Durian: One Fruit, Endless Possibilities!

Love it or loathe it, there’s no escaping the mighty durian. With its thorny armour and an aroma so strong it could clear a room (or attract hardcore durian lovers from miles away), this fruit is unapologetically itself. But here’s the thing—beneath that spiky, polarising persona lies an incredibly versatile fruit that can be transformed into an array of mouthwatering delicacies. 

If you ever doubted durian’s flexibility, prepare to be amazed (and maybe a little hungry)!

1. Serawa Durian – The King’s Royal Dip

Imagine warm, creamy durian puree cooked with coconut milk and gula Melaka—this is serawa durian, the ultimate dipping companion for roti jala or pulut (glutinous rice). One spoonful, and you’ll wonder why this dish isn’t an everyday staple. 

(Source: https://my.theasianparent.com/resepi-serawa-durian)

2. Durian Crepe – The Pillow of Happiness

Durian wrapped in a delicate, thin pancake? Yes, please! Durian crepe is the ultimate way to trick your non-durian-loving friends into trying the fruit. Just don’t tell them what’s inside until they’ve had a bite. Bonus tip: Chill it in the fridge for an even silkier texture that melts in your mouth.

3. Durian Cake – A Sweet, Bold Statement

Forget vanilla or chocolate—real daredevils opt for durian cake. Soft, moist and packed with durian’s unmistakable flavour, this dessert is a favourite among durian aficionados. Perfect for birthdays or just because you love living life on the edge.

(Source: https://www.secretrecipe.com.my/menu/cake/6-inch-range/absolute-durian-cake)

4. Cendol Durian – The Icy Treat with a Royal Twist

Cendol is already an iconic Malaysian dessert, but when you add durian? Game over. That extra burst of creamy, bittersweet durian elevates the shaved ice, pandan jelly and gula Melaka to legendary levels of indulgence. It’s a symphony of flavours that will make you forget all about the heat—until the sun reminds you again five minutes later.

5. Durian Dodol – Sticky, Sweet and Sinfully Addictive

Dodol on its own is already an amazing chewy treat, but mix in durian, and you’ve got a dangerously good dessert. This is the kind of snack that disappears from the table before you even realise you’ve eaten half of it.

6. Tempoyak – Fermented Funky Goodness

Not all durian creations are sweet! Tempoyak is durian taken to the next level—fermented into a tangy, umami-rich paste that’s perfect for cooking, especially with fish dishes. If you’re feeling adventurous, this is your golden ticket to next-level Malaysian flavours.

(Source: https://cookpad.com/my/recipes/17083502-sambal-tempoyak)

7. Durian Ice Cream – Because Why Not?

If durian itself is too much for you, start with baby steps—like durian ice cream. Cold, creamy and just enough durian flavour to make you curious without overwhelming your senses (or your neighbours).

8. Bubur Kacang Durian – The Comforting Bowl

A classic Malaysian dessert gets an upgrade with durian. Bubur kacang hijau (mung bean porridge) mixed with coconut milk and gula Melaka becomes an even richer treat when you throw in chunks of creamy durian. It’s the perfect rainy-day indulgence!

(Source: https://myresipi.com/bubur-kacang-hijau-durian/)

9. Durian Cream Tart – A Bite-sized Delight

For those who love pastries, durian cream tart is a must-try. A buttery tart shell filled with luscious durian custard makes for a delightful balance of crisp and creamy textures. Even those sceptical of durian might find themselves converted.

(Source: https://muntalksfood.blogspot.com/2019/10/hokkaido-durian-cheese-tart.html)

10. Durian Goreng – The Crispy Surprise

Deep-frying durian? Absolutely! Coat durian in a light batter and fry it until golden brown for a crunchy-on-the-outside, creamy-on-the-inside experience. It’s sweet, crispy and addictive—perfect as a street snack.

(Source: Instagram @yelyakurniawan)

Durian is more than just a fruit; it’s an experience, a conversation starter, and for some, a lifelong obsession. Whether you like it fresh, in a cake or fermented beyond recognition, there’s no denying its versatility. Just like durian, MyRehat stays true to its roots—celebrating the authenticity of Malaysia through stays, experiences and flavours that make our country unique.

Want more quirky, local stories like this? Head over to www.myrehat.com and explore a world of authentic travel and food adventures. Because just like durian, Malaysia is best enjoyed in all its bold, unfiltered glory!