Happy City Supermarket: Statia's Go-To Grocery Stop
The Chinese-run corner store that's kept Oranjestad's pantries full for two decades.
Why Go
On an island where a missed cargo ship can empty half the shelves in town, Happy City is the quiet workhorse locals trust to keep rice, ramen, cold drinks, and pantry basics within walking distance of the Oranjestad harbor.
The Experience
Tucked into the low-slung streets of Oranjestad, Happy City Supermarket is one of Statia's handful of full-service grocery stops and the island's original Chinese-owned supermarket, in business here for over 20 years. It's compact by mainland standards but densely stocked: aisles of dry goods, canned staples, imported Asian sauces and noodles, household basics, cold beverages, snacks, and a small selection of fresh and frozen items. Expect a friendly, no-frills atmosphere - a mix of locals grabbing dinner ingredients, expat residents topping up between ferry-shipments, and the occasional diver or day-tripper stocking a cooler before heading to the beach. Prices reflect the reality of importing everything to a tiny Dutch Caribbean island, but Happy City is generally regarded as a dependable option when you don't want to hunt across town.
What to Try
Grab a chilled Presidente or a local juice for the walk back, pick up a bag of imported Asian instant noodles or sauces you won't find at the other Statia shops, and stock up on trail snacks, sunscreen-friendly water bottles, and breakfast basics if you're self-catering in a nearby apartment. It's also a solid stop for last-minute picnic supplies before heading to Baby Beach or a dive briefing at the Aquarium site.
Insider Tip
Shipments to Statia arrive by sea on a set rhythm, so shelves are fullest in the day or two after a container lands and thinnest just before the next one. If you're staying more than a few days, pop in early in your trip to grab any 'must-have' items - by the weekend, popular products (fresh produce, specific brands, cold cuts) can be sold out until the next boat. Bring cash in USD as a backup; card systems on the island can occasionally go offline.
The Practical Stuff
Location: Oranjestad, Sint Eustatius (Caribbean Netherlands), a short walk or quick drive from most in-town guesthouses and the historic Lower Town waterfront. Category: supermarket / grocery. Currency: US dollar. Payment: cash always works; cards usually accepted but not guaranteed. Bring a reusable bag - plastic bag use is discouraged across the Dutch Caribbean. Hours vary; supermarkets on Statia typically close earlier on Sundays, so plan your resupply for a weekday afternoon.
Pair It With
- A Quiet Getaway - One-Bedroom Apartment Guide — Self-catering guests can walk over from this nearby apartment to stock the kitchen for the week.
- Baby Beach Guide — Grab cold drinks, snacks, and sunscreen-friendly water here before heading down to Statia's quiet stretch of sand.
- Aquarium - Dive Site Guide — Pick up hydration and post-dive snacks on your way to or from one of Statia's best-known dive sites.
- Bacchanalia Guide — On nights you're not cooking, pair a Happy City breakfast/lunch resupply with dinner out at this popular Oranjestad restaurant.
- Alvin V Courtar Park Guide — Perfect stop to assemble a simple picnic before an afternoon in this local Oranjestad green space.
