Growing up in Singapore in the sixties, durian season came only twice a year. I remember my uncles buying kampong durians by the basket and sharing them with us. To a child, smelling and eating the heavenly nuggets was pure bliss. I told myself then that someday, I would also indulge the king of fruits. With the passage of time and improved cultivation techniques, durians are now available year round. Apart from the usual roadside durian stalls, vendors now sell the fruit online and in supermarkets.

Singaporeans are spoiled for choice when it comes to durian varieties. Each type has its unique flavor profile, texture, and fragrance. Some of the most popular durian varieties include:






My earliest memories of buying durians in Singapore were from the makeshift stalls. Unfortunately, these were mainly staffed by thugs (known derogatorily as “durian kias”) out to cheat unsuspecting customers. Tricks included mislabelling cheap kampong durians as the more expensive alternatives, selling overnight durians (as evidenced by the use of rubber bands to stop the fruits from opening up) and of course threatening customers when they return to complain of being sold inedible duds.
Living in Melbourne, I do get the occasional urge to taste the stinky fruit and here are some of the places I go to in order to satisfy my cravings:
1) HS Cakes in Footscray – this is a crowd favourite when it comes to durian chiffon cakes. The bakery uses real durian pulp (albeit sweetened) in their light and fluffy chiffons. Taking the train home each time, I have to carefully seal the cake box and wrap it in 2 layers of plastic bags, lest the smell escapes and annoys fellow passengers.
2) For fresh durians, one can always visit the farms in Darwin. This would definitely be on my to-do list!
3) Frozen durians are also imported into Australia. Companies that do so include Duria and Queen’s Harvest.
4) There are many cafes that offer durian flavoured desserts in Melbourne. Durian chendol from D’Penyetz & D’Cendol is one of my favourites!
5) For the true durian fanatic, there is always the option to order a durian cake, in the shape of a durian!

