99 Old Trees Singapore: Your First Durian Taste (2026)

My friend insisted that if I came all the way to Singapore, trying durian was an absolute must! After all, it's famously known as the 'King of Fruits.'

I was eager to try it, but the notorious smell was a major concern. My friend had heard countless stories about its overwhelming aroma too.

So, for our first durian experience, we headed to 99 Old Trees, a renowned durian specialty shop.

What does durian taste like?

The durian I tried had a creamy, slightly mushy texture, similar to a sweet potato mixed with overripe banana, with a unique savory, almost nutty undertone.

My friend, who was also a first-timer, surprisingly found it quite delicious!

Is the durian smell really that strong?

It seems to vary from person to person. It definitely has a pungent, yet sweet scent.

At 99 Old Trees, the smell wasn't as overpowering as I'd expected. Perhaps eating it at an outdoor table helped to dissipate the aroma.

They provided plastic gloves and tissues, so after eating, my hands were completely free of any lingering durian smell.

What is 99 Old Trees like?

You'll find it directly opposite Outram Park MRT Station's Exit 4. It's also within walking distance of Chinatown MRT Station.

The shop is open daily from 12 PM to 10 PM, and they accept card payments.

Instead of selling durian by weight, they offer it in convenient pre-packed portions.

They have a wide variety of durian types, so even those intimidated by durian can find something to try.

Currently, the fresh durian season has ended, so their official notice states they are only selling chilled or frozen durians. That's why the durian we received was cold.

The place was packed with people! There aren't many indoor seats, but there are plenty of outdoor tables. We waited a short while, and a spot opened up.

First-timer? Should I order Mao Shan Wang or a Durian Bowl?

We ordered one pack of Mao Shan Wang and one Durian Bowl. The total for both came to approximately $47.

Mao Shan Wang, also known as Musang King, is a highly prized Malaysian variety.

Based on reviews, the Durian Bowl is a dessert featuring chilled durian mousse topped with pieces of durian.

After trying both, we found the Mao Shan Wang to be significantly sweeter than the Durian Bowl. My friend preferred the Durian Bowl, finding the Mao Shan Wang a bit too sweet for her taste.

Next time, I'm trying the Cendol with milk!

Another friend mentioned that durian tastes even better when eaten with milk. So, next time, I plan to try their Cendol-style dessert. Reviews describe Cendol as a shaved ice dessert with green rice flour jelly and coconut, topped with durian.

Can you drink alcohol with durian?

This is crucial information you need to know: you should NOT consume durian with alcohol. Research from a Japanese university suggests that this fruit slows down alcohol metabolism, a finding that was reported in articles this year, 2026. If you're planning to have drinks in the evening, make sure to enjoy your durian earlier in the day.

If you're a durian first-timer feeling hesitant, 99 Old Trees is the perfect place to start your adventure!

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