Up until I got here in Singapore, I never really liked Durian. I didn't hate it but I just didn't like it. I didn't mind its notorious smell but I just thought the texture and flavour were a bit odd. Lately though, for some strange twist of fate, I developed this fondness for durian. I think it started last year when I got to taste durian-flavoured moon cake. And as they say, the rest is history (lol).
According to Wikipedia, a typical durian tree can bear fruit after 4 or 5 years. Wow, that sure is a long wait! No wonder, this fruit is expensive.
We headed to Geylang one saturday night to satisfy our durian cravings. I always love the idea of open markets especially at night where you can freely wander around sans the heat of the scorching sun.
Geylang is the perfect place in Singapore (if not the only place) to sample durian as it is literally everywhere. We actually had a difficult time choosing which stall to eat at.
Durian comes in different variants and we tried "D24 - around $8 a piece" and "XO - around $15 a piece". I was introduced to "XO" by my flatmate, Al, sometime ago and I remember liking its strong taste that leaves this hint of alcoholic flavour. Zach doesn't like it though he finds it too bitter.
I remember watching Anthony Bourdain's feature about Durians and he said, "Its taste can only be described as...indescribable, something you will either love or despise. ...Your breath will smell as if you'd been French-kissing your dead grandmother." That's hilarious but I think a bit exaggerated. Ironically though, some people find its smell aromatic while some (or most) find it repulsive.
We also bought some watermelon and pears to take home since the display of fruits were too irresistable, plus they were a tad cheaper.
So that was our durian experience! :)
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So that was our durian experience! :)
Ok, I did say I wasn't going to eat buffet anymore for my b'day dinner but Zach said I should really try out Straits Kitchen at the Hyatt Hotel near Orchard. We actually first went to Chimes to look for a nice decent restaurant to eat at but realized for the price of a la carte in a place like Chimes, then might as well go to Straits (hehe reasons reasons..). 
The Indian Buffet Station
The Malay Buffet Station
The Fruit & Drink Station
Then I went for the Indian buffet spread. Indian food is usually loaded with spices and flavour. I love the chicken and the shrimp, though the shrimp was a bit overcooked as it was tough.
I was so happy to find out they have Durian Ice Cream! Eversince I tasted the Durian mooncake, I have learned to appreciate the taste & infamous smell of this pungent fruit.
Lastly, some fruits to wash away the guilt, haha who am I kidding. The dessert in the bowl is "Chendol", something like "Halo-halo" in the Philippines.
I just had to take a picture of their chopsticks. Very nice wooden authentic chopsticks.
So I was a happy fat bloke on my birthday, hehehe. The interior of Straits Kitchen is really impressive. The detail and intricate design of the walls were visually captivating (too bad I wasn't able to take a picture). The staff were also very efficient and friendly, they always make sure you have drinking water (unlike some restos that wouldn't bother to refill your water unless you order a paid drink). They also cleared the plates as soon as you stood up from your table and they even picked up my table napkin when I dropped it on the floor while seated. The only thing I don't like was after clearing your plate, they leave your utensils on the table, it would have been better if they put them on a saucer.
Zach introduced me to this fruit called "Snake Fruit" from Indonesia. I have never seen such a fruit and it was really interesting. The skin really felt like snake skin, I was wondering if someone ever thought of making them into shoes or bags haha.
This is how it looks like in the inside. Too bad I didn't quite like it, too bland and tough for a fruit for me.