I’m not in too much of a blogging mood lately because I’ve been obsessed with working on some DIY clothing projects in my spare time. But I thought I’d quickly share this all-you-can-eat durian thing in case there are any readers in KL who really love durian.
I’m leaving Malaysia in less than a week. After over a year of being here, I’m happy to say that I’ve done mostly everything I wanted to. I’ve checked off most of my Malaysian wishlist items, including: going to Penang, Melacca, Langkawi, and Redang, going up KL tower, and trying most Malaysian dishes at least once.
But with my imminent departure looming so close, there was one more thing I still haven’t done. And it’s a biggie.
Eating durian.
I just never got around to it. First, it’s just not a very appetizing idea. And I wouldn’t just go around eating it by myself. And even when I mentioned to friends that I want to try it, the response I’d get is “it’s not the season.”
Well guess what, finally it’s durian season right before I’m due to leave. So this past weekend, I grabbed the one person I know who loves durian more than anything in the world and asked him to take me to eat it – my local friend James.
“The only way to eat durian is at a durian buffet,” he said when I suggested it. “There’s one in SS2. All you can eat for only 30 rm.”
“Hmmm can I just buy a small pack first? What if I take one bite and hate it and waste 30 rm?”
“And what if you love it?”
There’s no way to know if you’ll like durian or not. And plus, James was prepared to eat more than 2 people’s share. So I took my chances and paid up the 30 rm (about US $7) to get my first taste of the world’s stinkiest fruit.
Soooo… what’s the big deal about durian anyway?!
In case you’ve never heard of it, durian (a tropical fruit in Southeast Asia) has the honor of being the world’s smelliest fruit. The smell is very pungent and very distinctive. I’m rubbish at trying to describe smell, but let’s just say that some people mistaken it for the sewer. Durian is not allowed on trains, buses, and anywhere else enclosed. The smell is so potent that even one fruit will stink up the entire place. It really is the worst. You get the idea, right?
But durian lovers say that what lays within the smelly pulp is the most heavenly flesh. Sweet and creamy unlike anything else. True lovers go nuts for it. But those who don’t think it’s disgusting. It’s one of those love-it or hate-it things.
After being in Malaysia for so long, I can honestly say that the smell (in open air) doesn’t bother me anymore. But will it taste like it smells?
It was time for me to find out which side I’m on.
Durian buffet at SS2 Durian House
SS2 is a neighborhood in Petaling Jaya (the suburbs of KL) that’s known for good Chinese food, bridal shops, and durian stalls. This particular one has an all-you-can-eat buffet going on. The entire tent was filled with hundreds of people happily slurping, sucking, and munching on durian.
Servers were busy hacking open the fruits and delivering them. The tables were piled high with durian seeds and carcasses, while trash cans are overflowing with more of the same. People here really loooove this smelly fruit.
We grabbed a table, and soon the durians started arriving. Durian has a hard spiky outer shell that’s quite painful to the touch. The inside has 4 compartments, each holding bulbs of the precious flesh. Each bulb has a round smooth seed in the center.
As soon as they arrived, James started sucking away at the creamy flesh. Before I even gathered up the courage to pluck out my first bulb, he already had 6-7 seeds in front of him.
James explained that durian has different types and levels. Some are sweeter while others are more bitter. Some are very creamy while others are more dry. The average ones are very mild. And high end ones are bitter to the point of almost tasting a little alcoholic, but has a strong sweet taste.
He had me start with a more mild one. I picked out the slightly slimy bulb, and with quite a bit of apprehension, took a small bite.
a picture of me with my first durian piece!
And it wasn’t too bad!
I mean, I didn’t think it was amazingly good either, but it was definitely not as bad as I was expecting. It didn’t taste like sewage or gym socks. The first bite was slightly bitter, but the longer you keep it in your mouth, the sweeter and sweeter it gets. And I actually quite like the creamy texture. It’s almost like custard. I seriously can’t think of one other fruit with this kind of texture.
The entire time, we had a nonstop flow of durians to our table. I had no idea how we were gonna eat them all because I knew I wouldn’t be much help. But thankfully, James brought his appetite.
his intense ready-to-shovel-food face
The carnage on our table. And this wasn’t even half of it.
“You have a lot of durian to eat,” I told James.
In the end, I ate around 5 bulbs. It wasn’t that I was sick of it. It was more the fact that I had a big lunch beforehand so I was just waaay too full to fit anything else in my stomach.
James, on the other hand, ate about 5 whole durians on his own.
After you’re done
When we were done with the durian fest, James said that you need to drink salt water out of the durian shell in order to prevent getting sick. This was something he grew up doing. He explained the durian heats up your body, so you need to cool it down.
you can’t really tell, but there’s water in the durian shell
Certain Asian cultures have the concept of “heating foods” and “cooling foods”. Either one, if eaten too much of, can do harm to your body. Durian is a heating food, which can give you fever, make you break out, etc.
This durian stall provided drinking water and table salt, so James got some for us. He poured some salt and water into one of the empty compartments and drank from it. I’m not sure what the science of this is, but apparently this counteracts the heating properties of durian.
“Do I have to?” I asked. “Does it really work, or is it just an old wives tale?”
“Well you don’t have to. But know that the last time I went to eat durian with a group of friends, the one British girl who didn’t do this woke up the next day with a fever. And no one else got sick.”
And plus, he said, it helps you take away the durian aftertaste in your mouth.
Who am I to argue with old wives? So I took my saltwater durian cup and sipped. I managed a few sips before gagging and almost throwing up (as I find saltwater absolutely disgusting).
So in the end, it wasn’t durian that made me almost puke, but the simple act of drinking saltwater.
Final verdict: did I like it?
I didn’t hate durian, but I’m also not dying to try it again anytime soon. It’s really not as horrible as it smells, but it wasn’t amazing to me either. I actually quite like the creamy texture. And I suspect I would like it more if it were just a little sweeter.
Usually they say that you need to try it 3 times before deciding if you’re in the love-it or hate-it boat. I doubt I’d give it 3 tries though.
I’m really glad I finally got to check off this item on my list! Durian is practically Malaysia’s national fruit. And I’d say that just like nasi lemak, you can’t say you’ve experienced Malaysian food without having tried durian!
Practical Information:
- Where: SS2 Durian House Stall
- When: I believe the buffet was from 3 pm to 7 pm, but I really don’t know if that’s only weekends
- Cost: 30 rm
What do you think? Does this make you drool or gag?
Have you had durian before and how did you like it? If not, would you try it?
I basically just word vomited this post without any editing. I hope it makes sense! If so, maybe I’ll start doing more posts like this, or I’d never get caught up. Let me know what you think!
And now back to my sewing project!
you’re brave! I would never try it :P
Always try everything once, I say!
I can’t believe that a fruit can smell so badly – it looks pretty harmless :D But from the way you describe it, I’m not too sure I would be keen on trying it and I’m definitely not a fan of salty water either :D
Yes, the smell is very distinct and pungent! I think if you stayed in Malaysia long enough, you’d eventually get curious enough to try it hehe
I had no clue durian was a “heating food”. So interesting. I guess I will never eat enough of it to worry about over heating lol
Oh you know about the concept of “heating” and “cooling” foods too! For some reason, every time I’m in China, I overheat with foods!
Respect to you for your bravery! I had no idea that people were so keen on it – a durian restaurant – who knew! I’m impressed by your fortitude! #WanderfulWednesday
Oh there’s a ton of only-durian stalls in this part of KL. The locals really go crazy for this fruit!
A durian buffet?! Wow if you’re gonna do it, do it properly, huh?! I’ve had durian ice cream but not the real thing. I’m heading back to KL this autumn. Hmm, should I dare?! ;)
Yes, try it! You have to try it when you’re in Malaysia :). If you can handle durian ice cream, you probably can handle the real thing too, though it’ll be a lot more pungent!
I’d never heard of this mysterious fruit until now! So glad that you got to try it!
Ohhh, I want to hear about your DIY clothes projects. That sounds cool!
I’m seriously so surprised still that you didn’t see it in Asia! I just modified one of the dresses I bought. I need to figure out a way to take some pretty photos so I can do an outfit post again!
I can’t believe that there’s a durian buffet. I can only imagine the smell…! I also can’t believe that your friend ate 5 whole durians!! That’s crazy!
I know!! He ate soooo many durians on his own, and he ate them really fast too. The smell isn’t bad because it’s open air. But his burps afterwards were really gross!!
I don’t even want to know what that entire buffet place must smell like! >”<
It’s not bad, because it’s open air with fans! I don’t think I even noticed a smell (unless I”m just immune now).
We have not crossed paths with a durian during our travel thru Asia. My husband is dying to taste it. I am shocked there is a buffet style place when you can eat all the durian you want. I have heard it is popular in some place but wow. #wanderfulwednesday
If your husband really wants to try it, you can find it in SoCal! There’s a good chance you can get it in one of those Asian supermarkets. I know, I was shocked by a durian buffet too… and shocked that people actually eat that much.
Woah, NEVER heard of durian before but it sounds like a huge deal in Malaysia! My mom once waited in line for 9 hours to see the world’s stinkiest flower bloom (it smells like a corpse and only blooms every decade) sooo I feel like if she ever went to Malaysia this would be RIGHT up her alley!! I’ll have to share your story ;P
Oh! Malaysia has a stinky corpse flower too (Rafflesia)! Wow 9 hours is CRAZY! I kind of want to see the one in Malaysia and smell just how bad it is. I’m glad I could tell you about something new!
What an interesting treat!! I dont know if I could handle the smell, but will love to try!
I really don’t think the smell is bad when it’s open air like this. In an enclosed space however, it is terrible! Come to Asia someday and try all the weird, delicious fruits here! :)
I totally loved your post! It was really exiciting to wait to your fianl opinion about the fruit! hahahaha I think is a really must do plan in Malaysia. Sounds super fun!
I have never tried it either – mostly because whenever I saw it for sale it was only large pieces and they were expensive. I definitely have to try next time I am in SE Asia
Yeah durian is not cheap, that’s why my friend said that buffet is a really good deal even if you only try a few pieces. Yes, try it next time you’re back in the area!
So interesting! The smell has always scared me from trying one.
I seriously think I just got used to the smell. It doesn’t bother me anymore, but my sister would never try it because of the smell!
Hmm interesting read, we’ve seen durian for sale a few times when we’ve visited Asia, but never plucked up the courage to try it. So after reading your post, interesting, I think we should next time we see it, thanks for all the tips! You ate so many!
Oh no no I didn’t eat all that. My friend did! Yes, try it next time you’re back in this part of SEA. It’s practically Malaysia’s national fruit, so it seems like a pity to miss out on the experience!
Ha ha – wow – I love this. It’s amazing that there’s an actual buffet for durian. I’m still not sure I could try it, but I will keep the details of this place noted in case I’m feeling brave on a visit to KL :) PS. The post totally works – it’s a superb word vomit!
Hehe thanks Ali. If you want to try it, I would just buy a small packet of a few pieces. They are kinda expensive, but it’s big enough for 1-2 people to get a taste.
Ahhhhhh Durian! “No durians” – love that sign all over Asia, it always makes me laugh! I have to be honest though, I have never actually smelt this “vomit fruit” but I will confess to also being scared to try it lol. I did have a durian ice-cream in Thailand and it was OK actually, but I need to man-up (or wo-man-up) and properly try it as you have. Well done for not letting this beat you! So, where are you travelling to next?? #feetdotravel
Wow, how did you travel in Malaysia without smelling it?? If you could handle durian ice cream, you can probably handle the real thing too (it’ll just be more pungent) :).
And I’m in Chengdu right now! I’ve already checked off the biggest item of seeing the pandas, though sadly, no more being able to cuddle one like you could!
I actually tried durian a few years ago and while it wasn’t the best thing I tasted, I would try it again, especially as you say that different fruit have different taste! My sense of smell is really poor though so I couldn’t even smell it! Great post and I want to try durian ice cream sometime too!
Haha, how funny that you couldn’t even smell it! I guess having a poor sense of smell works to your advantage sometimes, especially if it means stinky things won’t affect you so much hehe.
I agree with your exact sentiments on Durian. It’s not awful, but I also never tend to crave it. Beautiful pics :)
So we’re both in the neither love-it nor hate-it group. :)
We have durians in the market too, but I still have yet to try it! Unfortunately, we don’t have a buffet here.
Teesh ♥ || Adventures of Cupcake Girl
Oooh give it a try one of these days, especially if they’re easily available in your market. See if you’ll like it. :)
I’ve seen durian on shows like the Food Network, but haven’t had any experience with it. I think I would have to try it at least once.
Yes! I say to try everything at least once to decide if you like it or not. :)
Glad to know it does not smell as horrible as people say. We are very curious and want to try Durian. Don’t know if we will like it. But surely we will give it a try.
Haha I’m not that bothered by the smell anymore, but some people just cannot get past it. If you ever come across it, give it a try!
For some reason I’m finding the idea of an all you can eat buffet solely for durian very amusing! I wasn’t brave enough to give it a go myself, but you’ve given me courage. If I’m ever back in Malaysia I might give it a crack! I don’t think I’ll go for an all you can eat though. I don’t think I’ll like it that much.
Yeah I didn’t want to do the buffet either. But the price of just one small packet was about the same as the all-you-can-eat. So the buffet was definitely the better deal. Yes, if you come back, try it. :)
I’ve never tried it either, but I’ve heard so much about it and its smell from friends and colleagues. That’s an awful lot of durian, so its good you had someone with you who knew the liked it. Definitely think I have to try it when I visit Malaysia in August.
Ooh yes, you must. It’s practically the national fruit, so it’ll be a pity to miss out. I hope you have a great trip to Malaysia! It’s such a nice country. :)
Oh dear! I saw these when I was travelling in Asia. Our guide in Bali warned us that it’s the stinkiest fruit and you are not allowed to bring them inside the houses haha! I never had the chance to taste it, but I am glad you wrote out your experience with it. I am planning a trip back to Malaysia already and might have to try it then. And yeah, salt water would get me too haha! I had no idea it can prevent you from having a fever. Btw! Where are you off to after Malaysia?
Oh gosh, durian inside a house or any other enclosed space is horrible! It really stinks the entire place up! But it’s not bad if it’s in open air. I’m so glad you loved Malaysia and want to go back. So sorry we didn’t get to meet up when you were there. I’m in Chengdu, China right now! But I’m headed to East Malaysia (the borneo side) in August!
Haha I knew durian is an important part of Malaysian culture, but I didn’t know there were durian buffets! I don’t even remember where I tried durian… I think it was in a market in Cambodia. I didn’t love it didn’t hate it either, but there are many other fruits I like more.
I did’t know either about drinking salt water after eating durian. I certainly didn’t, but I didn’t eat a big amount.
(about your question: yes, the post makes sense and I wouldn’t have guessed it has no editing if you didn’t mention!)
Oh I definitely agree, so many other more delicious tropical fruits in this part of the world! But durian is certainly one of the most unique fruits. I’m glad I finally got to try!
And thanks, I really need to just write more quick posts so I can catch up with all the things I want to share :/. I hate being so behind.