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BONAIRE

Culinary Capital since 2022

Bonaire, an island municipality of the Netherlands, lies off Venezuela’s coast in the southwest Caribbean sea. Our reef-lined coast is protected by Bonaire National Marine Park. Beyond the rich marine life, the island shelters lizards, donkeys, and birds within its immense Washington Slagbaai National Park, marked by beaches, lagoons, caverns, and desert-like hills.


Bonaire is a place unlike any other. Here, less is more. The air we breathe is pure. The people radiate warmth like the sun in our idyllic blue skies. On Bonaire, Mother Nature and Human nature live in harmony. We nourish our island, and it returns the favor. While we’re fiercely protective, we are happy to invite you to explore our shores.


Why? It’s in our nature.

THE MAIN AREAS


THE FOOD & DRINK


The South American, Spanish, English, American, African, and Dutch influences have all left their mark on the cuisine of Bonaire. Some more than others, of course, which all led to the current local cuisine of

Bonaire called Krioyo. The combination of different cooking styles was born in the Caribbean.


Fruits, vegetables, meat, and fish can all be found in the dishes with a combination of sweet and salty flavors. People maintain traditional cooking methods and use many kinds of herbs and spices along with their creativity.


In Bonaire, you can also taste very rare fruits such as soursop, shimaruku (a cherry that only grows in Bonaire) and a small brown fruit called mispel. For those who want to escape the heat, the island offers a wide variety of ice creams and sorbets, from classic tastes to more exotic tastes like Ponche Crema and Rhum Raisin.


For us, sharing a traditional meal is the best way to bring families together and make new friends. We have reserved a spot for you!

22 Nov, 2022
Being a cousin of the pastechi, the palito is also a popular choice for breakfast with the locals. You can make them bigger by using hotdogs or smaller by using half or a whole cocktail sausages.
22 Nov, 2022
For the cheese lovers this is definitely a party favourite. Easy to make and everyone likes them. A nice cheese ball rolled by hand and you can roll them as big or as small as you want. Once it hits the oil and the smell spreads around the kitchen, your tummy will be begging for a taste.
18 Nov, 2022
One of Bonaire's most typical meals is certainly the Piska Hasa. This fish-based dish, accompanied by rice and a small salad will delight all gourmets. After watching this video, you will only want to jump on the first plane to taste this dish!
18 Nov, 2022
For those who like to eat salty for breakfast, come and discover the Pastechi. These crescent-shaped fried buns are filled with meat from several ingredients such as chicken, beef, tuna, vegetables or even cheese. There are also finely chopped onions, green peppers, celery stalks, raisins, cumin, nutmeg and hot peppers. Present all over the island, especially in snack bars, the inhabitants of Bonaire love Pastechi which they also consume as a snack. Enjoy!
18 Nov, 2022
Originally from East Africa, the tangy taste and benefits of tamarind have crossed continents. It is a very popular drink among the inhabitants of Bonaire. The recipe is well guarded but here are some this drink’s advantages. Rich in fiber, this little food will cure you of stomach aches, throat aches and mouth pain. Djus di Tamarein will also be suitable for people with anemia thanks to its vitamin A, B1, B12 and iron content. Watch the video above, promise it will be mouthwatering!

THE STORIES

By Rose Trebuchet 01 Mar, 2023
The ultimate summer rum festival in the Caribbean is back again this June, a weeklong celebration of premium rum – set against the backdrop of the ultimate Dutch Caribbean paradise. Bonaire Rum Week should be on your calendar: June 12-17, 2023. This is about enjoying the premium Caribbean rum where it’s meant to be enjoyed — at the edge of the ocean. And it’s also about enjoying Bonaire, the Caribbean capital of ocean conservation, home to a dynamic culinary culture (and some of the region’s greatest restaurants) and a growing fine spirits movement. Bonaire Rum Week is a series of events held across the island, from beach parties with steel bands to rum-pairing dinners to sunset cocktails, all in spectacular waterfront settings. “ The first edition of Bonaire Rum Week was a massive success, and we can’t wait for the 2023 edition ,” said Alexander Britell, editor and publisher of Caribbean Journal, which organizes the event in collaboration with Tourism Corporation Bonaire (TCB). “ There is no summer festival quite like this; it’s a must-visit event whether you’re a longtime rum aficionado or just looking for a great beach vacation in the Caribbean .” The event puts the spotlight on Bonaire, the crown jewel of the ABC islands, one that’s renowned as the global capital of diving and marine conservation, from a landmark marine protected area that goes all around the island to the home of the region’s premier coral restoration movement. “Bonaire Rum Week is a chance for locals and visitors to mingle while experiencing Bonaire’s culinary scene,” said Miles Mercera, CEO of TCB. So, what’s on the agenda? The event kicks off with a VIP event on June 12th. On June 13th, there’s the grand opening party at Bonaire’s original cocktail bar, Rum Runners. June 14th is Rum on the Beach party at the Plaza Beach Resort; June 15th includes a Rum Lunch at Harbour Village and Rom Rincon’s fantastic Happy Hour on the sunset deck at the Divi Flamingo Beach Resort later in the afternoon. June 16th includes a Rum Happy Hour at the Buddy Dive Resort and the unforgettable rum evening at the Brass Boer, the number one restaurant in the Caribbean (and the only Caribbean outpost of Holland’s three-Michelin-star De Librije). And in another new addition, June 17th sees a combination of Taste of Bonaire, the island’s regular street food festival with an infusion of rum. This year’s event is supported by Moon Tower Bonaire , along with hotel partners including Delfins Beach Resort , Harbour Village Beach Club , Captain Don’s Habitat , Plaza Beach and Dive Resort Bonaire , Grand Windsock Bonaire , Bamboo Bonaire , Buddy Dive Resort Bonaire , Divi Flamingo Beach Resort , along with Rum Runners and the Brass Boer . The official travel partner of the event is Caradonna Adventures . “ This is an unforgettable week in the Caribbean, ” said Guy Britton, EVP and Managing Editor at Caribbean Journal. “ If you’re a Caribbean aficionado, this is a must on your calendar .” Take a look at Bonaire Rum Week to get more information. For questions, contact rum@caribjournal.com
By Rose Trebuchet 07 Feb, 2023
On January 24, the Dutch Caribbean feast of friends, an intimate event, was held. It was the perfect occasion to share culinary surprises, to offer a presentation of the island's history and the latest island updates. Bonairian chef Chelsey Domacasse was present to prepare an interactive dinner full of flavors. The next day, Bonaire in partnership with Curaçao organized a Trade dinner. Travel agents from the New York area were invited to enjoy a unique dining experience. Read the press relase to know more about this event and get a Taste of Bonaire!
22 Nov, 2022
Hanna Bergsma works as a project leader within Agriculture, Livestock and Fishery (also known as LVV). Before coming to Bonaire, Hanna followed a study in the Netherlands to manage animals, especially goats. Hanna’s days are extremely varied. She starts by doing a task everybody would dream to do, feeding the animals. Due to a lack of roughage, farmers let their goats walk loose on the Island, which has a severe impact on nature. Ha nna’s job is to find solutions to help farmers get access to more roughage and therefore help nature to restore itself.
22 Nov, 2022
Jonathan Pourier works for the Bienaventura BV, which produces eggs but also different varieties of products made of meat. The company worked on the packaging of their eggs to include their contact information to communicate directly with their consumers and build trust. What motivates Jonathan is to see the Bonaire inhabitants gradually become aware of the importance of producing their own food. This creates and reinforces the sense of pride and belonging of the inhabitants to their island. Want to know more feel free to send them an email at bienaventurabv@gmail.com
12 Nov, 2022
Chelsey Domacasse fell into the pot when she was very young. Indeed, her grandfather had his own restaurant in Bonaire, called Den Laman, which translated means « in the sea ». At first she did not want to work in a restaurant, yet she took over her grandfather’s passion and became a private Chef. Chelsey started her own business, called The Intimate Dining and she really enjoys it. She appreciates the freedom her job gives her; She cooks what she wants, how she wants and whenever she wants. So, curious to discover Chelsey’s cuisine? Click to visit The Intimate Dining Facebook page !
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