Excuse my absence of late, let's just say I've been quite distracted recently. So I'm trying to get back on track...
Recently during my distraction phase, I found myself back in the heartlands (or suburbs) of Singapore. This particular area, Katong is very close to my heart. Growing up in such an area that is so well known for its food culture has probably contributed to my love of cooking. Not only is it my childhood, but my mother's as well.
So one of the few things that pop into one's mind (well maybe just mine) about Singapore is probably durians! I know! Awful smelling and ugly looking fruit may not be on everyone's first to do thing list, but apparently it was mine. Searching for the best durian is very much a sport in Singapore, I reckon its all about who can find the best ones. Trust me when I say people will go all lengths to find good durians, even when one has to drive across the causeway to Malaysia.
I have to honestly say after many childhood years of eating durians sitting cross-legged on the floor and finding myself laid belly up after, I was put off them for awhile. It wasn't until recently that the cravings started coming back.
Luckily for us, we didn't need to go far to get some in my tummy. We took a chance on a makeshift stall opposite one of most iconic structures in Katong, Holy Family Church. At $13 a kg, we purchased 2 durians for $45.
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| Opening the spikey fruit, carefully! |
When buying durians, it is customary for vendors to open them before the customer purchases them. I would advise everyone to do so, as there has been instances where 'dodgy' vendors have swapped the nice durians for crappy ones. Only to discover worms crawling in the fruit once at home. It's best to probably sit on the provided crappy stools and eat your durians at the stall to ensure quality. However not all stalls are that fancy, in rural areas you might need to squat by the side of the road (I havent seen that in a long time).
So off we went home to enjoy this delicacy. With its lovely yellow firm flesh and its custardy texture, it makes a perfect dessert. Generally there are 2 different tastes, bitter or sweet. I'm a bit more partial to the sweet taste. However this particular fruit was slightly bittersweet , which I really enjoyed. Its definitely an acquired taste and not for the faint hearted. If the smell deters you, try freezing the fruit in an airtight container. When eaten frozen, it resembles ice cream where the smell is less profound and bearable.
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| Before & After |
This durian experience has definitely revived many happy memories, the nostalgic feeling brought a warm fuzzy feeling in my tums! =)
