Durians are notorious fruits because they can bring about very polarizing opinions in Singapore (and around the world too) for its pungent smell and acquired taste; you either hate it or love it, there is no in-between. It’s also rich in copper, potassium, iron and vitamins C and B too, and is considered to contain healthy fat just like avocados; but you probably know that already. While most people would prefer to head to their usual haunt to sate their cravings, there are a bunch of other options that might be worth checking out for that epic durian fix.
Goodwood Park Hotel
Some hardcore durian fans wait in anticipation for Goodwood Park Hotel’s famous annual durian fiesta, and for good reason too. The annual extravaganza returned in March, unfrazzled by the suspension and food poisoning cases last year, and will run until the end of July. The festival turns 34 this year, and will be providing a whole array of desserts using only premium durians, D24 and Mao Shan Wang. You can get their all-time favorites like the durian puffs, crepes and mousse cake, but one of the highlights is the D24 matcha cake, which is made using D24 durian, matcha white chocolate mousse, almonds and wrapped around Italian sponge biscuits. More on that here. Also, they provide the option for you to go all out for their durian pastry dessert buffet. More here.
Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel
While there’s an undying love for Goodwood’s durian fiesta among Singaporeans, we’re also excited about the durian offerings at Marriott Cafe. This year, they’ve created a durian-centric version of their highly popular local high tea buffet. Running daily from Jun 1-Aug 9 between 3pm and 5:30pm, enjoy a casual afternoon of alluring scents and the flavor-packed bites of durian pastries. For a start, try a slice of their star item, the durian strudel, a delicate pastry of pure bliss that sees a combination of light and crisp layers and D24 durian puree made with silky durian flesh. Move on to their durian swiss rolls, packed with swirls of smooth durian cream within a fluffy pastel yellow sponge cake blanket. While these sweet offerings are all well and tasty, you can also take a break and go for their savory gourmet durian pizza. This new dish already looks impressive—a savory rendition of the king of fruits that come with stringy mozzarella and creamy mascarpone cheese sitting atop a crusty base and topped with crumbled coconut shavings for that extra touch. The durian high tea buffet is priced at $45 (weekdays) and $48 (weekends). More here.
Run For Good Durian Run 5KM
There have been beer runs and running events that require you to carry relief packs over various obstacles for Mercy Relief… and then there’s the durian run, which will take place on Jul 23. Not only will you get to stay healthy, you’ll be able to enjoy the fruits of your labor after the run. Organized by the Central CDC and the Ang Mo Kio-Hougang CCC, the event will require you to carry a durian and run a 5km route, which you’ll get to eat after finishing the race. The best part of it is that all proceeds will go to the appointed charity, Ang Mo Kio-Hougang CCC’s Community Development and Welfare Fund. It’s the division’s first themed run. Register here.
Get durians delivered right to your doorstep
Skip the laborious task of bringing home durians to eat in comfort (no, you can’t bring them on public transport) and get it sent to you instead. You no longer have to be seduced by the convenience of dodgy door-to-door durian sellers. All it takes now is a few clicks and you’re all set for a durian feast with the fam. While there are some vendors who’ll be selling their wares on delivery services, why not cut the middleman and go directly to them?
227 Katong Durian along East Coast Road has been delivering a wide variety of durians since 2011, and has extended their business to deliver vegetables and fruits. However, you’ll need to order on their website a day in advance. There’s also a delivery of $30, which will be waived if your total order sums up above $200.
There’s also that popular durian stall at Ghim Moh Market who has ventured into the online delivery business. The son of Lele Durian‘s owner runs the business, and keeps 20 percent of their stock for online deliveries, while the rest are sold at the physical store. You can place your orders via Whatsapp or phone call at 9694-8584. Prices of durians are updated regularly on their Facebook page.
Online store Jojo Durian, run by three people during the durian season, gets their stock from an unnamed store on Sims Avenue, which brings in durians from Malaysia and Thailand. They have three types of durians on offer, and ensures freshness by packing them on the delivery day (only Thursdays and Fridays, 6-10pm).
