KRALENDIJK – Anyone craving a unique culinary experience on Bonaire will likely find themselves drawn to the famous Lionfish Burger from Cactus Blue food truck. But while it’s a delight for the taste buds, its $26 price tag often raises a few eyebrows among customers.

Prompted by complaints about the seemingly exorbitant price, Fundshon Tienda pa Konsumido Boneriano (FTPKB) decided to investigate the food truck’s pricing – figuratively speaking.

In its research, FTPKB compared the Lionfish Burger to similar lionfish dishes served in restaurants on the island. These typically range from $32 to $38. The consumer watchdog found that Cactus Blue’s pricing is actually on the lower end of the scale. However, customers may expect lower prices given the informal nature of a food truck.

The culprit behind the situation appears – at least partly – to be the lionfish itself. This invasive species is not only a threat to coral reefs but also a relatively expensive delicacy. Cleaned lionfish costs between $50 and $60 per kilo on Bonaire, and catching and preparing them is no easy task.

Cactus Blue states on its menu boards that the burger’s price is “subject to market conditions.” While staff reportedly inform customers verbally about the price, this information doesn’t always land clearly. Visitors from neighboring islands, where similar dishes cost around 19 Antillean guilders (roughly $11), may be shocked to pay $26 – more than twice as much – on Bonaire. “This confusion can arise particularly when background noise or distractions cause the price explanation to be missed,” notes FTPKB.

Chef Tham Speaks Out

Chef Tham, the driving force behind Cactus Blue, is well aware of the burger’s hefty price. “Lionfish is expensive to source and difficult to prepare, and that reflects in the cost,” she explains. Still, she has served the dish for eight years running. “It’s vital to keep combating this invasive species, as it poses a major threat to our biodiversity.”

With a team of 25 lionfish hunters, Cactus Blue works hard to control the population, but catches remain slim. “Larger specimens are especially rare these days,” adds Chef Tham.

Not Overpriced

After weighing all the factors, the consumer watchdog concludes that the Lionfish Burger at Cactus Blue is not exorbitantly priced. However, FTPKB advises the food truck to display the price more prominently on its menu. “Price transparency is not only customer-friendly but also a legal requirement,” the organization emphasizes.