Durian diaspora: 14 best durian desserts in Singapore you absolutely cannot miss

At this popular dessert stall along Middle Road (and now, a second on Tan Quee Lan Street), local tong sui (sweet soup dessert) draws the crowds. Within the nourishing array of nut pastes lies a fantastic durian mousse, one that would submit any fan of the stinky fruit to its indulgence. Here, it arrives rich and smooth, studded with bits of texture from chunks of fresh durian flesh. Alternatively, zhuzh up your cendol with a liberal dollop of durian puree.

Yat Ka Yan
Address: 190 Middle Road, #02-08 Fortune Centre, S(188979)

To fix your thorny craving even during the off-season, Dessert Bowl is most reliable in town. Located around the quaint fringes of Chomp Chomp Food Centre, this dessert kiosk is a pilgrimage for durian lovers across the island. The portions are mighty generous; silky smooth durian mousse, balanced with just the right amount of sweetness, and loaded with your choice of either one or two scoops of D24 durian flesh. The frozen treat is also popular with the late-night crowd in search of the perfect toothsome finish after dinner, as the stall opens till late. 

Dessert Bowl
Address: 80A Serangoon Garden Way, S(555976)

The classic love letter egg rolls gets a bittersweet twist, birthing the durian love letter rolls. Forbidden’s ingenious answer to finally being able to bring durian aboard public transport, this inconspicuous durian confection is perfectly concealed in a crispy outer layer made with a French cookie (langues de chat) recipe. Using only pure egg whites and premium D24 durians from Raub, Pahang, it makes a great snack that can easily be shared with family and friends. 

Forbidden
Address: 78 Airport Boulevard, 01-231, Jewel Changi Airport, S(819666)

Homegrown ang ku kueh titan Ji Xiang Ang Ku Kueh is no stranger among us locals. A small, oval Chinese sweet dumpling with soft, sticky glutinous rice flour skin wrapped around a sweet central filling, the ang ku kueh, also known as “red tortoise cake” is often a main event at birthdays and religious festivals. Apart from the traditional mung bean paste and peanut fillings, the stalwarts have given the everyday bite a luxurious spin with the all-enticing Durian ang ku kueh. Expect Mao Shan Wang flesh encased in a chewy outer shell and finished off with sprinkled gold flakes.

Ji Xiang Confectionery 
Address: 1 Everton Park, 01-33, S(081001)

In case you missed it: Neighbourhood guide: The best things to eat, see and do in Everton Park

Transforming the pengat (a smooth, creamy Malay treat) into a doughnut, the durian pengat from Delish takes the cake for the most savoury-sweet confection on record. Generously loaded into Delish’s pillowy soft doughnuts and sprinkled with powdered sugar, this treat is best eaten fresh out of the fridge. Warning: Doughnuts burst with filling upon first bite.

Delish
Address: 60 Springside Walk, 01-10, The Brooks 1, S(786020), +65 9029 8520

This homegrown bakery—a go-to for many durian dessert lovers—only uses Mao Shan Wang durians for all its creations. The most eye-catching dessert is none other than the 24-karat Mao Shan Wang cheesecake. The decadent durian flesh is encased in velvety cheese mousse and a shower of  24-karat pure gold leaf to finish. It makes for the perfect treat when showing up to a party of durian lovers.

Ms Durian
Address: 11 Kelantan Road, Jalan Besar, S(208604)

The pastry team at Goodwood Park Hotel are certified durian experts. At the Goodwood Park Hotel’s Durian Fiesta this year, this dainty chocolatey creation is worth every calorie. Think crunchy hazelnut croustillant and moist chocolate sponge as a decadent base for a crown of dark chocolate crémeux embellished with chocolate pearls. Then, the finishing touches of a white chocolate coin and a paper-thin chocolate butterfly sit right atop. Other highlights include the twist on the traditional kueh dadar laced with D24 durian and gula melaka.

Goodwood Park Hotel
Address: 22 Scotts Road, S(228221), +65 6730 1786 

Read more: Goodwood Park’s Annual Durian Fiesta Returns—Here are 5 Best Treats to Order

Step aside Lady M, this local bakery is making waves with its crowd-pleasing mille crepe cake. Made fresh upon every order, the dessert creation mesmerises with 20 layers of handmade crepe with silky Mao Shan Wang durian slathered in between every crevasse. There’s even a snowcapped top featuring smooth chantilly cream from Hokkaido. It eats light and pillowy but intense with sweet Mao Shan Wang flavours. In the mood for Oreo? Consider its latest creation of Oreo cheesecake that comes chock full of Musang King durian flesh at its core.

The Durian Bakery
Address: 2 Jalan Lokam, #01-47 Kensington Square, S(537846)

Head west for a taste of this classic Thai dessert. The neighbourhood cafe bakery might be known for its durian gelato and sweet puffs creations but it is the durian sticky rice, drizzled with coconut milk, that truly takes the cake. Sticky, chewy, creamy, sweet and a tad savoury—each bite is an amalgamation of textures and flavours that brings the best out of the King of Fruits.

Pang Zi Durian Dessert & Ice Cream House
Address: 492 Jurong West Street 41, 01-18, S(640492)

The Stinky Bomb is 99 Old Tree’s interpretation of the classic durian puff, comprising thin choux pastry generously stuffed with a wonderful medley of rich Mao Shang Wang flesh and light cream. The puff is finished with a craquelin top, adding a delicate crunch to the treat. It’s crisp on the outside, while rich and creamy on the inside. Get three at one go because one is definitely not enough.

99 Old Trees
Address:1 Teo Hong Road, S(088321), +65 9822 2495

This long-standing durian specialist was one of the pioneers to sling out the ever-popular durian puffs that captivated the entire nation. While the airy puffs are a staple for any durian connoisseur, the newer creations, such as this whimsical mini Mao Shan Wang 3D cake, are not to be missed. Fluffy sponge is simply accompanied by 100 percent pure durian puree and delivered in bite-sized portions. What more can you ask for?

Four Seasons Durians
Address: 1 Senoko Avenue, #03-05 Foodaxis@Senoko, S(758297)

If you love cake and durian, you will love this Mao Shan Wang cake by local brand Sinpopo. The signature comprises fluffy sponge cake slathered with generous layers of light cream and creamy Mao Shan Wang durian flesh. It’s finished with a thin layer of cake crumb and more Mao Shan Wang pulp.

Sinpopo (multiple outlets)
Address: Funan Mall, 01-107 North Bridge Road, S(179105), +65 6970 1080

In case you missed it: Taste of Tradition: 6 Old-School Confectioneries and Bakeries in Singapore

A spinoff of the Peranakan classic dessert, kueh salat, the culinary team uses the buttery flesh of the Mao Shan Wang durian (instead of kaya) to create the creamy custard. Set atop the traditional base of glutinous rice with a blue hue, thanks to the butterfly pea flower. For fans of the burnt Basque cheesecake, there is also a Mao Shan Wang durian version of it boasting the signature creamy soft centre.

Chalk Farm
Address: B1-K24 Paragon Shopping Centre, 290 Orchard Road, S(238859), +65 6235 2872

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