You could put your verification ID in a comment Food, Lifestyle, Travel & Photography: MRT - Jalan Besar (DT22)
Showing posts with label MRT - Jalan Besar (DT22). Show all posts
Showing posts with label MRT - Jalan Besar (DT22). Show all posts

Monday, June 22, 2026

Ms Durian | Speciality Bakery & Cafe

We are here for more this round! One thing I really enjoy about visiting Ms Durian is that no two visits ever feel quite the same. During my last visit near Christmas, the café was decked out in a festive theme. Fast forward to this visit, and the entire space has been transformed into a laboratory-themed research department. From the quirky decorations to the creative setup, it feels as though the team has been busy experimenting with all things durian. I have to give credit to the amount of creativity and effort that goes into refreshing the space, making each visit a unique and memorable experience. 

Ms Durian's laboratory-themed café
A durian-inspired research lab experience

I love how every corner of the café has been thoughtfully designed and is incredibly Instagram-worthy. From the quirky quotes on the walls to the themed decorations, no detail has been overlooked. Kudos to the café owner and team for the creativity and effort put into creating such a fun and immersive experience.

Every corner of the café is thoughtfully designed and Instagram-worthy. Kudos to the café owner and team for the creativity and effort behind this unique space.

Wall quote at Ms Durian café reading, "maybe the forbidden fruit eaten was a durian.
A playful durian quote adds charm to the café 

Tucked away in one corner of the café is a lab overall and a series of durian extractor displays that further reinforce the laboratory theme. It's these little details that make the entire experience fun, creative, and Instagram-worthy.

Laboratory-themed wall display at Ms Durian café featuring a staff lab overall, durian extraction posters, and decorative artwork.
Lab overalls and durian extractor displays add to the immersive research-lab theme.

While exploring the Durian Air Laboratory, I could not help but smile when I spotted this quirky sign. Among the usual reminders such as "No Outside Food Allowed" and "No Smoking," there was one rule that stood out, "No Outside Durian Allowed." It is a fun and humorous touch that perfectly complements the laboratory theme, almost as if only durians approved by the research team are allowed into the facility! Little details like these showcase the creativity behind the concept and make the experience all the more memorable.


Durian Air Laboratory warning sign featuring "No Outside Durian Allowed" alongside other café rules.
Warning Signature

Before leaving, do take a moment to browse the merchandise corner specially curated for Ms Durian's 7th Anniversary. Fans of the brand can pick up exclusive apparel, including crop tees and oversized tees featuring the quirky Durian Air theme. Other collectibles and practical items such as enamel pins and the Durian Odor Remover are also available, making for fun souvenirs or gifts for fellow durian lovers.

Ms Durian merchandise corner featuring anniversary T-shirts, enamel pins, Durian Odor Remover, and durian-themed displays.
Merchandise Corner

To complement the meal, I decided to try the Durian Coffee, a unique blend that combines cold brew coffee with the richness of Mao Shan Wang durian. Served in a glass bottle alongside a large ice sphere, the presentation was simple yet elegant. The cold brew provided a smooth coffee profile, while the durian added a creamy and aromatic finish, making it an interesting drink for both coffee and durian enthusiasts.
Ms Durian's Durian Coffee cold brew served in a glass bottle with a large ice sphere.
Durian Coffee - $15

Fresh lemongrass tea infused with pandan leaves makes a delightful companion to the durian pastry. The light, refreshing notes of lemongrass and the subtle fragrance of pandan complement the rich, creamy durian beautifully, creating a balanced pairing that cleanses the palate with every sip. A simple yet comforting combination that allows the flavours of both to shine harmoniously.

Lemongrass pandan tea being poured into a teacup.
Lemon Grass Pandan - $10 

To be honest, I am still missing their signature MSW Durian Nasi Lemak. This time, we had the Tiger Prawn Set, beautifully presented with every component neatly arranged on the plate. Accompanying the meal was a mini pot of housemade sambal, a sunny side up egg, crispy ikan bilis, fried peanuts and fresh cucumber slices.

The highlight remains the fragrant MSW-infused coconut rice, served atop a banana leaf. The subtle durian aroma blends surprisingly well with the savoury elements, creating a unique nasi lemak experience that keeps me coming back for more.

Tiger prawn nasi lemak set with MSW coconut rice, sunny side up egg, ikan bilis, peanuts and sambal.
MSW Durian Nasi Lemak - $19.50 (Tiger Prawn)

For those who enjoy laksa with a twist, this Dry Laksa with Tiger Prawns is worth trying. Featuring thick bee hoon coated in a rich and aromatic laksa sauce, the dish is topped with succulent tiger prawns, fish cake and crispy tau pok that soaks up all the flavourful goodness. Every bite delivers the familiar coconut and spice notes of laksa, without the soup, making it a satisfying and comforting dish.

Dry laksa with tiger prawns, thick bee hoon, tau pok and fish cake.
Dry Laksa with Tiger Prawn - $22

A familiar local favourite gets a durian-inspired makeover with this Durian Kaya Butter Toast. Soft white bread is generously layered with fragrant durian kaya and a slab of salted butter, creating a delightful balance of sweetness and savoury richness. The creamy durian notes add an extra layer of indulgence while retaining the nostalgic charm of a traditional kopi shop breakfast.

Durian kaya butter toast made with soft white bread and salted butter.
MSW Durian Kaya Toast - $12.80

Freshly baked with a crisp and crumbly chocolate choux shell, it is generously filled with rich and creamy Musang King durian cream. The contrast between the crunchy exterior and luscious durian filling makes every bite an indulgent treat, especially for durian lovers.

MSW Durian Craquelin with creamy durian filling in a chocolate choux shell.
MSW Durian Craquelin - $3.60

What an indulgent treat for durian lovers. The MSW Durian Cake features light and fluffy chiffon sponge layered with luscious Musang King durian cream and Madagascar vanilla chantilly cream. Smooth, creamy and not overly sweet, each bite delivers the rich aroma of premium durian balanced by the delicate sweetness of vanilla, making it a delightful dessert to round off the meal.

Slice of MSW Durian Cake with chiffon sponge and vanilla chantilly cream.
The Original MSW Durian Cake (Slice) - $13.40

Served in a charming glass jar, the Durian Coconut Milk Pudding is a refreshing dessert that combines the richness of Musang King durian with the natural sweetness of fresh coconut milk. Silky smooth and creamy, the pudding offers a delicate balance of flavours, allowing the fragrant durian and coconut to complement each other beautifully. Best enjoyed chilled, it is a light yet satisfying way to end the meal.

Durian coconut milk pudding in a glass jar made with MSW durian and fresh coconut milk.
Durian Coconut Milk Pudding

A picture-perfect treat for durian lovers, the MSW Durian Ice Cream is served in an elegant glass bowl with generous scoops of creamy Musang King ice cream. Rich, velvety and intensely fragrant, each scoop captures the distinctive flavour of premium durian. Topped with mini choux puffs that add a light crunch, this refreshing dessert is a delightful way to cool down while indulging in your favourite king of fruits.

MSW durian ice cream scoops served in a glass bowl with mini choux puffs.
MSW Durian Ice Cream - $12.10

Can't stop at just one slice? Bring home the full-sized Original MSW Durian Cake and share the indulgence with family and friends. Made with layers of light chiffon sponge, premium Musang King durian cream and Madagascar vanilla chantilly cream, this crowd-pleasing dessert is perfect for celebrations or simply satisfying your durian cravings.

Available in 10cm, 15cm, 20cm, 25cm and 30cm sizes, there's a cake for every occasion. After all, good things are meant to be shared.

Whole Original MSW Durian Cake topped with vanilla chantilly cream.
The Original MSW Durian Cake (Whole - 10cm)

This MSW Durian Mille-feuille was a delightful surprise. Layer upon layer of delicate, crispy pastry flakes are generously filled with soft and creamy Musang King durian flesh, creating a wonderful contrast of textures in every bite. Light, flaky and rich at the same time, this elegant dessert showcases the natural flavours of premium durian beautifully, making it one of the standout treats of the meal.

MSW Durian Mille-feuille with crispy pastry flakes and creamy durian filling.
Mille-feuille

Ms Durian continues to impress with its creative use of premium Musang King durian across both savoury and sweet offerings. From the signature MSW Durian Nasi Lemak and Dry Laksa with Tiger Prawns to indulgent desserts such as the Durian Craquelin, Mille-feuille, Durian Cake and Durian Ice Cream, every dish highlights the distinctive flavour of the king of fruits in its own unique way. Whether you are a devoted durian lover or simply looking to experience durian beyond the fruit itself, Ms Durian offers a delightful culinary journey that is well worth exploring.

Ms Durian | Speciality Bakery & Cafe
Location:
 11 Kelantan Rd, Singapore 208604

Friday, June 5, 2026

Lion City Chicken Rice & Hotpot

 We headed to Lion City Chicken Rice & Hotpot to indulge in their signature Chicken Rice Hotpot, complemented by an enticing spread of mouthwatering zi char dishes. Housed within a beautifully restored heritage shophouse along Maude Road, the restaurant blends old-world charm with a modern dining atmosphere. The striking façade, adorned with traditional green shutters and colonial architectural details, sets the stage for a comforting feast of familiar local flavours and hearty dishes perfect for sharing with family and friends.

Exterior view of Lion City Chicken Rice & Hotpot in a restored heritage shophouse on Maude Road, Singapore. The building features traditional green shutters and colonial-style architecture.
Lion City Chicken Rice & Hotpot

Checking out the menu, we found that Lion City's Signature Hainanese Chicken is available in whole, half, or quarter portions, making it easy to cater to different group sizes. Prepared fresh daily using premium ingredients, the restaurant's signature offering pays tribute to traditional Hainanese flavours while providing diners with the flexibility to enjoy as much or as little of their famous chicken as they desire.

Lion City Chicken Rice & Hotpot menu featuring Signature Hainanese Chicken available in whole, half and quarter portions.
Menu

House Beverages included a selection of refreshing local favourites such as Barley, Chrysanthemum Tea, Herbal Tea, and Lime Juice. Served chilled over ice, these simple and comforting drinks helped to complement the hearty meal while offering a refreshing respite from Singapore's warm weather.

Four iced house beverages consisting of barley, chrysanthemum tea, herbal tea, and lime juice served on a table.
Beverages

Vegetables Platter featured a wholesome assortment of fresh vegetables including Chinese cabbage, yam, black fungus, and enoki mushrooms. As they simmered in the hotpot, the ingredients gradually released their natural sweetness into the broth. Combined with the rich essence of the chicken, the soup became even more flavourful and comforting, making every sip more enjoyable as the meal progressed.

Fresh vegetables platter with Chinese cabbage, yam, black fungus and enoki mushrooms prepared for hotpot.
Hotpot Items

Hotpot Seafood & Meat Platter offered a delightful mix of ingredients to complement the signature chicken broth. The platter featured fresh prawns, fish balls, sliced pork, squid, and chicken liver, providing a variety of textures and flavours for the hotpot experience. As the seafood and meats were cooked in the rich broth, they absorbed the essence of the chicken stock while contributing their own natural sweetness and savouriness. The prawns were plump and juicy, the sliced pork was tender, while the fish balls added a satisfying bite, making this platter a wonderful addition to the hotpot spread.

Assorted seafood and meat platter with prawns, fish balls, sliced pork, squid and chicken liver for hotpot.
Hotpot Items

Signature Hainanese Chicken had us drooling the moment it arrived at the table. Beautifully executed, the chicken featured tender, succulent flesh with a delicate layer of gelatinous collagen nestled between the silky skin and meat. Every piece was generously drenched in a savoury and fragrant soy-based sauce that enhanced the natural sweetness of the chicken without overpowering it. The smooth, silky texture and rich flavours made this a comforting and satisfying dish that truly showcased the essence of good Hainanese chicken.

Signature Hainanese chicken served with fragrant soy sauce and fresh coriander garnish.
Signature Hainanese Chicken

Stir-fried French Beans with Minced Meat was a simple yet satisfying dish from the zi char menu. The French beans were skillfully stir-fried, retaining a delightful crunch while being coated in a savoury seasoning. The addition of fragrant minced meat brought extra depth of flavour and a pleasant umami richness to the dish. It paired wonderfully with a bowl of rice and served as a great complement to the heartier dishes on the table.

Stir-fried French beans with savoury minced meat served on a square white plate.
French Beans 

Lion City Chicken Rice & Hotpot delivered a comforting and satisfying meal with its signature Hainanese chicken hotpot and well-executed zi char dishes. From the tender Hainanese chicken to the flavourful broth that grew richer with every ingredient added, the experience showcased familiar local flavours done right. Whether you're gathering with family or friends, this is a great spot to enjoy a hearty and comforting meal together.

Lion City Chicken Rice & Hotpot
Location:
 9 Townshend Road #01-01, Singapore 207607

Wednesday, December 3, 2025

Ms Durian

While many eateries add festive menu items and decorations, be sure to visit Ms Durian and discover their special offers this season!

Ms Durian at Kelantan Road, Singapore

Night Scene Outside Ms. Durian

The Atmosphere at Night

Have you ever seen a three-metre-tall durian Christmas tree? When we were there, the decoration was still a work in progress, but I can only imagine how beautifully it stands now, fully adorned with festive ornaments and lights. It’s definitely one of the most unique and eye-catching holiday displays you will see this season.

3 Metre Tall Durian Xmas Tree


I'm Sitting Under the Durian Tree

Just outside the café, within its compound, you’ll notice a small cemented hut where fresh durians are cut open right on the spot. It’s a no-frills setup, but one that ensures you get to enjoy the fruit at its freshest, creaminess and aroma at their peak.

Let's Have Durian

Their skilled staff even took the time to do a short demonstration, guiding us through the basics of choosing a good durian and showing us the proper way to cut it open. It was both informative and fascinating, especially for those who want to learn how to pick and enjoy the fruit like a pro.

Freshly Served

Of course, we could enjoy durians either with gloves or bare hands. There’s a designated hand-washing area with a sign that reads “Jin Pen Xi Shou” (金盆洗手). It’s supposed to reference the Chinese saying but has been playfully tweaked to “Jin Pen Xi Chi Liu Lian de Shou”, which brought a few laughs from everyone around.

Wash Basin with a quirky phrase

We kicked things off with some refreshing ice water and coconut juice!

Coconut Drink

Celebrate Christmas with the Luxurious King of Fruits!
A must-try for every durian lover, this set combines the rich, velvety flavors of premium durian with elegant touches, creating unforgettable moments of indulgence.

Durian Platter Set Includes:
  • Approx. 6kg of deshelled Old Tree Mao Shan Wang Durian
  • 9 MSW Durian Cake Shots
  • 5 types of premium seasonal fruits
Complimentary Set:
  • 6 Ms Durian Gloves
  • 6 Ms Durian Wet Wipes
  • Stainless steel fork set
Special Pre-Order Bonus:
Order by 18th Dec 2025 and receive a 22cm Durian Kanafa absolutely free!


Durian Party Platter

The nine Durian Cake Shots were simply irresistible, rich, creamy, and bursting with the unmistakable aroma of premium durian. Pairing them with seasonal fruits such as blueberries, green grapes, cherry tomatoes, strawberries, and rock melon added a refreshing contrast, balancing the decadence with light, juicy sweetness for a perfectly rounded indulgence.

9 MSW Durian Cake Shots

Enjoy nasi lemak in a different way with the King of Nasi Lemak,  a platter made for sharing. Fragrant coconut rice, lined with a banana leaf and crowned with three golden durian pods, is served alongside crispy fried batang fish, a sunny-side-up egg, juicy fried chicken wing, crunchy peanuts, anchovies, and refreshing cucumber slices for the perfect balance of flavors and textures.

King of Durian Nasi Lemak - $46

If you’re keen to try their wings, there are three crowd-pleasing flavours to choose from: Hot Honey Wings, Tom Yam Wings, and Sambal Lime Wings. Each flavour comes in a portion of six pieces at $17 per plate. For those who want to sample everything, the Wings Trio Platter features 12 pieces of house-marinated wings, combining all three bold flavours in one delicious plate, perfect for sharing and satisfying every craving at once.

Wings Trio Platter - $32

The pairing of Mao Shan Wang durian with crisp kadaifi pastry, creamy cheese and nutty pistachio created a luxurious, multi-layered bite. As indulgent as it was delicious, it easily filled me up.

Durian Kanafa (10cm)

Grabbing a log cake for the holidays? Place your order before 15th December 2025 to enjoy an exclusive 15% discount on the MSW Durian Log Cake. This indulgent creation features a rich and creamy Mao Shan Wang durian core paired beautifully with a soft, velvety chocolate sponge, offering a truly luxurious experience for durian lovers. The exterior is finished with elegant Valrhona chocolate thins, adding both texture and a refined touch to every bite. Available in sizes ranging from Mini to 20cm, the log cakes will be on sale from 22nd November 2025 to 4th January 2026, perfect for festive gifting or a decadent treat for yourself.

MSW Durian Log Cake (10cm)

I absolutely love the amount of effort Ms Durian puts into its branding, marketing and presentation, even the packaging tells a story. Designed to resemble a classic paper bag, their disposable cooler bag is both practical and aesthetically pleasing, blending functionality with style. It looks so presentable that you could hand it over as a gift straight away, no extra wrapping needed. This thoughtful touch makes enjoying durian feel modern, polished and a little more “atas,” elevating the entire experience beyond just the fruit itself.

Cooler Bag for the MSW Durian Log Cake

Before you leave, don’t forget to write a message on the postcard provided by Ms Durian, your recipient will receive it next year, during the 2026 Christmas season. It’s such a thoughtful and nostalgic idea, and it instantly reminded me of the Christmas village in Finland, where we did something similar. A simple card, yet filled with anticipation, memories and a little touch of festive magic.

Post a Card Out

Ms Durian
Location: 11 Kelantan Road Singapore 208604
Nearest Station: Jalan Besar (DT22)
Website

Friday, August 1, 2025

Four Heavenly Kings 烧腊

 Visiting Four Heavenly Kings for their signature roast meats was a treat. Conveniently located along Syed Alwi Road, it’s just a stone’s throw from Besar Hawker Centre.

Four Heavenly Kings 烧腊

What makes up the Four Heavenly Kings Meat Platter? If you’re dining with at least two people, this sharing platter is a must. It brings together the best of all worlds: Char Siew, Roast Chicken, Roast Duck, and Roast Pork. A satisfying medley of textures and flavors, perfect for meat lovers looking to enjoy a hearty and well-balanced roast meat feast.

Best Duck in the World

We were first served a braised egg, neatly sliced into 8 even portions, perfect to pair with our fragrant rice and roast meats.

Braised Egg 卤蛋- $1

One of the highlights from our Four Heavenly Kings roast meat platter was undoubtedly the Crispy Pork Belly. Served in thick, even slices, each piece boasted a beautifully golden crackling that shattered with every bite, revealing juicy, tender layers of meat and fat beneath. The skin was perfectly rendered crunchy and aromatic while the seasoning on the meat was just right, allowing the natural pork flavors to shine through. It was evident that this dish was executed with care and precision, as the pork belly not only looked impressive but also delivered on taste and texture. 

Crispy Pork Belly (Siew Bak) 港式脆皮烧肉 - $16 / $22 / $34 / $62

At Four Heavenly Kings, diners have the option of choosing between two types of roast duck, Cantonese or Irish. The Cantonese Roast Duck, a popular style commonly sourced from Malaysia and beloved for its traditional flavours. The duck arrived with beautifully glistening skin, showcasing a deep, roasted hue that hinted at its flavorful marinade. Each slice revealed juicy, tender meat beneath a layer of slightly crisp skin, with a familiar aroma that reminded us of classic roast duck stalls around the region. The seasoning was well-balanced, allowing the natural richness of the duck to come through without being overpowering. 

Cantonese Roast Duck 港式烧鸭 - $20 / $32 / $60

The Signature Irish Roast Duck is undoubtedly the showstopper at Four Heavenly Kings and for good reason. Unlike the more commonly found Cantonese-style roast ducks, this premium offering stands out for both its quality and rarity, as few eateries in Singapore serve Irish duck. From the first bite, the difference was clear. The meat was noticeably more tender, juicier, and richer in flavour, yet completely free from the gamey notes often associated with duck. It carried a refined fragrance and luscious texture that left a lasting impression. 

Signature Irish Roast Duck 招牌爱尔兰鸭 - $25 / $44 / $82

What truly elevated the dish was the aromatic herb sauce generously drizzled over the duck, enhancing its depth and making each slice all the more irresistible. For those seeking a more indulgent and memorable roast duck experience, the Irish Roast Duck is a must-try centerpiece.

The Best Duck in The World

The Roasted Chicken was a crowd-pleaser with its beautifully bronzed skin and juicy meat. Glazed to a glossy perfection, the skin was delightfully crisp, giving way to tender, succulent flesh beneath. Each cut was juicy and evenly roasted, locking in the natural flavors without being overly oily. It had that familiar comforting taste of traditional Cantonese roast, done right, well-marinated and expertly executed. A dish that may seem humble, yet leaves a lasting impression at the dining table.

Roasted Chicken 美味烧鸡 - $15 / $20 / $38

No plate of chicken rice feels complete without a side of freshly grated ginger. At Four Heavenly Kings, their housemade ginger dip truly elevated the experience. Light, fragrant, and finely grated, it offered just the right amount of warmth to cut through the richness of the roasted meats. Paired with the tender roasted chicken, each bite was enhanced with a comforting zing that only fresh ginger can provide. It’s a simple yet essential touch that reflects the care put into the meal.

Ginger

Looking to elevate your roast delights? Don’t skip the chili! Their signature chili sauce packed a punch with a bright, tangy heat that complemented the savoury richness of the roasted meats perfectly. A small dip goes a long way — just enough to awaken the palate without overpowering the natural flavors. It’s the kind of chili that makes each bite more addictive than the last. If you’re one for bold flavours, this is a must-try!

Chili

Another highlight will be their caramelised Char Siew. Beautifully caramelised on the outside, each slice revealed a good ratio of fats to meat, just the way it should be. The slightly charred edges added a smoky depth, while the glaze was sweet and sticky, clinging to the tender pork and creating that perfect melt-in-the-mouth texture. It was indulgent without being overly greasy, and every bite was packed with flavour. A must-order for fans of traditional Cantonese-style roast meats.

Caramelised Char Siew 复古味叉烧 - $16 / $22 / $34 / $62

The plump, filled dumplings were undoubtedly satisfying. Served in a bowl of five, each dumpling was generously packed and beautifully encased in a delicate yet firm skin. 

Dumpling Soup (5pcs)水饺汤 (5粒) - $8

The bite revealed springy prawns, complemented by the crunch of black fungus, adding a pleasant textural contrast. It was a simple dish, yet done right, juicy, flavourful, and comforting.

Fillings of Dumpling Soup

The wantons, on the other hand, carried a nostalgic charm, the kind that instantly brought back memories of comforting bowls of wanton mee from childhood. Light, savoury, and tender, each piece was a familiar reminder of simple joys and flavours that have stood the test of time.

Wanton Soup (7pcs) 云吞汤 (7粒)- $7

From 3.30am to 6:30am, enjoy all single-plated Duck, Char Siew, and Pork Belly with Noodles, Hor Fun, and rice at just $5 (U.P $7-$10)! * Prices are exclusive of GST and available for dine-in and takeaway.

Menu

Menu

Dining at Four Heavenly Kings was a fulfilling experience that brought together nostalgic flavors and refined roast delights. From the crisp crackle of the pork belly to the standout Irish roast duck and comforting wantons, every dish was crafted with care. It’s a spot where tradition meets indulgence,  perfect for sharing hearty platters and making new food memories.

Our Orders

Four Heavenly Kings 烧腊
Location:
 216 Syed Alwi Rd, Singapore 207749