My dad held up a box of durian mochi and looked at me questioningly. “Do you think we should get this?” It was New Year’s Eve, and we were at the Asian grocery picking up ingredients for my favorite Malaysian soup, vegetarian Bak Kut Teh. I shrugged, setting bok choy and enoki mushrooms on the […]
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Where I Ate My First Durian: King’s Market in Eugene, Oregon
If I asked you to guess where I tasted my first durian, would you have guessed Oregon? Probably not. So it was super fun to show Mr. and Mrs. Chang from Bao Sheng Durian Farm in Malaysia just where in Eugene durian entered my life. I’ve been a guest at Bao Sheng Durian Farm for five […]
Mailing Fresh Durian to the USA from Hawaii
Fresh durian is a dream to many of us. The durians sold in our cold, northern countries have such a long journey they might as well be coming from Mars, and they taste like it too. Yet in America, we have fresh durian not too-too far away — it grows in Hawaii. So this year, I asked […]
Durian Jun (Delicious Fermented Drink) in Pahoa, Hawaii
The fumes emanating from my pint glass filled the whole room with a strong, sweet, yeasty aroma that was unmistakably durian. There was no way such an aroma would be tolerated in public places in Thailand. The aroma was like if the entirety of Singapore’s Geylang Street was trapped in a shoebox and left in the […]
Kipahulu, Maui Durian Farm & Fruit Tasting Tour
Pi’ilani Highway Of the two roads to Kipahulu (and onwards to Hana), the lava-strewn, golden cattle country of the southern route does not inspire faith that you are headed toward durian country. It’s just so dry. And yet so beautiful. Really, I don’t think I’ve ever enjoyed the landscape of a drive as much […]
I’i Nui Durian On Maui, Hawaii
It’s hard to say whether the durian tree standing along the Old King’s Trail is the oldest durian on Maui. It could be, but people tend to stay hush-hush about their durian trees. Many people came here seeking seclusion, and the last thing they want is durian hunters traipsing across their property. The trees, if you […]
Where To Buy Durian in Atlanta Georgia
From Lindsay: This guide to durian in Atlanta, Georgia, is brought to you by Jason Hughes, who has compiled a durian hit list for his city. In his ruthless pursuit of the King, he has discovered Malaysian durian and Fresh Thai durian and he gives you the where-what-and-when to satisfy your cravings. Take it away, Jason! I am so happy […]
Where To Buy Durian in Portland, Oregon
In 2014 Austin, Texas and Portland, Oregon had a competition to see which city was weirder. Portland won. By a lot. Lonely Planet commented on the contest, writing “Something about how cheap and isolated Portland is allows oddballs to explore odd behavior without being squished by economics or the harsh judgment of fashion people.” The result of […]
Review of Frozen Vietnamese Durian, 3-Mien Brand | Portland, Oregon
I was excited the moment I saw the words “Vietnam” printed on the label. This was in the USA, and the durian was frozen, and it was sitting innocently between two packages of Thai durian pretending that the USA has always had choices when it comes to to durian. As I picked up the package […]
Vietnamese Durian at Fubonn Asian Shopping Center | Portland Oregon
To be honest, I was not impressed by Fubonn’s claim to be the largest Asian Shopping Center in Oregon. This is Oregon. Being the largest anything (except, perhaps, a tree) is not a particularly difficult feat. What impressed me was that an Asian Shopping Center exists at all in Oregon. It was described as a […]
Review of Frozen Musang King Durian in the United States (Rockman Brand) | Portland, Oregon
Sometimes it’s small things that let you know the world is changing for the better. Finding frozen Malaysian durian was one of those things. This durian doesn’t care that it was frozen; the texture is the same smooth cream. The flavor is nearly the same. It’s the closest thing to eating fresh durian that you’ll […]
Fresh Durian at Hawaii Supermarket in San Gabriel | Los Angeles, USA
In 2013 I was invited to a party. I needed something to bring some food contribution, and with little other choice (what else would I bring to a party? Casserole?) I decided to explore further afield in Los Angeles for better sources of durian. This episode is brought to you now because Hawaii Supermarket now […]
