Retire Early Lifestyle
Retirement; like your parents, but way cooler

In 1991 Billy and Akaisha Kaderli retired at the age of 38. Now, into their 4th decade of this financially independent lifestyle, they invite you to take advantage of their wisdom and experience.

Shiekas Bistro

Sint Maarten, Caribbean

Billy and Akaisha Kaderli

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If you are looking for authentic, affordable, homestyle Caribbean cuisine, Sheika's Bistro is a fixture in downtown Philipsburg. 

As a beloved eatery in on the Dutch side of the island, it's become a go-to spot for locals and tourists alike.

Casual, lively and community-oriented, it's owned by Betty, a local native of the town.

Daily menu on a chalkboard

While the owner is Betty who studied cooking in the United States, the name "Sheika" is related to the Arabic culture.

Typically denoting the wife or daughter of a Sheik,  the name carries connotations of grace, strength, authority, leadership and sophistication.

Definitely not someone to trifle with!

Here listed on the chalkboard are the meals of the day: Oxtail soup, snapper, king fish, BBQ ribs or chicken and oven baked salmon.

View of Sheika's from Backstreet

Philipsburg, was founded in 1733 by John Philips, a Scottish commander under Dutch rule.

The island grew around the salt trade and Great Bay. Because the town has a compact layout, Back Street and Front Street are main arteries.

This is a significant location for this bistro as it's very close to where the cruise ships let off their passengers.

Oxtail soup, red beans and rice

Oxtail soup is a hearty dish made from slow-cooked cattle tails. It has become a culinary staple and is valued for its rich, gelatinous broth.

Its history spans centuries, with European (British, French), African, and Asian influences, but it became a Caribbean staple due to colonial trade and slavery.

Enslaved Africans in the Caribbean transformed cheap oxtails into a flavorful stew using local spices (allspice, Scotch bonnet) and African techniques, creating a dish that’s now central to Jamaican, Barbadian, and other island cuisines.

Today, it’s a beloved comfort food.

The flavor is robust, savory, and sometimes spicy in Caribbean recipes.

Oxtails, jerk chicken, cod fish with Johnny cakes, and other protein-based plates often served with rice and peas, plantains, mac & cheese, or kale.

Akaisha and Billy having lunch - notice the generous portions!

The bistro’s location on Back Street places it in a historically significant area, near landmarks like The Courthouse (built in 1793) and the Sint Maarten Museum.

Philipsburg is a melting pot of culinary influences, from Creole to European and Indian. Sheika’s contributes to this diversity by offering authentic Caribbean dishes.

Looking into the bar and cashier's area

From this viewpoint, Backstreet is behind us and the open air takeout area is to the right.

Notice the sign above the waitress by Dr. Luther King:

"All labor that uplifts human dignity and importance should be undertaken with painstaking excellence."

Great advice and very respectful.

The bill for 2 people

Our bill for 2 full meals and beers came to $41USD before tip.

Notice that there are peas in the rice dish.

Dried peas, valued for their portability, long shelf life, and nutritional density, have a rich history that spans from Arab countries to the Caribbean.

High in protein, fiber, and micronutrients, dried peas were a vital food source, especially for laborers, sailors, and enslaved people. They are resistant to spoilage.

 Arab merchants facilitated the spread of dried peas to Europe, Africa, and Asia.

When European powers (Portuguese, Spanish, British, French) colonized the Caribbean, they relied on dried legumes, including peas, to feed sailors, settlers, and enslaved Africans. Dried peas were ideal for long sea voyages, as they resisted spoilage and provided high-calorie sustenance.

When we visited Malta, we were surprised to see pastries filled with "pea mash". It was common in that country due to the same travel routes and origins as mentioned above. 

Family style eatery

This is a community-based restaurant serving families and being a choice location for special occasions or just a simple sharing of food.

If you look beyond these tables, straight through is an alleyway where you can take a peak at "what's cookin' "and order take away.

Thanksgiving meal

We had our Thanksgiving meal here at Sheika's Bistro.

We received huge portions which also included pumpkin pie for dessert.

You'll also notice, stuffed cornbread filling with raisins, yellow rice with green peppers, sweet potatoes and chicken breast with gravy.

Everything was righteously delicious with enough to take home.

We felt quite local!

Advertisement for Sheika's

Contact numbers for this lovely, lively, friendly restaurant.

Would we recommend you going to Sheika's Bistro?

Of course!

It's worth it.

__________

Sheika’s Bistro

Backstreet 50

Philipsburg, St. Maarten

Tele 1. 721.542.0068

Open 7am to 4pm Closed Sunday

Monday through Saturday, 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM (lunch menu starts at 11:30 AM). Contact: Catering office at (721) 544-4205.

Retire Early Lifestyle appeals to a different kind of person – the person who prizes their independence, values their time, and who doesn’t want to mindlessly follow the crowd.

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