Ahhhhh, it’s that time of the year again. The quest is on again for the delicacy that looks like a cross between a hedgehog and a hand grenade, with an odor that has been likened to rotten meat which caused it to be banned in hotels and public transportation in Singapore. Though I am not a hardcore, I, too, am into this whole durian eating business. So I headed to Balestier for some durian love.
The place is a semi permanent set up with plenty of tables and chairs. There’s quite a big selection of durians, from Mau Sang Wang and King of Kings, to the more common Red Prawn, you can pick you choose. So what is the fuss about the Mao Sang Wang (loosely translated : mountain cat or musang king in Malay), which is priced higher than the rest? It’s rich and creamy – almost buttery – small seeds and the slightly bitter sweet after taste lingers long in your mouth.
While there is no question about the Mao Shan Wang’s allure, identifying the real McCoy may sometimes be challenging. I asked for three Mau Sang Wang but the bloke at Combat Durian blatantly took one from the basket with the Mau Sang Wang sign and two from the other basket with the sign which reads King of Kings. When I enquired, he told me it’s the same and there’s no difference in price. There is a distinct difference in the two – the Mau Sang Wang reigns supreme and the other pales in comparison, but as at all durian stalls, once open considered sold.
Combat durian obviously has a very powerful position in the durian sellers market. With such unethical methods, Combat durian needs to be tamed, but there is no one simple solution. This is the true truth as I say it as it is…
PEr FYI 