buddy Dive so have breakfast covered, done my research for good restaurants, however, unsure about cooking in their condo kitchenettes.

Trying to keep costs down by doing some of my own cooking, but want to source fresh seafood and vegetables whenever possible. Also wary of what cooking utensils are stocked in Buddy's kitchenettes. Should I bring some basic dry spices/seasoning?

From posts there is a chinese grocery within walking distance, and can use the rental truck to hit the larger grocery stores in Kralendijk. I have read about the vegetable market which I think is only on Saturdays and a fish market (open daily?). Don't mind getting a week's worth of citrus/veggies from Saturday market, but would be nice to grab seafood every other day.

Any feedback or general foodie advice for Bonaire greatly appreciated.

We just got back from a two week stay and ate in most of the time. When we arrived at our rental house I asked our hosts about the best place to buy fresh fish. He indicated that most of the fish was purchased by the restaurants first and most of the rest of the catch is used by the fishermen and/or held for their friends and relatives. I never saw any fresh fish for sale anywhere but only saw frozen fillets at the Bonaire Warehouse.

We often purchased partially prepared meals (marinated steaks, chicken japan - marinated cut up chicken breasts with vegetables, etc). This was an easy way to make a meal. Just add rice, potato etc. Bonaire warehouse had a selection of these. We especially liked one that was labeled "Steak Joe" which was a bottom round steak(I think) with a spicy rub/marinade.

 

[drydiver]

I was recently there for 2 weeks and mostly used the Warehouse and Sunshine Market. They get a weekly barge, on Thursdays, I think, so the variety and quality of produce was usually better the next day or so, but all the locals know that also, so a bit of a madhouse. On the flip side, if you go right before the barge hits, cheese, dairy, and veggies may not be available at all. Prices are higher and selection was much less than here in PA, which is not uncommon on islands. There was one beef and one pork product offered, both premixed with spices, which were actually quite tasty.

 

[Sirto]

Also, avoid the Bonaire Warehouse on Saturday. It was crazy busy. Also, Monday was very busy. Perhaps this was because it was the first of the month.

 

[Sirto]

We often purchased partially prepared meals (marinated steaks, chicken japan - marinated cut up chicken breasts with vegetables, etc). This was an easy way to make a meal.

PS Bonaire Warehouse had some babyback ribs with a rub/marinade on it. We grilled those and they were excellent. Different than Bobbejans ribs which have a sweet glaze like chinese ribs but they we much meatier and about half the price. If you have access to a grill then do try these!

 

[phelana]

As mentioned Zong Kong x from WEB near Buddy has good prices on booze and other items. I do not buy fresh produce at the Chinese stores. I prefer shopping at the open air fruit market or at Warehouse, More For Less (organic produce) or Cultimara. I buy bread at Warehouse. I buy wine at Antillean Wine Company. For fish I go to Dooi Diaz or the house near Sonrisa Ball Park. For fruit lately I have gone to The Island Supplier but their fruit is US fruit so if you want mangoes or papaya go to the fruit market x from City Cafe. TIS also has great prices on wine and liquor. There is no such thing as one stop shopping here..also IMHO the prices are ridiculous since we went to the dollar. A small piece of Old Cheese cost me over 6 USD today. It would be far cheaper in the US I feel...I also find that some restaurants have smaller portions and higher prices. I used to get a huge portion of sweet and sour shrimp for 19,00 ANG at Nadia Snack. It is not 13 USD for 6 pieces. I told the owner's son after 10 years I will not longer be a customer. I have to make a stand as these high prices make it nearly impossible to live here....

Mona Lisa still has their Bar Hap. Tonight Jibe City has a 10 USD Bar Hap. Wil's has an amazing mango shrimp entree for 24.00. Bistro had a duo of fish last night for 24.00. KishiKishi at the Butterfly Farm is a lovely place for an affordable lunch. Bobbijan's has gone up in price but I am still happy to pay 14,50 for my delicious fish dinner once a week.

My rec, cook breakfast and lunch in and eat out at night.

Nuff said...Oh I paid 27 USD for a case of 8 oz Heinekens when my boyfriend visited.