Cover Top pastry chefs let us in on the best durian desserts in Singapore (Photo: Getty Images)
Top pastry chefs let us in on the best durian desserts in Singapore (Photo: Getty Images)
1 / 1
We ask award-winning pastry chefs in Singapore to share their go-to spots for delectable durian desserts
The thorny durian, a pungent sovereign of Southeast Asian orchards, is perhaps Singapore’s most polarising fruit. Yet, despite its reputation as a love-it-or-loathe-it novelty, it has found its way into the hearts of dessert lovers, especially during peak season over three months starting in June. From overflowing durian cendol bowls to silky smooth durian mousse, these comforting but no less contentious creations seek to please the island’s most discerning palates.
In search of the best durian desserts in Singapore, we speak to a trio of pastry chefs, each dessert architects and durian fans in their own right, for they aren’t afraid to confess their fanfare for the king of fruits.
Read more: Durian diaspora: The best durian confections in Singapore you absolutely cannot miss
Dessert Bowl
Above Viral durian mousse dessert cendol at Dessert Bowl (Photo: Instagram/@bingbongnoms)
Viral durian mousse dessert cendol at Dessert Bowl (Photo: Instagram/@bingbongnoms)
1 / 1
Soh Hui Shan, head pastry chef of Wakuda Singapore
“If anyone’s a durian fan like me, you have to try the Durian Mousse at Dessert Bowl near Chomp Chomp Food Centre. The portions are generous, and it always feels like durian season because you can get a bowl anytime. When I used to stay around the area, I’d often visit late at night for the toothsome treat as it opens till late.”
Dessert Bowl
Address: 80A Serangoon Garden Way, S(555976)
In case you missed it: The best tiramisu in Singapore, according to Italian chefs
Ivins Peranakan
Above Homemade cendol with option to add durian at Ivins Peranakan (Photo: Instagram/@orange_tree_au)
Homemade cendol with option to add durian at Ivins Peranakan (Photo: Instagram/@orange_tree_au)
1 / 1
Janice Wong, chef-artist of 2am: Dessert Bar
“I have been a fan of their homemade chendol since I was a child. Their signature durian chendol is perfectly balanced without being overwhelmingly sweet, and is perfectly balanced with varying textures and flavours, from pandan jelly, coconut milk, gula melaka, and of course, durian. I look forward to this dish every time I am at Ivins, as they have consistently maintained the quality of their dishes through the decades.”
Ivins Peranakan (multiple outlets)
Address: 205 Hougang Street 21, Heartland Mall Kovan, #02-20/21, S(530205)
Yat Ka Yan
Above Signature durian mousse dessert at Yat Ka Yan (Photo: Instagram/@serenastummy)
Signature durian mousse dessert at Yat Ka Yan (Photo: Instagram/@serenastummy)
1 / 1
Kelly Cheah, pastry chef of Le Pristine Singapore
“While durian cendol draws the crowds to this rather popular dessert shop along Middle Road, it serves up fantastic durian mousse too. Coming from Penang, where we enjoy durian fresh from the farm, I’m very particular about its freshness. At Yat Ka Yan, the durian mousse is exceptionally smooth and satisfying, with a freshness that hits the spot for me.”
Yat Ka Yan
Address: 190 Middle Road, #02-08 Fortune Centre, S(188979)
