Don’t Say Bojio! Your Ultimate Guide To Spikey Durian Goodness in Singapore This Season 

From Thorn to Treasure: Explore Singapore’s durian culture and the top durian spots to indulge this season. Known as the “King of Fruits,” durian is enjoyed for its creamy, custard-like texture and distinct flavor, yet notorious for its pungent smell which may be off-putting to some. 

This guide delves into the best durian havens in Singapore, where locals and tourists alike can indulge in this divisive delicacy. From famed street-side stalls to high-end fruit markets, these spots offer a range of durian varieties such as the beloved Mao Shan Wang, D24, and the rare Red Prawn, each with unique flavors and textures.

Whether you’re in the mood for a simple, traditional durian experience or looking to try premium varieties, read on and discover popular spots where you can savor the best of this iconic fruit.

Image Credit: Ellenborough Market Cafe @ Paradox Singapore

Singapore’s Durian Culture

Durian, often called the “King of Fruits,” holds a special place in Singapore’s culinary landscape. Known for its strong aroma and rich, custard-like texture, this fruit has earned both ardent admirers and wary detractors. In Singapore, durian is not just a fruit—it’s a cultural icon and a must-try experience for food lovers and tourists alike.

Durian culture in Singapore is deeply embedded in the local food scene, with dedicated stalls, markets, and even festivals celebrating its arrival each season. The durian season typically peaks from June to September, drawing crowds of enthusiasts eager to sample fresh varieties. In Singapore, the fruit is enjoyed in various forms—from fresh, whole durians cracked open at roadside stalls to creative renditions in durian pastries, ice creams, and even savory dishes.

What Makes Durian the “King of Fruits”?

It has earned its title as the “King of Fruits” not just for how it looks but also for its unique profile, which sets it apart from other fruits. From its powerful scent to its complex flavor profile, durian is unlike any other fruit in the world, earning both passionate fans and hesitant skeptics.

• Distinctive Aroma
• Unique Texture
• Complex Flavor Profile

Durian Season in Singapore: When and Where to Go

Durian season in Singapore is a highly anticipated time of year for fruit lovers, especially those who are passionate about this iconic “King of Fruits.” The peak of the durian season brings an abundance of fresh durians to the market, with many locals and tourists alike eagerly flocking to their favorite spots to indulge in this rich, creamy fruit. Here’s everything you need to know about when to go and where to experience the best of Singapore’s durian season.

Image Credit: Ellenborough Market Cafe @ Paradox Singapore

When is Durian Season in Singapore?

The durian season in Singapore typically spans from June to September, although this can vary slightly depending on weather conditions and regional harvests. The peak months for durian availability are usually July and August, when the fruit is most abundant and fresh.

However, durians are available in Singapore year-round, with some varieties such as the D24 and Mao Shan Wang being available outside the main season. Despite this, the “Durian Season” refers to the specific time when the fruit is harvested in abundance, and the best-quality durians are easily accessible.

Durian Festivals and Events

If you visit during the peak season, you might also be able to experience durian festivals and events. These festivals often feature special offers, tasting sessions, and educational activities about the different types of durian available.

• All You Can Eat 60 Mins Durian Buffet @ Fairprice Xtra 
• All Hail the King! 90 Mins Durian Fest @ Resort World Sentosa

Discover Top Recommended Spots For Durian Delights

1. Food Capital @ Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel 

Get ready for a unique and indulgent experience at Food Capital, the renowned buffet restaurant at Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel in Singapore. From 14th July until 14th September, Food Capital is hosting the SG60 Durian Fiesta Buffet, a one-of-a-kind celebration of Singapore’s beloved “King of Fruits”—durian. Durian Fiesta is available for both lunch and dinner from Mondays – Sundays. 

This special buffet is set to offer an exciting and all-you-can-eat durian experience, bringing together a variety of durian-inspired dishes to celebrate the peak of the durian season. Whether you’re a die-hard durian lover or just curious to explore the different ways this iconic fruit can be enjoyed, the SG60 Durian Fiesta Buffet promises something for everyone.

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2. Ellenborough Market Café @ Paradox Singapore 

For all durian lovers and food enthusiasts, Ellenborough Market Café at Paradox Singapore is offering a tantalizing culinary experience with its Weekend Durian Buffet Dinner which is available from Friday to Sunday, between 2nd June to 31st August. They also offer a Durian Fruit Bazaar Buffet Dinner, available on Thursday only, between 10 July to 7 August. 

Guests are invited to indulge in a delightful array of durian-infused dishes and the freshest durians available during Singapore’s peak durian season.Whether you’re a seasoned durian connoisseur or someone new to this bold and flavorful fruit, the buffet offers something for everyone.

Highlights of the Buffet:

• Fresh Durian: The star of the buffet, fresh durian will be available in abundance. Enjoy a variety of popular durian varieties like the creamy Mao Shan Wang, aromatic D24, and sweet Red Prawn durians. These will be served in their most natural, freshly cracked open form for your enjoyment.
• Durian Pastries and Desserts: Durian’s versatility shines through in the dessert section of the buffet. Savor delicious Durian Puffs, Durian Pengat, Durian Cakes, and Durian Mousse—all expertly crafted to bring out the rich, custard-like texture of the fruit in every bite.
• Durian-Inspired Dishes: In addition to traditional desserts, the buffet will feature innovative durian-inspired savory dishes, such as Durian Fried Rice, Durian Tempura, and Durian Pizza, offering a fun twist on familiar comfort food with the signature flavor of durian.
• Live Durian Carving Stations: For a truly interactive experience, guests can enjoy live durian carving stations where they can pick and sample their favorite durian varieties, freshly opened and ready to eat. Get the freshest durian experience possible, served with care and attention.
• Local Delights: Aside from the durian-centric dishes, Ellenborough Market Café offers a wide range of local Singaporean delights. Enjoy dishes like Chilli Crab, Hainanese Chicken Rice, Satay, and Laksa, ensuring that everyone, including those who aren’t fans of durian, will find something to love.

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3. Royale Restaurant @ Mercure Singapore Bugis 

Celebrate Singapore’s rich culinary heritage and indulge in the iconic King of Fruits with a unique dining experience at Royale Restaurant in Mercure Singapore Bugis. As part of Singapore’s SG60 celebrations, Royale Restaurant is offering a special SG60 Local Buffet Dinner featuring Free Flow Durian on Fri and Sat, between 25 July until 9 August, 7 – 9pm.

Highlights of the SG60 Local Buffet Dinner:

• Free Flow Durian: The star of this buffet is undoubtedly the free-flowing durian, available throughout the dinner. Savor freshly cracked open durians, including varieties like the creamy Mao Shan Wang, aromatic D24, and the sweet Red Prawn. Whether you’re a long-time durian lover or new to the fruit, you’ll be treated to unlimited servings of this beloved fruit.
• Local Singaporean Delights: In addition to the durian, the buffet features a wide array of Singaporean favorites that highlight the nation’s rich culinary heritage. Enjoy dishes like Chilli Crab, Laksa, Satay, Hainanese Chicken Rice, and Nasi Lemak, all prepared with authentic local flavors.
• Live Stations: Experience interactive dining with live stations offering freshly made dishes. Watch chefs prepare Char Kway Teow, Roti Prata, and other local specialties, bringing even more vibrancy and excitement to the buffet experience.
• Durian Desserts and Pastries: For those who love the fruit in every form, the buffet will feature durian-inspired desserts such as Durian Puffs, Durian Pengat, Durian Mousse, and Durian Cake, allowing you to enjoy the fruit’s rich, creamy texture in a sweet, indulgent way.
• Traditional Singaporean Desserts: In addition to the durian treats, the buffet will also feature popular local desserts like Kueh Lapis, Chendol, and Tau Suan, adding the perfect sweet finish to your meal.

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4. Food Exchange @ Novotel Singapore on Stevens 

For those who can’t get enough of Singapore’s beloved “King of Fruits,” the Durian Fiesta Brunch at Food Exchange at Novotel Singapore on Stevens is the perfect event to indulge in this rich, creamy delicacy. Only available every Sunday, from 1-31 August, from 12 – 2.30pm, the Durian Fiesta invites durian enthusiasts and curious foodies alike to enjoy a wide array of durian-inspired dishes in a luxurious and vibrant dining setting.

• Durian Buffet Extravaganza: The buffet will feature an abundance of fresh, high-quality durian varieties. Enjoy durians such as the creamy Mao Shan Wang, fragrant D24, and the sweet Red Prawn durian, freshly cracked open for you to savor at your leisure.
• Durian-Inspired Dishes: The fiesta will showcase a variety of innovative and delicious durian-infused dishes. Indulge in savory options like Durian Fried Rice, Durian Pizza, and Durian Spring Rolls, as well as sweet treats such as Durian Puffs, Durian Cakes, Durian Mousse, and Durian Ice Cream. Each dish is carefully crafted to highlight the unique texture and flavor of durian in both savory and dessert forms.
• Live Durian Stations: For an interactive experience, guests can visit live durian carving stations where skilled chefs crack open fresh durians, serving them directly to your plate. This ensures that you enjoy the fruit at its freshest and most flavorful.
• Singaporean Favorites: While durian takes center stage, Food Exchange also offers a range of Singaporean classics, from Hainanese Chicken Rice and Laksa to Satay and Chilli Crab, ensuring there’s something for everyone at the table, even for those who might not be as fond of durian.
• Durian Desserts: The dessert station is a must-visit for durian lovers, with an assortment of durian-based sweet treats like Durian Custard, Durian Mochi, and Durian Tarts to end your meal on a high note.

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5. Sun’s Cafe @ Hotel Grand Pacific 

If you’re not a full-fledged durian lover but still want to get a taste of that spikey goodness, Sun’s Cafe at Hotel Grand Pacific offers a unique treat that is sure to satisfy your cravings: Durian Pengat. This indulgent dessert is a must-try for anyone who enjoys the rich and creamy flavor of durian, and it’s the perfect way to savor the fruit in a comforting, sweet form.

Durian Pengat is a traditional Singaporean dessert that blends the creamy flesh of durian with coconut milk, sugar, and sometimes a hint of pandan. The result is a rich, smooth, and luxurious pudding-like dessert that beautifully highlights the flavor of durian without overwhelming your taste buds. Its silky texture and balanced sweetness make it a popular choice for durian enthusiasts.

At Sun’s Cafe, the Durian Pengat is made with the finest durians, ensuring a high-quality, indulgent experience with each bite. Served chilled, it’s a refreshing and satisfying treat, especially during Singapore’s warm, tropical climate.Click here to reserve: Book your table now on eatigo