Post by V. K. Santosh Kumar

Growing up in Kerala, I always believed there was only one undisputed king of fruits: jackfruit (chakka). Durian? It was almost mythical. Rarely seen, rarely eaten, and certainly not something that featured on our dining tables.  Kerala's climate isn't particularly kind to durian cultivation, and with an abundance of wonderful jackfruit, there was never much reason for the "King of Fruits" from Southeast Asia to make inroads there. So, when I received an invitation to Resorts World Sentosa's All Hail the King Durian Fest, I knew it would be more than just another food event. It was an opportunity to finally understand what all the excitement surrounding premium durians was about. I had tasted durian before, but never on this scale. Freshly shucked on demand, I sampled several of the finest varieties, including the legendary Mao Shan Wang, the luxurious Black Thorn, the creamy Ang Kar (Red Prawn), buttery Butter, and the ever-popular D24.  Each one had its own distinct personality — from rich bittersweet notes to silky custard-like sweetness — and it quickly became obvious why enthusiasts debate their favourites with almost wine-connoisseur levels of passion. Contrary to what many expect, I didn't struggle with the famous aroma. In fact, I quite enjoyed it. Once you look beyond the fruit's intimidating reputation, you're rewarded with remarkably creamy textures and surprisingly complex flavours. Of course, the evening wasn't just about the durians. Set against the relaxed surroundings of Adventure Cove Waterpark's Bay Restaurant, the festival combined unlimited premium durians with a generous buffet, including Dian Xiao Er's signature roasted meats. The lively atmosphere was elevated further by the entertaining hosting of entertainment personalities Ben Yeo and Colin Chee, whose energy kept the crowd engaged throughout the evening. As someone who grew up believing jackfruit would forever remain my favourite fruit, I wasn't expecting to come away with a newfound appreciation for durian. Will I abandon jackfruit? Never. But I now understand why millions across Southeast Asia proudly call durian the King of Fruits. Sometimes, the best discoveries begin with an invitation to step outside your comfort zone. #durian #durians #jackfruit #kingoffruits #durianfestival #durianseason #resortsworldsentosa #MSL MSL (Global)