Grocery shopping on Bonaire has truly evolved since we’ve been visiting this lovely island. Many of the stores offer a large variety of items with familiar brands. A part of the Dutch Caribbean, and welcoming a large international tourist community, many of the food brands/labels will be recognizable in Dutch, English and Spanish. Recognizing all grocery items must be shipped to Bonaire, we find the prices to be relatively reasonable.
Below are listed some of supermarkets we visit and what we like about them ….
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Van den Tweel Supermarket:
We find the Van Den Tweels to be large and clean, offering the most variety. Located on Kaya Industria, just on the circle, the Van Den Tweels is one of the newer markets on Bonaire. The wagons need a quarter to unlock, and to avoid paying for bags, bring your own grocery bags.
Van Den Tweels has a great deli department and lots of fresh produce. They offer alcohol and baked goods, and you will find many household needs here as well. Their refrigerated and frozen sections are well stocked, too. On a personal note, my kids LOVE their frozen pizzas.
ADDRESS: 39 Kaya Industria
PRO: largest selection on the island; CON: more expensive; HOURS: 8am to 8pm 7 days a week.
Bondigrio:
We recently discovered the Bondigrio (Bonaire Discount Grocery) and instantly became a fan. This cooperative opened with the mission to force competition and prices down for grocery items on Bonaire. They have succeeded, and they offer the lowest prices on the island. We will go to the Bondigrio several times when we go to Bonaire. If we don’t find what we are looking for, Van den Tweel is up the road, so we can finish our shopping there.
The Bondigrio has a nice produce section, and offers a decent selection of basic supermarket needs. They do not accept credit cards, nor do they offer bags, so come prepared.
ADDRESS: 29 Kaya Industria
PRO: lowest prices; CON: no credit cards; HOURS: 8am to 8pm Monday to Saturday
Zung Khong Supermarket:
Need something fast and close by? Zung Khong is the place for you. Located on Kaya Gobernador N. Debrot just past Captain Don’s, it will be on your left as you head to Villa Lunt. Offering a small produce section, frozen section, alcohol and very basic grocery and household items, it is the place to go when you run out of something you need, or to stock up on last minute meal items. We have found the turnover of items on their shelves may be lacking. Check dates.
ADDRESS: 29 Kaya Industria
PRO: nearby; CON: high prices; HOURS: 8am to 8pm 7 days a week
Warehouse Bonaire:
The Warehouse Bonaire is on the same road as Van den Tweel & Bondigrio, and is actually owned by the Van den Tweel. The Warehouse, in my opinion, offers the next largest selection, with a lower price point – you should have no problem finding all your basic items. The store is older, and the shopping experience is not as lovely. Since our preference is the Bondigrio & Van den Tweel, we tend not to make it to the Warehouse often. That said, my kids love the frozen pizza here as well.
ADDRESS: 24 Kaya Industria
PRO: less expensive; CON: less selection; HOURS: 8am to 8pm Monday to Saturday
There are many other shops located throughout Bonaire, but we have found just hitting these 4 does the trick for us.
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And if your looking for wine, allow us to recommend ….
Antillean Wine Company
Located on Kaya Industria, with limited opening hours, this is one of my favorite places to get wine. Excellent prices very nice selection.
HOURS: 9am to 1pm Monday to Saturday
ADDRESS: 23 Kaya Industria
Personally, I find their salt and pepper shakers adorable.
