Sampling the king of fruits for the first time

As a vibrant city, Singapore is a melting pot of diverse cultures. For those willing to step beyond the comforts of their hotel rooms and Orchard Road, there is plenty to discover and explore, including a rich culinary experience.

While it does offer residents and visitors a choice of delicacies, be it Chinese, Indian, Malay, or an array of international cuisines, there is one fruit that you will either love or hate.

Known as the “King of Fruits” among the populace, the infamous durian has a spiky armor to protect itself and a pungent smell that would put off most people. The smell is so distinctive that it is banned on all public transport in the country.

Walking through Chinatown previously, I had balked at the idea of eating it. What a few days in Singapore can do to people. It wasn’t long before we found ourselves at Parkway Parade Mall, searching for something specific that was only available here. Once we had picked it up, along with a bit of shopping at the other stores, we stepped out, walked through a few blocks, and ended up in an open-air hawker center. And while a strong cup of tea is what I had in mind to beat the surprisingly high temperature and muggy weather; the strong smell of durian hanging in the air was a big draw. Sure enough, I looked around and saw plenty of fruit stands next to the hawker center, well stocked with mountains of this fruit that, to many, is the king of them all.

I will be honest. While it is an acquired taste, its distinctive smell can be nauseating at first, especially for first-timers, but one gets used to it eventually. And while I won’t say it terrible, it is not the most pleasant of smells. Thankfully, I didn’t have to haggle with the fruit seller, trying to pick the right durian. Instead, my girlfriend did the honors, picking what in her opinion, was the best of the lot.

With her assurance, and my curiosity far outweighing any lingering doubts that I may have had, I finally took my first bite. Surprisingly, while I didn’t savor it, I wasn’t repulsed by it either. Honest confession. It tastes better than it smells. At least, that is how I convinced myself initially. Not that I was going to be a huge fan of this fruit anytime soon either.

While the flesh does feel very delicate and mushy in the hand, this custard-like fruit has a burnt and creamy taste to it, with hints of caramel and vanilla flavors.

Just two pieces were as far as I could get, however hard I tried. I just couldn’t get myself to pick up another piece of this fruit and munch on it.

Eating durian in Singapore is more than just enjoying the fruit; it’s a social affair. The locals embrace this fruit, with dedicated durian stalls at most hawker centers outside of the main city area. They even have durian-themed festivals each year. And while durian, with its distinctive taste and smell, is not necessarily up to everyone’s taste palate, suffice it to say that this king of fruits will leave an indelible impression on your taste buds.

How about you, have you had a chance to sample this fruit on your travels?