MAO King Tavern is a new durian pub at Swan Lake Avenue in Siglap which has premium fresh durians, charcoal-grilled durians, Musang King Beer and durian desserts.

Previously known as Slake Restaurant, MAO King Tavern is officially opening its doors to the public today on 1 April 2021.

Opened by Durian Edition and Slake Restaurant, MAO King Tavern is a durian bar that offers not just premium fresh durians such as Musang King and Black Gold, but as well as durian desserts including MSW Burnt Durian Cheesecake (S$12.80/slice), MSW Durian Mousse Crumble Slice (S$12.80), Musang King Cream Puff (S$2.80) and Premium Mochiko (S$14.80 for 3 pcs).

MAO King Tavern has also partnered with local microbrewery, The 1925 Brewing Co. to create a Musang King Ale using real Musang King durian flesh in the fermenting process.

Prices of premium fresh durians:

• Musang King S$25/kg
• Black Gold S$28/kg
• Grill Your Durian S$15.80
• Extra Cheese S$8.80

There are also bar snacks including:

• Chye Poh Fries S$9.80
• Har Cheong Kaarage S$11.80
• Luncheon Meat Fries S$10.80

The new watering hole seats 18 visitors indoors and 8 visitors at the al-fresco area.

MAO King Tavern
Opera Estate, 15 Swan Lake Ave,
Singapore 455711

We have great news to share with durian lovers! King of Kings is a new mooncake brand in Singapore that offers quality Musang King (Mao Shan Wang) snowskin mooncakes at very reasonable prices.

King of Kings MSW Durian Snowskin Mooncakes are 100% made of pure Musang King flesh encased within thin mochi skin. Each box comes with 4 x 170g MSW Durian snowskin mooncakes and there are two flavours—original and chocolate—to choose from. In addition, each mooncake set comes with a free tin of buckwheat tea.

Quote ‘ladyironchef’ when you order via Whatsapp +65 9223 6333 to enjoy a box of King Of Kings Mao Shan Wang Durian Snowskin Mooncake and two free boxes of traditional mooncakes from Lao Zi Hao at S$128 nett. It includes free delivery islandwide.

King of Kings Mao Shan Wang Durian flavours
- Original Skin
- Chocolate Skin

Traditional Mooncake from Lao Zi Hao flavours
- Single Yolk Lotus
- Double Yolk Lotus
- Low Sugar Macadamia
- Charcoal Black Sesame
- Red Bean
- Mixed Nuts

This is definitely something to rejoice over if you are a fan of “Asia’s smelliest fruit”. Durians are the most well-loved tropical fruit and something so sophisticated, it is an education of its own.

The connoisseurs would know that Musang King is one of the best types and is prized for its bittersweet taste. By incorporating fresh, quality Musang King into the mooncakes, King Of Kings MSW Durian Snowskin Mooncakes make a luxurious gift this Mid-autumn Festival for that someone special—your esteemed colleagues/ boss, parents and parents-in-law, important friends and associates…

Slice into the mooncake and be treated to luscious durian filling—almost like eating the real fruit! The skin is light and not cloyingly sweet, and serves as a complementing texture to the durian filling. Shreds of durian flesh are evident in every piece of mooncake, and is a testament to their dedication of serving only the real deal.

The chocolate ones, especially, are a refreshing twist to your usual durian mooncakes. If eating the fruit alone is too much for you to handle, go for the chocolate ones that are mildly sweet. The richness from the chocolate balances out the slight bitterness of the durian filling, giving it a more balanced flavour for durian beginners to savour.

At just S$88 nett, it includes free delivery and you can have them sent directly to your recipient! Speaking of convenience!

As mentioned earlier, quote ‘ladyironchef’ when you order via Whatsapp +65 9223 6333 to enjoy a box of King Of Kings Mao Shan Wang Durian Snowskin Mooncake and two free boxes of traditional mooncakes from Lao Zi Hao at S$128 nett. It includes free delivery islandwide.

You can also get King Of Kings MSW Durian Snowskin Mooncake at the following mooncake booths in Singapore, but please note that the special price of S$88 nett is only available for orders through Whatsapp +65 9223 6333.

King Of Kings MSW Durian Snowskin Mooncakes Singapore
From now until 13 September 2019
Amk Hub
Hillion Mall
Jurong Point
Parkway Parade Giant
Square 2
Shaw House
Tampines Giant
West Mall
White Sands NTUC
Tiong Bahru Plaza
Tpy hub
Chinatown point
Bugis junction
Heartland mall
Junction 8
Singpost NTUC

Westgate
Compass one
Tampines One

This post was brought to you by King of Kings.

When it comes to the king of fruits, it’s either you love it or you hate it. And to the ones who love it, there are several dessert options that take the pungent, creamy fruit to the next level.

As a soft serve, piped into a pastry, infused into local desserts or even into a cake, and so much more, durian’s application is basically boundless. If you’re as mad about durian desserts as we are, you’ll be thrilled to know that there is much more than just your average durian puff. Here is our guide on 16 durian desserts in Singapore.

Photo Credit: Ah Chew Desserts

AH CHEW DESSERTS – DURIAN YAM SAGO

A busy day in Bugis might have you craving a cold dessert. For that, the ever popular Ah Chew Desserts sells over 50 choices of traditional and modern Chinese style desserts. For some durian deliciousness, Durian Yam Sago (S$4.90) has a rich creamy puree topped with fresh durian flesh, sago, and bits of yam. This dessert is an almighty version of a bubur cha cha.

#01, 1 Liang Seah St
10/11 Liang Seah Place
Singapore 189032
Tel: +65 6339 8198
Mon to Fri: 12.30pm – 12am
Sat & Sun: 1.30pm – 1am
Nearest Station: Bugis

Photo Credit: chochochinos

DB BISTRO & OYSTER BAR – DURIAN “ROYALE” SOUFFLÉ

It sounds almost contradictory for “durian” and “light” to be in the same sentence, but DB Bistro & Oyster Bar manages to bring the two together with their Durian “Royale” Soufflé (S$18++). This Mao Shan Wang soufflé has a distinct taste of durian without being too cloying. It also comes with a scoop of refreshing mangosteen sorbet on the side to balance out the flavours and textures.

2 Bayfront Avenue, B1-48
Galleria Level, The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands
Singapore 018956
Tel: +65 6688 8525
Mon: 12am – 10pm
Tue to Fri: 12pm – 11pm
Sat: 11am – 11pm
Sun: 11pm – 12am
Nearest Station: Bayfront

Photo Credit: Durian History

DURIAN HISTORY – DURIAN TAPIOCA CAKE

Spotted: fried durian cake. This chewy Durian Tapioca Cake (S$0.80) is the cheapest on our list and sold daily at Durian History. It’s usually hot and melts in your mouth so we understand if it’s a struggle to stop at one. Besides, this corner stall in Chinatown also sells it at three for S$2. If you’ve got tourist friends, point them to this popular spot for a taste of the King of Fruits because they’ve got all sorts of durian desserts and tidbits.

1 Park Road, #01-28
Chinatown People’s Park Complex
Singapore 059108
Mon to Fri: 12.30am – 12am
Sat & Sun: 1.30pm –1am
Nearest Station: Chinatown

Photo Credit: hateedumpty

JI DE CHI – DURIAN STICKY RICE ROLL

Ji De Chi makes durian feasting convenient with their many outlets. But for a different treat, try their Durian Sticky Rice Roll (S$6.90). Semi-frozen durian flesh is stuffed into a chewy glutinous rice flour roll that’s covered in desiccated coconut, making it rich and creamy sweet. Their Durian Pomelo Sago (S$7.90) is popular with durian paste that’s thick like durian pengat mixed with sago and pomelo then topped with a scoop of durian purée. There’s still Durian Serradura (S$5.90) and Durian Snowy Ice (S$7.90) to complete your trip.

8 Liang Seah Street, #01-03
Liang Seah Court
Singapore 189029
Tel: +65 6339 9928
Mon to Thu & Sun: 11am – 11pm
Fri & Sat: 11am – 11.50pm
Nearest Station: Bugis

Photo Credit: thomasteo_sg

JI XIANG CONFECTIONERY – DURIAN ANG KU KUEH (SEASONAL)

Hand-crafted ang ku kuehs are a rare find but Ji Xiang Confectionery still soldiers on since 1988. They maintain thin skins and generous mung bean fillings which give you a taste of yesteryear. Durian Ang Ku Kueh (S$1.70) is a seasonal treat and its price largely depends on the market. They have other updated flavours too like corn (S$0.90) and coconut (S$0.90) but if, for you, old is gold there are sweet bean (S$0.90), salted bean (S$0.90), peanut (S$0.90), and yam (S$1) flavours to add to the colourful collection.

1 Everton Park, #01-33
Singapore 081001
Tel: +65 6223 1631
Mon to Fri: 8.30am – 5pm
Sat: 8am – 5pm
(Closed on Sundays)
Nearest Station: Outram Park

Photo Credit: yvonneleecious

LE CAFE CONFECTIONERY & PASTRY – DURIAN BEAN CURD TART

A number of places offer decent durian egg tarts but only at Le Cafe Confectionery & Pastry can you get Durian Bean Curd Tarts (S$12 for eight pieces). Do the sums and it’s S$1.50 for a piece. Silky smooth soya bean curd is nestled in a buttery pastry with D24 Mao Shan Wang puree on top. Our advice is to have them chilled and if you’re buying, order online or call a day in advance to be extra safe because bean curd tarts are available only after 1pm.

31/33 Mackenzie Road #01-01
Singapore 228686
Tel: +65 6337 2417
Mon to Sat: 10.30am – 7pm
Sun: 10.30am – 4pm
Nearest Station: Rochor

Photo Credit: Sinpopo Brand

SINPOPO BRAND – DURIAN PULUT HITAM CAKE

Discover Durian Pulut Hitam Cake (S$68 for a whole cake) at Sinpopo Brand by the people behind Awfully Chocolate. Creamy durian is served between light gluten-free cake layers that are made purely from black glutinous rice flour. It is flavourful yet moist so you get the essence of the dessert it’s inspired by without it getting cloying too fast.

458 Joo Chiat Rd
Singapore 427671
Tel: +65 6345 5034
Mon to Thu & Sun: 12pm – 10pm
Fri & Sat: 12pm – 12am
Nearest Station: Dakota

Photo Credit: The Quarters

THE QUARTERS – DURIAN CRÉME BRÛLÉE

The Quarters has a localised crème brûlée that is a rich, creamy-smooth custard made with Mao Shan Wang Durian and topped with a layer of brittle caramelised sugar. As your spoon dredges up their Duriancanboleh custard, its thin layer of the burnt caramel shatters easily. It’s fragrantly saccharine, thick, and sweet with a slight bitterness. This one might even be better than the usual vanilla version.

16 Enggor St, #01-09 Icon Village
Singapore 079717
Tel: +65 6834 4174
Mon to Sun: 10am – 10pm
(Closed on Sundays)
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

Photo Credit: Chalk Farm 

CHALK FARM – DURIAN SALAT 

Chalk Farm’s rendition of the traditional dessert kueh salat comes with a special ingredient: durian. Here, the usual coconut pandan custard is swapped out for a creamy layer of durian custard that is made from Mao Shan Wang durian flesh. Paired with the glutinous rice, the two come together to create an interesting mixture of textures and flavours that go surprisingly well together.

290 Orchard Road
Singapore 238859
Tel: +65 6235 2872
Daily: 10am – 9pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

DESSERT FIRST – DURIAN SNOW ICE

If you feel like having your durian cold, you can always try Dessert First’s Durian Snow Ice. The shaved ice dessert is topped with a generous serving of D24 durian flesh as well as a scoop of mouthwatering durian ice cream, making it the perfect dessert to have to combat Singapore’s sweltering heat!

8 Liang Seah Street, #01-04
Singapore 189029
Tel: +65 6333 0428
Mon to Thu: 1pm – 1am
Fri: 1pm – 2am
Sat: 12pm – 2am
Sun: 12pm – 1am
Nearest Station: Bugis

Photo Credit: dingdongsg

DING DONG – DURIAN ALASKA 

Not only does Ding Dong’s Durian Alaska have durian in it, but it also looks like one too! The thorny dessert is essentially a classic Baked Alaska that is given a local twist by using ingredients such as durian kaya, pandan chiffon cake and durian ice cream. The spikes of the dessert are then made with torched pandan meringue. It certainly is one of the more eye-catching desserts on this list!

115 Amoy Street, 01-02
Singapore 069935
Tel: +65 6557 0189
Daily: 12pm – 3pm, 6pm – 12am
Nearest Station: Telok Ayer

Photo Credit: y2jingaojiak

KEONG SAIK BAKERY – MAO SHAN WANG LAVA CROISSANT

If you love pastries as much as we do, you’d be glad to know that Keong Saik Bakery sells these beautiful golden brown Mao Shan Wang Lava Croissants. Each croissant is filled with a generous amount of luscious Mao Shan Wang cream which oozes out when you tear away at the croissants flaky exterior.

41 Keong Saik Road
Singapore 089146
Tel: +65 6909 3199
Daily: 8am – 8pm
Nearest Station: Outram Park

LOKKEE – FRIED DURIAN 

Lokkee’s Fried Durian is a sweet, crispy treat that provides the diner with a symphony of sensations on a whole new level. Here, a deep-fried durian fritter is accompanied by strawberry caviar, popping candy, flecks of flower petals and coconut flakes. The fried durian itself is sweet, velvety and warm like custard and after biting into this piece of heaven, you’d not want to eat durian any other way.

68 Orchard Road #03-01
Plaza, Singapore 238839
Tel: +65 6884 4566
Daily: 11am – 3pm, 5.30pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Dhoby Ghaut

Photo Credit: sawadeethaicuisine

SAWADEE THAI CUISINE – MAO SHAN WANG DURIAN STICKY RICE 

We’ve all heard of mango sticky rice, but have you heard of durian sticky rice? If that sounds amazing to you then you’d be glad to know that Sawadee Thai Cuisine has just that. Instead of mango, their Mao Shan Wang Durian Sticky Rice is accompanied by a massive, fleshy chunk of durian.

9 Tan Quee Lan Street
Singapore 188098
Daily: 11am – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Tel: +65 6238 6833
Nearest Station: Bugis

SPICE BRASSERIE – DURIAN PENGAT WITH STICKY RICE

Durian pengat is one of those durian desserts that will always remain a classic. There are a number of places in Singapore that sell amazing durian pengat but one of our absolute favourites with no doubt has to be the one at Spice Brasserie. Sweet, the way it should be, the velvety smooth dessert boasts a buttery flavour which is a reflection of the high-quality durians that they use, and on top of that, it’s accompanied by sticky rice and salted coconut cream.

181 Kitchener Road
PARKROYAL on Kitchener Road
Singapore 208533
Tel: +65 6428 3160
Daily: 6am – 10.30am, 12pm – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Farrer Park

TASTE BETTER – DURIAN PUFF 

Durian puffs are pretty common and readily available in most places islandwide. However, one of the stalls that set the bar pretty high is Taste Better. The durian puffs here each come with an incredibly generous amount of creamy, pungent filling that tastes (and feels) as buttery sweet as eating the actual fruit itself.

1 Harbourfront Walk
Vivocity, B2-K12
Singapore 098585
Tel: +65 8500 4766
Daily: 10am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Harbourfront 

Words by Melissa Teo & Gin Chua
Edited by Alvin Tan

The annual durian season is around the corner and that is the time when durian stalls will be importing many different durian breeds into Singapore from neighbouring countries. With so many durians on offer, consumers are certainly spoilt for choice but are you able to pick the best of the lot?

Granted, most of us are no experts and years of experience plays a huge part in learning how to differentiate the durians. Yet as consumers, we should also equip ourselves with basic knowledge so that we will not be highly dependent on durian sellers.

Here Are 5 Easy Tips On How To Pick Good Durians Like A Pro.

#1 THE SMELL

Durians are strong in odour by nature and it intensifies when the fruit ripens. Take a whiff along the lines of the durian, where the spikes run parallel. If you hardly smell anything or have to take a few sniffs, that means that the durian is unripe.

If the fruit exudes an overpowering scent, that durian is probably overripe. What you want is a balance that is neither too raw nor too strong.

#2 THE SHAPE

Keep a lookout for durians that come in irregular or oblong shapes as their meat is usually more aromatic and creamier in comparison with round durians. Perfectly shaped durians may have more chambers inside which results in more flesh-covered seeds but the meat is usually less fleshy.

#3 THE JOINT

Take a closer look at the durian stem. Durians that are days old have stems that are darker in colour as compared to freshly dropped durians with their green stems. Do not purchase durians that are missing their stalks, as the durian sellers may be trying to pass off poor quality durians as good ones.

#4 THE COLOUR

Depending on the variety of fruit, durians come in various types of colours as well. The best way to tell if the fruit is ripe is to get the durian sellers to cut open the durians.

Mao Shan Wang comes in a bright yellow shade; XO and D24 have pale yellow skins; D13′s flesh is normally deep burnt orange in colour and Red Prawn is orangey-red. For certain breeds, a redder shade usually indicates more sweetness.

#5 THE EXPERT

If all else fails, you can still fall back on the expert’s opinion. Most of the durian sellers have been in this trade for many years and they are extremely knowledgeable on this subject.

Some of them are able to share more about where the durians came from since they know which plantation and tree those durians came from. Who knows, you may be able to pick up a tip or two from them!

Read: 8 Durian Delivery Services In Singapore All Durian Lovers Must Know

Calling all fellow durian fans! Stop everything you are doing and read this: there is a Durian Feast Party happening right now at the main entrance of AMK Hub. The event will run daily from now until 13 Aug 2017, 5pm to 10pm.

Look forward to an extensive array of high-quality durians which include new flavours and familiar favourites such as Musang King and D24. The durian stalls are run by three local durian kings who are experts in this field.

Cannot get enough of the King of Fruits? Well, you know this is one epic party you should not miss for the world. After all, you get the best harvest only during this time of the year. You have to scoot to AMK Hub right about now.

OUTDOOR DURIAN PARTY

Enjoy the King of Fruits like how it should be enjoyed at this unpretentious durian party. Held at the open space in front of AMK Hub’s level 1 main entrance, you will find long communal tables which are perfect for groups. Bring your family and friends along to enjoy this marvellous feast!

WATCH OUR LOCAL DURIAN KINGS IN ACTION

Love durians but unsure of which type(s) you should buy? Rest assured that you will be entrusted in good hands of the friendly durian sellers. All you have to do is to share with them your preference and they will pick the durians for you.

As they are able to open the durians on the spot, you can see for yourself that only the best is given to you. This is also a chance to learn more about the various durian breeds and their distinctly different flavours.

EXTENSIVE SELECTION OF DURIANS ON DISPLAY

Durian aficionados will love the impressive durian display stacked up at the Durian Feast Party. Nothing beats being surrounded by our favourite fruit in the world—apart from eating it, of course!

Let your taste buds go on a wild journey with the ever popular Musang King, followed by Red Prawn, Green Skin, Golden Phoenix, D24, D13… the list goes on. The durian breeds that are available at the Durian Feast Party varies according to the current season and weather.

For those who are not in the know, durians do not all taste the same! Musang King, for example, comes with a bittersweet taste; Red Prawn species are usually sweet and those who enjoy bitter durians should go for Golden Phoenix.

Gloves are provided at the Durian Feast Party but you can also choose to use your bare hands to fully immerse into the experience just like what we did.

The event organisers also equipped the place with sinks at the back of the stalls so you can wash your hands thoroughly when you are done.

OTHER TROPICAL FRUITS

Besides durians, there will be other tropical fruits such as rambutans and mangosteens as well. Take a break in between full-flavoured durians and balance the flavours with milder tasting fruits.

It is also important to keep yourself hydrated when eating durians and we recommend having some coconuts to go along with your feast. The refreshing coconut juice will help to avoid excess internal body heat. Otherwise, be sure to drink plenty of plain water!

CONTINUE THE DURIAN FEAST INDOORS

No, the party is not over yet. Head indoors for even more durian delicacies and desserts at Basement 1 in AMK Hub (opposite Swensen’s).

You will find classic durian pastry creations in the likes of D24 durian puffs, mochi and so on. These durian confections are sure to delight all those with a sweet tooth.

We had a ball of fun at the Durian Feast Party, sampling many different durian varieties which were so creamy, rich and delicious. If you love durians as much as we do, you would have a great time there too. Be sure to head down early to beat the crowd, especially over the weekends!

Durian Feast Party
14 July 2017 to 13 August 2017
5pm to 10pm
Level 1, AMK Hub Main Entrance

AMK Hub
53 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 3
Singapore 569933
Nearest Station: Ang Mo Kio

This post is brought to you by AMK Hub.