Ballyhoo: Durian Heaven

We were in Kuala Lumpur 7 nights, 6 days. Three of those days, I took a GRAB (Asian Uber) to SS2 Durian House Stall - out in the suburbs, about thirty minutes away. In that area, there are a lot of durian markets. And big ones! For at least a year, I had been researching where to have the best durian experiences in Kuala Lumpur. I had also studied up on Penang, a Malaysian region and island where a lot of the country's best durian is grown. At some point during our trip, I ruled out going to Penang and focused only on Kuala Lumpur. Since KL is nation's capital and largest city, durian is trucked in frequently from all the best farms. SS2 Durian House Stall is one of the big buyers, and it has an excellent inventory. And although mainly visited by locals, SS2 is an easy place for tourists to sample many varieties. Although pricier than many other places, SS2 has an excellent reputation. You know what you're buying, the prices are clearly displayed and there are plenty of workers to help you. The way it's set up, too, it's very easy to eat durian in a relaxed fashion. I don't enjoy eating it in a crowded market where I have to stand. I'd pay more for the comfort and convenience offered by a place like SS2 Durian House Stall. My plan was to go there as often as I could and try as many varieties as I could. It was a great decision! On my phone, in my notes app, I had a list of durians I wanted to try, in the order of desirability (to me). In my three visits to SS2, I ended up eating six varieties. For the record: That's six whole durians. I could have shared with one or two other people and sampled a dozen varieties - maybe I will do that next time - but honestly, the portion size of each durian was not too much for me. I enjoyed eating it all! It was very satisfying. And the last bite was as good as the first. Ever since trying durian for the first time in Thailand many years ago, I have never not liked it. Usually Thais (and now Malaysians) seem very intrigued by my love for durian and yet think I could be eating too much. I do love it!

Visit #1

Udang Merah

Other names: Red Prawn, D175, Ang3 Haeh2, Hong Xia, Ang Hay

ice cream on a toasted waffle, intensely cherry-sweet to a mellow cherry-wine cream, sticky, sweet, rich and pungent aroma, used in durian ice cream

Old Tree Musang King

Other names: Mao Shan Wang, D197, Mor3sang3 Ong2

thick and yellow golden flesh, creamy, sweet, sometimes bitter, very rich, pleasant aroma

It's recommended you enjoy a refreshing drink (not alcohol) after eating durian. Coconut water is perfect!

Visit #2

Super XO & Hor Lor

XO (subspecies of D24)

pale creamy flesh, soft texture, pungent, alcohol flavor like French Brandy

Ho Lor (D163)

drier, sweeter, less pungent, mild-tasting, good durian for novices, sticky and nutty (think Reeses Peanut Butter Cup)

another Udang Merah

Visit #3

D101

D101 (Mas)

slightly sweet and bitter, creamy, herbal, fibrous, thick

Black Gold Musang King

creamy, sweet, sometimes bitter, very rich, pleasant aroma, hints of caramel and nuttiness, fruity notes (banana or mango)

Divide 4.64 into those figures and you get what I paid in USD for two durians and a coconut.

These coconuts had just been delivered. It's funny.... I noticed that coconuts on the menu board were labeled 'Thai coconuts'. Although Thailand is Malaysia's northern neighbor, I would have thought Malaysia would be a huge coconut producer and that local businesses would sell only local products.

SS2 Durian House Stall

I tried cendol, which is a popular shaved iced dessert in Malaysia. Coconut milk, palm sugar syrup and various toppings (healthy and/or sweet) are then put on top. And if you're very lucky, you can find a place that will add a large piece of Musang King durian. D.Masking at Lot 10 mall in Kuala Lumpur is such a place. They also serve Musang King ice cream, durian coffee and durian milkshakes. I loved their cendol. My toppings were creamed corn, kidney beans, pandan jelly noodles and durian. But let there be no doubt: I would always prefer durian by itself over these specialty desserts.