Golden Moments Durian Cafe @ Bugis - Durian-themed Afternoon Tea at Its First Flagship Durian Cafe

Golden Moments, renowned for its fresh durian and durian-based desserts (such as its trending durian mooncakes and various durian cakes), has launched its first flagship durian cafe in Bugis, Golden Moments Durian Cafe. The cafe offers both vacuum-packed fresh durians and an expanded menu of durian and non-durian creations.

The Golden Durian Swirl 3.5/5

We began with the highlight, The Golden Durian Swirl ($62), which included four fresh durian pieces (Black Gold Mao Shan Wang and Black Thorn), two Golden Mao Shan Wang QQ, a slice of D24 Strudel, and two beverages.

We were served a Sour Plum Smoothie and Homemade Lemon Tea for our two beverages. We preferred the latter, which was less sweet and more refreshing to complement the sweets.

The fresh durians we had were indeed of good quality.

Between the Golden Mao Shan Wang QQ and D24 Strudel, we leaned towards the strudel, as we preferred a thinner skin on the QQs, though both durian fillings were satisfying.

Signature MSW Durian Bomb 4/5

Next, we sampled more durian desserts, starting with the Signature MSW Durian Bomb ($12 for 3). The crisp cookie-crust puffs were fresh and filled with durian puree, which we wished there was more of for a better ratio.

Pandan MSW Durian Cake 4.2/5

Our favourite durian treat of the day was the Pandan MSW Durian Cake, featuring soft pandan chiffon layered with durian-infused mousse. The mild sweetness and delicate balance stood out, while the crumble topping added a delightful texture.

Golden 3 Hours Crab Noodles 3.8/5

Moving to savoury options, we tried the Golden 3 Hours Crab Noodles ($16.80). The noodles came with prawns, crab balls, and half an egg in a rich crab broth. An extra side of crab meat was provided to enhance the dish, though the flavourful broth could feel heavy quite quickly.

Grilled Chicken Yakitori 3.5/5

For sides, we had the Grilled Chicken Yakitori ($10), which featured pretty tender chicken cubes glazed in a sweet-savoury sauce with mayonnaise.

Mentaiko Bonito Fries 3/5

The Mentaiko Bonito Fries ($10) were decently crisp and substantial, though we found the mentaiko mayonnaise lacking in intensity.

During our visit, we noticed the cafe was slightly understaffed, which caused some delays in order preparation — something to keep in mind if you're in a hurry.

Photos and words by Jo. A girl who loves her Mala (麻辣) at Da La (大辣), discovering hidden food gems and a good cup of matcha latte. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Golden Moments Durian Cafe
779 North Bridge Road
#01-01
Singapore 198747
Tel: +65 8818 8497
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Nearest MRT: Bugis MRT (EW, DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Bugis MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk straight down Victoria Street towards Jalan Kubor. Turn right onto Jalan Kubor. Walk straight down Jalan Kubor towards North Bridge Road. Turn left onto North Bridge Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

Marriott Cafe @ Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel - A Decadent Durian High Tea Buffet For All Durian Lovers

Durian lovers rejoice, for the king of the fruit season is back again! Known for its freshest International buffet spread, Marriott Cafe unveils its much anticipated Durian High Tea Buffet to delight those with a penchant for durians and desserts alike. Available from 1 June to 31 July 2018, prepare to relish in an extensive selection of this local favourite with a variety of durian pastries and desserts, meticulously handcrafted to perfection with premium Mao Shan Wang and D24 durians. The premium durians are innovatively incorporated into different types of desserts, such as the Glutinous Rice, Puff, Mochi and more.

An interesting take would be the Baked Durian Strudel. Best eaten piping hot, Marriott Cafe’s Baked Durian Strudel features rich creamy durian mousse wrapped in thick layers of glazed golden-brown flaky pastry.

The Glutinous Rice with Durian and Coconut Cream was also an unique dessert, as this sweet treat infuses coconut cream into moist sticky rice and pairs it with durian puree. The combination works surprisingly well together. The Durian Cream Puff comes in an airy choux pastry puff stuffed with durian mousse, whipped cream and custard, resulting in a compelling combination that makes it hard to just stop at one.

Another of their winning durian creation is the Durian Bread and Butter pudding. Featuring luscious D24 durian puree sandwiched in between sheets of durian custard and buttery brioche slices, it makes a doughy type of pudding filled with a rich durian flavour, which goes pretty well with a generous drizzle of the fragrant coconut sauce.

The Durian Crème Brulee Tartlet comes in a small buttery tart encasing smooth, melt-in-the-mouth durian custard. While the compelling combination presents rich flavours, I find the tartlet a tad too sweet due to the caramelised layer atop.

Among the platter of durian delights, one of my favourite is the Durian Mousse Cake, filled with robust D24 durian pulps, layers of velvety, light mousse and whipping cream complemented with soft sponge cake. The airy fluffiness of the cake is a good complement to the creaminess of the rich durian mousse. Another cake option is the Durian Swiss Roll which features soft fluffy cake roll sheets encasing a thin layer of smooth and rich durian cream. The Durian Mochi is also a favourite with its chewy soft mochi skin encasing thick durian puree.

In addition to the existing line of delish durian pastries and desserts, the buffet also boosts other tasty local delicacies. Do remember to save some space for the fresh seafood and sushi, including freshly shucked oysters, prawns and more.

Here, you can also savour in local favourites such as Dim Sum, Char Kway Teow, Oyster Omelette, Otah Otah, Chilli Crab with Mantou and more. There are also live station where you can get your choice of noodles prepared on the spot.

Indulge in the quintessential high tea experience with an assortment of fluffy scones, sandwiches and muffins. Apart from their durian specials, the buffet also presents an extensive array of nonya desserts and kuehs, as well as a selection of ice cream flavours.

Durian High Tea buffet
Date: 1 Jun to 31 Jul 2018
Time: 3pm to 5.30pm
Mon-Fri: Adult $45++ per pax / Child (5 to 12 years old) $27++ per child
Sat-Sun: Adult $48++ per pax / Child (5 to 12 years old) $30++ per child

Photos and words by Crystal. A girl who likes to eat, photograph, and write about food, and dreams about travelling around the world one day. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Marriott Cafe
Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel
320 Orchard Road
Singapore 238865
Tel: +65 68314605
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Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 6am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]