Durian Guide: 9 Trusty Heartland Stalls That Are Worth Your Every Dollar & Cent!

Mmm.. durians. Just thinking about it makes us drool!

But the king of fruits can get a little pricey and it sucks if the taste doesn’t match the price you paid for.

[caption id="attachment_19370" align="alignnone" width="761"]Image source: fatboo Image source: durian stalls Image source: yelp.com.sg[/caption]

There’s a stream of loyal customers who know that Uncle Leong only serves the best durian.

Just look at the amount of fans he’s got on Facebook. With close to 3000 followers and a general rating of 4.8/5.0 for his durians, you really need to make Uncle Leong one of your go-to heartland durian stalls.

Plus, Uncle Leong is known for is honesty too!

[caption id="attachment_19471" align="aligncenter" width="960"]Credit: Leong Tee Durian FB Credit: Leong Tee Durian FB[/caption]

His all-you-can-eat durian buffet is priced at $40, and a kilo of Mao Shan Wang (Musang King) will cost you about $18.  That sure is a pretty sweet deal!

Leong Tee Fruit Trader
Address264 Tanjong Katong Road, Singapore 437051
Opening Hours: 2:00PM – 10:00PM (Daily)
Contact no.: +65 6346 6683
Facebook: Leong Tee Durian

2. It’s All About The Kampong (Wild) Durians – Wan Li Xiang Durian Stall

This is probably the last durian stall still standing in Dempsey.

[caption id="attachment_15118" align="alignnone" width="1280"]Durian Stalls Image source: hungrygowhere.com[/caption]

Here’s another fun fact – Wan Li Xiang is one of a few durian stalls that still offers durians sourced from our very own Pulau Ubin.

These Kampong durians come by usually at 3pm, but are usually gone in a matter of hours.

[caption id="attachment_19472" align="aligncenter" width="960"]Credit: HaeAn Sung Credit: HaeAn Sung[/caption]

Fortunately, you can secure yourself some tender durian goodness by placing a pre-order.

Just let the Ah Di, the veteran stall owner know your preference of bitter or sweet and he’ll pick the right one for you.

Wang Li Xiang Durian Stall
Address: 7 Dempsey Hill, Singapore 249670 (Secluded carpark at the end of right hand side of the fork road after Blk 7 Dempsey Hill)
Opening Hours: 3:00PM – 12:00AM (Daily)
Contact no.:+65 9756 2385,+65 9018 2853
Facebook: Wan Li Xiang Durian @ Dempsey

3. Best For Non-Mandarin/Dialect Speaking Patrons – Sindy Durians

Shy to flaunt the Mandarin you picked up from watching Channel 8?

Just head to Sindy Durian to get your durian cravings fixed without any miscommunication as they converse well in English.

[caption id="attachment_19473" align="aligncenter" width="1151"]1658240_599931100077060_1087228870_o Credit: Sindy FB[/caption]

A family-run business, Sindy has been running their durian stall for over 30 years! They were previously in Balestier before moving to Whampoa.

They were also one of the first durian stalls in Singapore to provide durian vacuum packing for overseas travel since 2005. In fact, they occasionally ship durians to Hong Kong. Other durian stalls were then inspired by this ‘durian influencer’ and have since followed suit.

Sindy Durian
Address: 01-835, 89 Whampoa Drive, 320089
Opening Hours: 2:00pm – 10:00pm (Daily)
Contact no.: +65 97102427
Facebook: Sindy Durian

5. Yesss to Durian Buffet – 211 House Of Durian

Ask anyone from Toa Payoh about the best durian stalls and they’ll surely mention 211!

[caption id="attachment_19354" align="alignnone" width="960"]Image source: 211 house of durian Image source: 211 house of durian[/caption]

Formerly known as Sin Yee Wang Durian, 211’s durians are driven in daily from Malaysia! This ensures the freshness of the fruit that we all crave for.

But the real attraction of this durian stall lies in their durian buffets held usually end of season to clear durian stock.

[caption id="attachment_19474" align="aligncenter" width="960"]15284155_1366806780005480_8453579986877956213_n Image source: 211 house of durian[/caption]

Expect to shell out S$20 as an adult, BUT be prepared to fall in love with the endless supply of fantastic durians for just a fraction of its usual price.

Keep a look out on their Facebook page for the next buffet details.

While you’re at it, you can also try their durian soft serve ice cream or buy a pack of durian puree for your baking needs.

211 House of Durian Pte Ltd
Address: #01-21, 211 Lorong 8 Toa Payoh, Singapore 310211
Opening Hours: 10:00AM – 10:00PM (Daily)
Contact no.: +65 9108 3710
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: 211 House Of Durian

6. Seriously Reasonably Priced Durians – Botak Kho

He gets his name from his squeaky clean shaven head, but he’s also known for selling high-grade durians at an affordable price.

[caption id="attachment_19367" align="alignnone" width="1600"]Image source: A Tad Bit of Thoughts Image source: .

His durians come in daily at 2pm and we recommend his Red Prawn and Mao Shan Wang durians.

Botak Kho
Address: Block 157 Bukit Batok Street 11
Opening Hours: 1:00PM – 10:00PM (Daily)
Contact no.: +65 8156 2247
Blog:
Image source: Durian Kaki Image source: Durian Kaki[/caption]

The business is formed by a tight knit group of durian lovers.

They went high and low, from Malacca to Johor and even Kalimantan, Indonesia to learn everything about the king of fruits.

After some flat tyres, getting lost in foreign land and countless mosquitoes attack, Durian Kaki was formed.

[caption id="attachment_19475" align="aligncenter" width="581"]14369997_1607919379506110_7416022974417528611_n Image source: Durian Kaki[/caption]

Today, there are 6800-odd followers on their Facebook page and their durians are rated at 4.5/5 stars.

Their Mao San Wang, Mei Qiu and Jin Feng will not disappoint you.

Here’s a true story coming up. We’ve visited Durian Kaki a few times. Once, they opened a durian that just didn’t smell so good. Without hesitation, they threw the whole durian into a bin, and opened another. That just shows their commitment to serving their customers the best durians.

Durian Kaki
Address: Junction 9, Yishun Avenue 9, #01-83 Singapore 768897
Opening Hours: 2:00PM – 11:00PM (Daily)
Contact no.: +65 8405 8509
Facebook: Durian Kaki

8. Durian King of the West – Ah Seng Durian

Here’s super famous durian stall for Singaporeans in the west. In fact, Ah Seng Durian is regarded highly by Singaporeans all over the island.

[caption id="attachment_19476" align="aligncenter" width="960"]14450019_1219385268112439_866039151901196763_n source: Ah Seng Durian[/caption]

Ah Seng Durian carries a wide range of durians – Mao Shan Wang, D15, Bak You, Xian Hong and even Green Skin durians.

[caption id="attachment_19477" align="aligncenter" width="960"]14441010_1219385324779100_455603977256679133_n source: Ah Seng Durian[/caption]

Here’s how crazy the crowd gets at Ah Seng Durian. We can’t believe it!

[caption id="attachment_19478" align="aligncenter" width="540"]14463041_1219419634775669_7442377852434386528_n source: Ah Seng Durian[/caption]

Just look at the picture below. Their Jin Feng (golden phoenix) is absolutely gorgeous.

Image source: Ah Seng DurianImage source: Ah Seng Durian

We have to constantly remind ourselves to not check their Facebook page before lunch time. It’s super tempting, you just can’t wait to head there straight away after work.

They also have durian puree at $20 per packet while a vacuum packed Mao Shan Wang goes at $40 per pack.

Ah Seng Durian
Address: Block 20, #01-119 to #01-122 Ghim Moh Market, 270020 (stall is right inside the middle of the market)
Opening Hours: 10:00AM – 8:00PM (Daily)
Contact no.: +65 9465 6160
Facebook: Ah Seng Durian

9. Best For Durian Party – The Durian Tree

This heartland durian stall is known for three things – great durians, fantastic customer service, and honesty.

[caption id="attachment_15654" align="alignnone" width="960"]Credit: Singaporewest.sg Image source: Singaporewest.sg[/caption]

They also offer deliveries – you don’t even need to step out of your house to get your durian fix!

And the best part of all, The Durian Tree has ample sitting space for those who would like to hold a small durian party.

[caption id="attachment_19479" align="aligncenter" width="960"]13533060_1780668428831108_6951555396612446848_n Image source: Singaporewest.sg[/caption]

The durians available include the luscious Black Gold durian, King of King, Mao Shan Wang, XXXOD24 and D88.

Just give their hotline a call or check out their Facebook page for availability.

The Durian Tree
Address: Block 277 Bukit Batok East Avenue 3, Singapore 650277
Opening Hours: 2:00PM – 11:00PM (Daily)
Contact no.: +65 9812 4148
Facebook: The Durian Tree

There you have it, 9 good old heartland durian stalls that are bound to keep you durian happy for days.

Enjoy the fruit and feast as soon as you can. But don’t forget to drink lots of water after your date with the durians!

How do you like your durian? Drop us a comment and let us know.

Header image source:  yelp.com.sg

Also, read Bitter or Sweet? Guide To Identifying Your Favourite Durian Types

Old Is Gold – 12 Best Food Finds In Mature Estate Toa Payoh!

Familiar to most Singaporeans is Toa Payoh, one of the most mature heartlands you can find in Singapore. Some may equate maturity to being old and forgotten, but hidden in this estate are some delicious dishes you can’t find anywhere else.

Listed below are our top 10 food picks from Toa Payoh. We don’t know about you, but we think this mature estate has yet to lose its charms.

1.Fu Zhou Ban Mian

banmianstall_pinkypiggu

Credit: www.pinkypiggu.com

[caption id="attachment_8833" align="alignnone" width="1024"]Banmian_pinkypiggu Ban Mian Fish Soup Credit: Pinkypiggu[/caption]

Not only are the stall owners generous with their ingredients, the fresh fish slices served with noodles are often accompanied by with a hearty serving of crispy anchovies and poached egg. For non-veggie fans, you will be pleased to know that you can opt to switch the veggies for extra noodles at absolutely no charge.

Do, however, expect to wait up to 20mins for a bowl of soupy goodness during lunch hours!

Fu Zhou Ban Mian
Opening hours: Daily, 10am – 9pm
Address: #01-406 J99 Eating House, Blk 186 Toa Payoh Central Singapore 310186

2. Melben Seafood 

melben_melbenseafood

Credit: Melben Seafood

For those craving zi-char or crab dishes, you’d want to check A stall definitely familiar to crab lovers, Melben offers a variety of crab dishes that range from Chilli Crab to its signature Crab Bee Hoon in Claypot ($60). The sweet and savoury milky buttery soup of the Crab Bee Hoon totally had us at the first sip. However, be sure to ration the soup as extra soup comes at an extra charge.

The queue can get expectedly long during dinner time so it’s best to either head down a little earlier or to book a table beforehand.

Melben Seafood (Toa Payoh) 
Address: TPY Melben Seafood, Blk 211 Toa Payoh Lorong 8 #01-11/15, S310211
Contact: 6353 3120

3. Oppa! Choo Choo

friedchicken_AlexChuaBurpple

Credit: Alex Chua’s Burpple

For the K-Pop fanatics, you may have already heard of this Korean fried chicken café.

With six flavours (crispy, spicy, sweet, garlic, soy and honey soy) to choose from, the fried chicken ($16 for 8 pieces) here is juicy and flavourful. The crispy version tastes like the average fried chicken but the honey soy (our personal favourite) is a good mix of sweet and savoury; totally worth every sinful calorie!

riceburger_benvadofacebook

Credit: Benvado’s Facebook

Besides fried chicken, Oppa! Choo Choo serves a variety of other Korean food such as rice burgers and bingsus. We highly recommend the rice burger with spicy pork ($6.90).

Oppa! Choo Choo
Address: 
600 Toa Payoh Lorong 4 #01-05 S319515
Opening hours: Daily, 11.30am to 11pm (Last order at 10.30pm)
Contact: 6255 2023

4. RedRing Treasures

redringstore_redringtreasuresfacebook

Credit: RedRing Treasures Facebook

Since we’re on the topic of fried chicken, there is another eatery in Toa Payoh that specialises in the dish.

Opened last year is , which happens to be one of our childhood chicken rice haunts.

redringsignature_redringtreasuresfacebook

Credit: RedRing Treasures Facebook

Their crunchy, tender and juicy cutlets are marinated for whopping 24 hours. Each bite is a step closer to food heaven.

A must-try is the RedRing Signature Chicken Cutlet Noodles ($4.90). Like the cutlet, the noodles are made in-house. Paired with two kinds of sauces, the QQ (chewy) noodles are sweet and savoury at the same time.

RedRing Treasures (Gourmet Paradise Outlet)

Opening hours: Daily, 10am to 10pm
Contact:  9489 6057
Address: 502 Lor 6 Toa Payoh, S319397

5. Hougang 6 Mile Mua Chee

muahchee_eatbook.sg

Credit: eatbook.sg

Originally located at Hougang Ave 8, this childhood snack is our favourite of the lot.

Though $3.50 for a box of mixed Mua Chee (sesame and peanuts) may admittedly be a little steep, it is arguably the best Mua Chee in Singapore.

Hougang 6 Mile Mua Chee

Opening hours: Daily, 12pm to 10pm
Contact:  9862 1501
Address: 480 Toa Payoh Lorong 6 #B1-01 HDB Hub Gourmet Paradise Food Court Stall 21 Singapore 310480

6. Thunder Tea Rice (HDB Hub)

thundertearice_smallpotatoesmakethesteaklookbigger.blogspot.sg

Credit: smallpotatoesmakethesteaklookbigger.blogspot.sg

For the health nuts, you’ll be glad to learn of the existence of It may look unappetizing, but the greenish soup that comes with our meal was pretty tasty. Never judge a soup by its appearance, we say.

Thunder Tea Rice (HDB Hub)

Address: Blk 480 Toa Payoh Lor 6, HDB Hub S(310480) Gourmet Paradise, Stall 4
Opening hours: Daily, 10am to 10pm
Contact:  6397 2880

7. JQ Chef Café

JQChefcafe_Jqchefcafe

Credit: JQ Chef Cafe

This relatively new café that opened last year has since received jqchefcafe_danielfooddiary

Credit: danielfooddiary.com

They do offer set lunches ($15.90) that consist of a salad, main course and ice cream. For this, we highly recommend getting the Mushroom Aglio Olio as the main course! Do note that set lunches are only available from 11.30am to 3pm.

JQ Chef Café

Address: 186 Toa Payoh Central #01-428
Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 12 pm to 10pm, closed on Mondays
Contact:  6354 4541

8. Creamier 

Creamier_cavinteo.blogspot.com

Credit: cavinteo.blogspot.com

There may be hundreds of waffle cafes in Singapore but creamier_smittenglutton.wordpress.com

Credit: smittenglutton.wordpress.com

If you are afraid that things may get a little too saccharine for your liking, we recommend getting the Sea Salt Gula Melaka ice cream for that savoury contrast.

Like some of the other eateries mentioned, Creamier is insanely popular, especially during the weekends. You might have to wait up to 40mins. So if you wish to get your waffle fix, be sure to head down early!

Creamier

Address: Blk 128 Toa Payoh Lorong 1 #01-835, S310128
Opening hours: Tuesday to Thursday and Sunday, 12pm to 10pm, Friday and Saturdays, 12pm to 11pm
Contact:  6250 1476

9. Toa Payoh Fried Kway Teow

tpyfriedkuayteow_somewhere502.rssing

Credit: somewhere502.rssing.com

An old school comfort food, we’re sure many are familiar with Char Kway Teow. At Toa Payoh Fried Kway Teow, get ready to expect a slightly darker and sweeter version of the dish. The version served at this stall may be closer to Malaysia’s rendition, but we assure you that it is just as delicious.

Toa Payoh Fried Kway Teow

Address: Blk 22, Toa Payoh Lor 7 Food Centre #01-51 S 310022
Opening hours: Monday and Wednesday to Sunday, 11am to 6pm, closed on Tuesdays
Contact:  9743 1206

10. Swatow Teochew Restaurant

deepfriedpigtrotter_swatow

Credit: Swatow

Like what its name implies, eggtarts_swatow

Credit: Swatow

It may not be a bakery, but Swatow’s egg tarts are hands down, one of the best we’ve had so far. Speaking of Dim Sum, Swatow offers Dim Sum buffets from 3pm to 5pm daily ($19.80++ on weekdays and $22.80++ on weekends). A little tip from us: be sure to get your hands on the egg tarts first as they tend to run out fast!

Swatow Teochew Restaurant

Address: Blk 181 Lorong 4 Toa Payoh #02-602 S310181
Opening hours: Daily, 8am to 10.30pm
Contact:  6363 1717

11. Kim Keat Hokkien Mee

hokkienmee_kimkeathokkienmeefb

Credit: Kim Keat Hokkien Mee Facebook

Unlike the usual Hokkien mee, Kim Keat Hokkien Mee serves theirs in bubbling hot claypots. Claypot has been known to enhance the flavours of dishes, but we’re not too sure if the claypots or some other secret ingredient is responsible for the delicious stock of this dish.

Besides the usual prawn, sotong, and sio bak (fried pork belly), you’ll find clams in this dish, making the broth slightly sweeter than its counterparts.

kimkeatopehleafhkmee_ieatandeat.com

Credit: ieatandeat.com

They do offer the Opeh leaf version ($8) where the Hokkien mee is served on the leaf itself, giving the dish a smoky taste. The broth is not as rich, though. So for those who prefer the slurpy type of Hokkien mee, you may want to stick to the claypot version.

Portions here run a little small so big eaters may wish to consider upsizing their meals (from $10 for 2 pax onwards). The chilli may be a little disappointing for chilli lovers but rest assured that the dish itself is tasty enough.

Kim Keat Hokkien Mee

Address: Toa Payoh Lorong 4, Blk 92 #01-264, Toa Payoh, S310092
Opening hours: Monday and Wednesday to Sunday, 11.30am to 9.30pm, closed on Tuesdays
Contact:  9456 0413

12. Ocean Curry Fish Head 

oceancurryfishhead_jthejon.blogspot.com

Credit: jthejon.blogspot.com

Whilst you are here for Kim Keat Hokkien Mee, be sure to also check out The dish may be relatively pricier, but that’s because stall owner Mr Tay uses only the best quality Ang Goli (Gold Band Snapper). We can definitely testify for the freshness of the fish as some of us have had it many times!

curryfishhead_www.sgfoodonfoot.com

Credit: www.sgfoodonfoot.com

The curry here is a mix of Indian and Nyonya curry. The sweetness of the Nyonya curry marries perfectly with the spiciness of the Indian’s. As you dig in, you’ll be pleasantly surprised to find chunks of fresh pineapple and ladies’ fingers.

Besides fish head curry, this stall also serves other zi char dishes like Har Lok ($3 per prawn). You choose such dishes ala economical rice stall style – dishes are displayed in circular tin plates behind a glass panel. Again, prices are relatively higher than your usual economic rice stall but we say it’s worth every cent.

Ocean Curry Fish Head (Toa Payoh)

Address: Blk 92, Lorong 4 Toa Payoh #01-264, S310092
Opening hours: Daily, 11am to 9pm, closed every alternative Tuesdays and the day after all public holidays
Contact:  6252 2168

Did we miss out any good eateries in Toa Payoh? Leave a comment and let us know your favourite eats!

Headline credit: words by writer and picture by www.cheekiemonkey.net

Also, read 8 Geylang Serai Bazaar Street Snacks Worth Braving The Heat For!

Yun Xiang Kolo Mee – For Your Authentic M’sian Noodle Craving!

Singapore is a food heaven for noodles lovers. There’s Wanton Mee, Prawn Noodles, Fried Noodles, Curry Noodles, Pan Mee, Cantonese Yi Mee, Bak Chor Mee, and there’s also the Kolo Mee.

[caption id="attachment_6475" align="alignnone" width="615"]Image source: Public Domain Pictures Image source: Sarawak Kolomee Yun Xiang’s Sarawak Kolomee[/caption]

Priced at $3.50 per bowl, customers have the option to pick between the ‘white’ and ‘red’ sauce (the red is from the charsiew) Kolo noodles. The noodles are well cooked, bouncy and you can feel the ‘Q-ness’ as you take a bite. And the charsiew? It sure is moist and juicier than its look!

[caption id="attachment_6478" align="alignnone" width="960"]Yun Xiang's Sarawak Laksa Yun Xiang’s Sarawak Laksa[/caption]

If you’re craving for something a little more spicy and tangy, Yun Xiang’s Sarawak Laksa (priced at $4.50 per bowl) will keep your tongue and tummy satisfied.

[caption id="attachment_6479" align="alignnone" width="960"]Small bites Small bites to complete your meal[/caption]

Besides the two signature dishes, Yun Xiang offers other dishes such as Wanton Mee (Soup) ($3.50), Rojak ($3-$5), Popiah ($1.40), and light snacks such as Bean Curd, Fritters, Cuttle Fish and Century Eggs ($1-$2 each).

Their operating hours are 8:30am – 8:00pm. Tip: they usually sell out before 8:00pm! Be there early if you want to avoid disappointment!

Yun Xiang Sarawak Kolo Mee
Address: Blk 19 Toa Payoh Lorong 7 #01-264
Operating Hours: Daily, 8:30am – 8:00pm
Tel: 9420 5987
Getting there:
From Toa Payoh interchange, take bus 238 and stop at Blk 23 (52311) – 4 stops in total
From Bishan interchange, take bus 57 and stop at Pei Chun Public School (523241) – 7 stops in total

(Header image and food images: Yun Xiang Sarawak Kolo Mee)

Also read: Exquisite Restaurant Dishes All Under $15 At Savour Gourmet Festival!