Princess Delight — Review by Davidsbeenhere
St. Eustatius, Netherlands — Caribbean Soul Food
Princess Delight serves authentic St. Eustatius soul food with standout dishes including incredibly tender stewed goat meat from local island sources, honey-glazed ribs, and cook-up rice. The owner, a born-and-raised local from a large island family, creates flavorful dishes that showcase the island's unique culinary traditions and fresh local ingredients.
What was great: Stewed goat meat that crumbles like butter, honey-glazed ribs with tender pork, cook-up rice dish with fresh vegetables, breaded salmon with crispy exterior and buttery interior, iced tea punch beverage
What could improve: Nothing mentioned
The Dishes
Princess Delight offers a full spread of St. Eustatius soul food that showcases the island's local flavors. The standout dish was undoubtedly the stewed goat meat, which the reviewer found to be exceptionally tender and flavorful, with meat that literally crumbles like butter. Unlike goat imported from Australia or New Zealand, the fresh island-raised goat had a completely different quality. The cook-up rice reminded the reviewer of fried rice, featuring nice juicy chicken throughout with fresh vegetables and a klew (coleslaw puree) topping that reminded him of raita from Indian cuisine. The honey-glazed ribs were extraordinary, with soft tender meat and a distinctive honey glaze that transported the reviewer back to childhood memories of Chinese restaurant ribs. The breaded salmon was perfectly executed, with a nice crispy exterior and super soft buttery inside, topped with breadcrumbs and finished in the oven for a slight smokiness. The sweet goal (a chewy cucumber) and bami rounded out the experience.
The Experience
The restaurant was in the middle of a lunch rush with about twenty tickets on the line when the reviewer arrived. The owner, Sheniqua, is a born-and-raised local who represents the island's strong community and family values. She shared that she comes from one of the biggest families on the island, with family members numbering over 100. The atmosphere is casual and welcoming, with the owner personally engaging with customers and making fresh local juices on-site, including a fruit punch.
Value & Pricing
The price range was not explicitly mentioned in the transcript, but the massive plate with multiple proteins including goat, ribs, chicken, bami, and sides suggests reasonable value for a full meal in this Caribbean location.
Notable Moments
The goat. I'm going to remember that forever.
The reviewer was particularly moved by the goat meat quality, expressing that the fresh local source made an enormous difference in taste and texture compared to imported versions. The owner's infectious passion for the food and the community spirit she brings to the restaurant clearly resonated with the visitor.
The Verdict
Princess Delight is a must-visit for anyone traveling to St. Eustatius seeking authentic island soul food. This is where locals eat, and the owner's dedication to using fresh, locally-sourced ingredients shines through in every dish. The stewed goat meat alone makes it worth the visit, but the ribs, cook-up rice, and breaded salmon round out an exceptional meal. Best for travelers wanting genuine St. Eustatius cuisine and the warmth of island hospitality.