8 Durian Goodies That You Might Love

Durian. The King of Fruits. Despite the popularity and the many different varieties, there are still some who dare not come close to this intimidating fruit. I guess its an acquired taste. The Durian fruit doesn't need an introduction. You know it has a distinctive smell, has a pointy and hard outer shell and they need at least some effort to be opened before it reveals its golden yellow and puffy looking flesh.

However Durian can be enjoyed in so many other ways apart from just eating it directly from the fruit. Here are the 8 things you can make out of a Durian that you might like.

1. Durian with sticky rice

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This is a Thai delicacy. A dessert commonly found especially during high season (usually May & June). It is inexpensive and can be easily found on the road side sold by Thai street vendors. The exotic flavor combinations of durian, sweet rice, sugar & coconut milk will bring out such a flavor burst that is so delicious. The coconut milk will drench the rice and you will get this rather 'soupy' consistency. Since it has rice in it you may feel that one bowl is just nice for you.   

2. Durian smoothie

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Who says you can't drink durian juice? The durian flesh has just the right condition to be mashed or blended into something thick. Blending it with banana is the best combination so far. It helps thicken it up even more. Durian has this vanilla-almond flavor and it suits well with banana but not acidic varieties like pinapple or oranges according to some. However there is no stopping you from trying! Blend it together with spices such as clove or nutmeg and you are set! Add cacao too for that added healthy dose of good fat. Smoothylicious!

3. Durian crepe

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I know. We all had the same difficulty before. It's pronounced like saying the word 'Creep' or 'krip' or 'crypt' but in a French way :D Never mind the French lesson. What's important is that this is one of the best and beautiful way to present a durian in a fashionable and pleasing looking way. Crepes are made by pouring a thin liquid layer onto a hot frying pan of flat circular plate. It is spread over until you get this thin layer of pancake-like base. The durian is usually blended with custard and cooked until thick kept in the fridge to cool and squeezed onto the crepe using a piping bag and are usually shaped into a cube shape. Check out My Honeymoon Dessert. This outlet do serve this fabulous dessert.

4.  Deep fried durian seed

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Apparently you can eat the seeds as well! Nothing goes to waste with this little King of fruits. Just like the cempedak or jackfruit the same can be done with the durian seed. We haven't come across any shops that serve this in their menu so looks like you have to do this one yourself. All you need is access to vegetable oil, unsalted light butter, pepper, sugar and salt. Those are the basic ingredients you are allowed to be creative. You first need to boil the durian seed in water, add salt as well. Once soften heat those seeds in a pan without oil until they become dry and slightly roasted. Be sure to constantly turn it. Once it turned dark brown, you can peel the skin off leaving only the white seed. You can slice it thinly and deep fry it until golden brown. A dash of salt & sugar and you are done!

5.  Tempoyak

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This is not for the faint-hearted. Durian has already has this very strong odor, imagine fermenting it by adding some salt and keeping it at room temperature for three to five days! It is usually not consumed directly. It is usually mixed with sambal or added into cooking like 'Tempoyak Ikan Patin'. Eating with rice is the best way to enjoy this interesting side dish. Tempoyak is popular in Pahang and Perak. It's origins may trace back to Indonesia as tempoyak is also popular in palembang, Sumatera and Kalimantan.

6. Durian Gelato

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Back to the sweet stuff. Gelato is an Italian word for ice cream. Derived from the Latin word "gelatus" meaning frozen. Basically this is just a fancy way to explain durian ice cream to you. It is already available as 'durian flavored' ice creams if you had the opportunity to drop by your nearest supermarket and buy those ice cream packets one day. But those aren't made from the pure stuff even if they did the content may be of a small percentage. Try those dessert cafe's like  Hong Kong Dessert or any durian themed dessert cafe. You will get to taste the real durian ice cream experience complete with the aroma and all.

7. Durian cendol

Indonesian Version. Photo Credit

The good ol' regular cendol with a twist. Just top up with durian without the seed and what you get is this unique tasting milky sensation with a huge icy flavor that is best enjoyed during a hot sunny afternoon. It is becoming more available and are sold in dessert stalls, food centers, coffee shops and food courts for both Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia.

8. Dodol

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We can never leave this one out. Dodol has been synonym with Hari Raya and has been part of the Malaysian food culture for a very long time. Dodol is special as the preparation takes a lot of hours (up to 9 hours) to be exact. You also need a person to constantly stir the dodol in a big wok as pausing in between will cause it to burn thus spoiling the taste and its aroma. A perfectly cooked dodol should be firm and does not stick to ones finger when touched.

Do you have any other durian recipe that you think should have been mentioned here? 

About The Writer
KAY KASTUM
Born in Sabah with an interest in open water diving, wall climbing,music and video production and a passion for Android custom ROMS on his XT910 Motorola Razr Kay Kastum plans to make the world a better place by empowering people through his work. Whatever that means. You can follow his YouTube channel to see what he is up to during his free time

Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri to All!

Hari Raya is just around the corner. Some are already preparing for their travels back to their home town.We from the Food Social Malaysia team would like to take this opportunity to wish all our Muslim friends and family Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri! We hope that everyone will be able to enjoy their time visiting family and friends and continue the 'muhibbah' spirit that we have always been practicing. For those of you who will be travelling, safe journey and don't forget to take lots of photos...food photos!

SELAMAT HARI RAYA AIDILFITRI FROM FOOD SOCIAL MALAYSIA!

Dai-Dai Dong a New Spot For Taiwanese Food

This is a non-halal restaurant

Be ready to get your cravings here at Dai Dai Dong 大大档 , most of you have already known where Scott Garden located at because it is a venue for you and your friends to enjoy the nightlife and it is a good chilling place. Scott Garden is a great location for everyone to have their dinners, happy hours and held events. Now, I can have Taiwanese Snacks at Scott Garden too, how great isn't it because they are opened at night until you finish your drinking with your friends at pub as well which are from 10.30am until 2.30am

They are famous for the BBQ Skewers & Beef Supreme Noodle!

The interior is warm and chilling as people come here either for their signature dish as dinner meals or for the taiwanese snacks with beers. So far, Dai Dai Dong is the nearest place to me for Taiwanese Street Snacks and surprisingly their prices are good and worthy for the delicious taste. I went to Taiwan before and of course I miss their street food because it is the best and never ending cravings. If you miss Taiwanese Street Snacks or hasn't try before, Dai Dai Dong is a new place for you to tryout with your friends and family. Be ready for the rest of the contents below as you will be HUNGRY for the food!

They have many signature dishes to be tasted and enjoy with homemade recipe sauces too for different snacks you are having.

Dai Dai Dong is located at 1st Floor Scott Garden same row as Beer Factory, Movida & Idarts Hex. Nearest destination to reach your Taiwanese Street Food after your happy hours :P 

A little of Shihlin Street and Ximen Ding way of placing the signage as the exterior of the restaurant. The furniture are like simple square table and wooden stool therefore be casual at the restaurant and enjoy your favorite dish or even snacks there.

You can easily view the kitchen from the inside of the restaurant and discover the chef in making the dishes. 

Let's start to explore the YUMMYLICIOUS FOOD NOW! * good news that the menus have varieties of main dishes and snacks *

Mentaiko Hotate (per pc) - RM 8

Who doesn't love scallops? =D

Half shelf scallop with cod roe.

With the butter, sake sauce, sea salt and black pepper make a great taste with the scallop

Taiwanese Meat Sauce Ramen - RM 16

A whole meal of mushroom, bamboo shoot, pork belly, minced pork, pork ball and fresh Bak Choy

This is my all time favorite snacks, I'm sure you do too!

Bacon Asparagus (per skewer) - RM 6

Supreme Pork Pepper Soup Noodles - RM 26

The ultimate pork combination of pig's maw, rib, soft bone, pork balls, minced pork, Teochew pork ball lard and pork belly. YUMS YUMS

Supreme Beef Noodles - RM 26

A special broth of a selection of noodles,beef balls, brisket, muscle meat, tripe and tendon served with delicious beef tenderloin on a skewer. The portion is big (Y)

Taiwanese Meat Sauce Ramen - RM 16

Bacon Asparagus (per skewer) - RM 6 [ Left ]

Scallop (per skewer) - RM 13 [ RIGHT ]

It is served as a skewer instead of shelf, the grilled marinated scallop with yakitori sauce.

Bacon Tomato - RM 6  /  Bacon Enoki RM 6

Chicken Heart - RM 3  /  Chicken Wings - RM 6

Something that I've never tried before is the chicken heart, well it doesn't taste as bad as you thought it is just an organ from chicken.

Beef Tenderloin - RM 6  /  Beef Tongue - RM 6

As for my prayer, I couldn't take beef but from what I've asked the bloggers who tasted they said it is a must try because of the tenderness and this is my first time knowing about Beef Tongue * wonder how does it taste* 

PRAWN LOVERS, this is a perfect place for you because their prawns are DAILY FRESH.

Deep Sea Tiger Prawns (2 prawns / 200g) - RM 27

They have giant sizes fresh prawn range from 9-13 inches 

I love prawn, like seriously besides fish from seafood :D Their prawns are juicy inside!

Pan Fried Lamb - RM 25

Lamb shoulder pan fried in a secret marinade 

The sweetness and juicy of the meat accompany with the mint sauce, you can just close your eyes and enjoy the unforgettable taste!

Besides PRAWNS, here comes the SEA MONSTER

2 FEET. WOAH, 2 Feet explains.

Grilled Whole Japanese Squid - RM 27

I am not a fan of squid, I started to love squid because of my boyfriend who " train " me to try, it is just because I feel it looks like a sea creatures that I don't wanna touch it, but I tried this and woah I've never tried sometimes like this before. A delicious ocean wonder completed with chopped wasabi and olive oil!

Look at their mini hawker stall is a cashier counter, not a typical cashier counter on the table hey!

We always know that Sharing is Caring therefore, order your favorite BBQ Skewer here and share with your friends! Be sure to head over and tryout after looking at all the yummylicious photos above as you never try you never know :)

Visit the merchants page at Foodsocial.com.my

About The Writer

AUDREY

Blogger | Dancer | Interior Designer at http://www.audreypuiyan.com/ 1st Runner Up - TOP GIRL The Face Shop Malaysia Miss Malaysia World 2013 Finalist. Here is the original blog posting

10 Pasar Ramadan food You Should Try

We are now halfway through Ramadan. Our Muslim brothers and sisters will soon be closing the month long fasting with the upcoming Hari Raya Aidilfitri. Another great opportunity for us Malaysian to pay a visit to our Muslim friends and family's home and continue the 'muhibbah' spirit.

However that is yet to come. Currently we have all the colorful and busy pasar Ramadan that we all enjoy going to and more often than not, chances are we will end up buying more than we need since everything looks so delicious! Word of advice, do not buy based on your tummy instinct. But then again it is up to you!

So let's have a look on our 10 pasar Ramadan food that we think you should try.

1. Roti John

Roti John is basically an omelette sandwich. A popular Malay breakfast or snack item that is available in Malaysia, it is not exclusively a Malaysian product as version of these particular snack is also available in Brunei and Singapore. Typically the ingredients consist of  minced meat (can be chicken or mutton), onions, egg, sardines, tomato-chili sauce and a baguette-type loaf.

2. Murtabak 'Maggie'

Murtabak or Martabak has its origins from Saudi Arabia. Also very common in Yemen, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei and Thailand this street food is tasty and is filled with meaty goodness. Minced mutton is the typical stuffing, along with garlic, egg and onion, and is eaten with curry gravy, sliced cucumber, onions and tomato sauce. In Malaysia you tend to see this items sold at Indian Muslim restaurants and stalls. A number of variants has been produced including this one made and mixed with instant noodles.

3. Ayam Percik

Another great product of Malaysia! Rich in flavor, this succulent dish is basically marinated grilled chicken basted with spiced coconut milk gravy! Chances are after buying this from the pasar Ramadan, you may be nibbling this tasty meal in its plastic wrapper before you even reach your car! Do not eat this with forks and spoon! You need to taste every single juicy sauce from this chicken and end up a happy man (or woman)

4. Kerabu Perut

Don't let the title stop you from trying this delicious preparation. For those of you who have tried and love kerabu mangga, pakis or taugeh, this is the time for you to upgrade. In fact there are so many types of kerabu out there you just have to pick the ones you like. For me this is the top of the pick. Boiled cow's intestines mixed with sliced onions, a dash of lemon and a whole other fresh ingredients makes this a great addition to your meal.

5. Otak-otak

A great snack for the whole family, this particular food is categorized as cake. Fish cake to be exact and that is what this thing are made of plus some mixture of spices. It must be served fresh and best served while it is still hot. They are traditionally wrapped in banana leaves and are grilled over a hot charcoal while wrapped in banana leaves giving it its distinctive taste and inviting aroma. Found also in parts of Indonesia and Singapore.

6. Kuih Tako

Kuih Tako is a popular Johor traditional cake. Apparently it is easy to make and you would probably find this cake on almost any pasar Ramadan that you visit. Apart from that during Hari Raya open house or during a Kenduri, this cake is also a common food being served. It is usually made of premix flour, coconut milk, sugar, hint of salt and some water chestnut diced into small cubes to give you that chewy texture in your mouth. The standard serving  way is to fill it inside a pandan mini basket.

7. Ayam Panggang Madu

Everyone loves a barbecued chicken. Typically in Malaysia when you have barbecue sessions chicken wings will certainly be part of the limelight. It's tasty, easy to prepare and you basically just need to light a fire and assign someone to be the designated chef for the day. Somehow the taste always differs when we try to compare between our own barbecue and those people who sells them. Usually theirs are tastier.

8. Satay Ayam / Daging

Satay has been in almost everyone's life in Malaysia. From the roadside to people's homes to banquets of kings and queens satay is almost synonymous to the Malaysian food culture. Of course Satay is not exclusive to Malaysia . The origins is from Java. Apart from the regular chicken or beef, satay nowadays may also consist of mutton, fish, tofu and more. Served with  peanut sauce, this is an all time favorite Malaysian choice.

9. Soto Ayam / Daging

Time for some soupy stuff.  Soto has its roots in Indonesia. It can be considered the Indonesian national dish. A tasty soup mix that has shallots, garlic, turmeric, galangal, ginger, coriander, salt, candlenut and pepper in it. Lime is always present and can be squeezed to your liking

10. Lemang

Last but not least. No Raya should be without the lemang. Cooked in a hollow bamboo stick lined with banana leaves to avoid the rice from sticking to the bamboo they are actually made from glutinous rice, coconut milk and salt . It is usually eaten with rendang. However this is not compulsory. You can pretty much eat this any way you want.

The pasar Ramadan photos were all taken in Puchong Perdana. 

About The Writer
KAY KASTUM
Born in Sabah with an interest in open water diving, wall climbing,music and video production and a passion for Android custom ROMS on his XT910 Motorola Razr Kay Kastum plans to make the world a better place by empowering people through his work. Whatever that means. You can follow his YouTube channel to see what he is up to during his free time