Ms Durian @ Jalan Besar - Fresh Durians, Sweet and Savoury Durian Creations

Ms Durian at Jalan Besar is known for its handcrafted Mao Shan Wang (MSW) durian cakes and pastries. What's less known is that the brand also offers savoury creations and even sells fresh durians during the durian season.

MSW Cake with Durian Pod 4.5/5

Lemongrass Pandan Drink

For this harvest season, we had the chance to try the Durian Lover Set ($26.80), which includes an original MSW Cake, a Durian Pod, and a Lemongrass Pandan Drink. The chiffon sponge layer of the MSW cake was supremely fluffy and airy, and tying the sponge and MSW filling together was a light, elegant Madagascar Vanilla Chantilly Cream. I found the MSW filling slightly on the sweeter side, but overall, this MSW cake remains one of the better ones I've tried.

From their fresh durian harvest, we were also quite satisfied with the MSW selected for us. Despite the recent rainy weather, they managed to pick a good one from the lot.

King of Durian Nasi Lemak 3.8/5

Durian also incorporates durian brilliantly into one of their savoury creations - the King of Durian Nasi Lemak ($46). This hearty dish features MSW durian coconut rice topped with fresh MSW durian, fried mackerel, house-marinated chicken wing, and a sunny side up. Durian with coconut rice is not new, as it's commonly enjoyed as a dessert; however, pairing the durian with their house-made sambal introduced a different kind of chemistry and flavour interplay. The rice could have a touch more coconut richness to really stand out, and while the chicken wing was great, the fish was slightly on the dry side.

The atmosphere at Ms Durian is really cosy, allowing one to enjoy durians in all forms in a comfortable environment. It is in the midst of setting up an alfresco dining area with tents and durian stands for diners who crave an authentic roadside durian-eating experience.

Photos and words by Si An. A homebody who is allured by travelling, loves the feel of freedom, the smell of the rain and the aroma of fine coffee and food.


Ms Durian
11 Kelantan Road
Singapore 208604
Tel: +65 69620057
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Nearest MRT: Jalan Besar (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Sun-Thu: 9am - 10pm
Fri-Sat: 9am - 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Jalan Besar MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn right and walk down Jalan Besar Road towards Kelantan Road. Turn right onto Kelantan Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

INDOCAFÉ Peranakan Dining @ Scotts Road - Limited Time 1-for-1 Signature Tasting Menu For This Decemeber

Nestled within The White House along Scotts Road, INDOCAFÉ Peranakan Dining is a six-time MICHELIN Bib Gourmand awardee. Helmed by Penang-born Chef Heng Eng Ho, the menu showcases more than two decades of his refined understanding of Peranakan flavours. For this festive season, INDOCAFÉ is launching a 1-for-1 Signature Tasting Menu. Priced at $68, the 5-course Signature Tasting Menu highlights the restaurant’s must-try dishes and serves as an excellent introduction to its Peranakan offerings.

Trio Platter 4.5/5

We began with a Trio Platter of quintessential Peranakan snacks: Ngoh Hiang, Kueh Pie Tee, and Otah Otah. Each was delectable, but the Ngoh Hiang stood out for its well-executed meatiness and juiciness.

Fish Maw Soup 4/5

This was followed by the Soup of the Day, a light Fish Maw Soup that was homely and comforting.

Babi Pongteh 5/5

For mains, there is an option between Babi Pongteh or a $10 top-up for Wagyu Beef Rendang. The Babi Pongteh is prepared using Spanish Iberico pork, marinated in fermented soybean paste and stewed with potatoes, mushrooms, bamboo shoots, aromatic spices, onion, and garlic. The restrained use of fermented soybean paste kept the dish well-balanced without tipping into the common pitfall of excessive saltiness. The pork was flavourful and unctuous, as Iberico pork should be, offering a satisfying balance of meat to fat ratio. The accompaniments of potatoes, mushrooms, and bamboo shoots were tender and had thoroughly absorbed the rich, savoury gravy.

Wagyu Beef Rendang 4.8/5

The Wagyu Beef Rendang is a crowd favourite. Succulent and gelatinous, the beef was robust in flavour, with a deep, aromatic richness that clings beautifully to each piece.

Sayur Lodeh 3.8/5

The side dish, Sayur Lodeh, featured a thoughtful addition of fried tempeh for textural contrast. While enjoyable, I would have preferred the vegetables to be simmered longer for a softer, more traditional texture.

Fish Head Curry 4.8/5

If you’re a fan of Fish Head Curry, the add-on option is highly recommended. At $48++ (usual price $58++) for a whole fish head, it is excellent value. The fish was moist and flaky, and the curry was enjoyable without being overly rich in coconut milk. The brinjals and lady’s fingers were also cooked to the right doneness, remaining intact and fresh.

Kueh Salat 5/5, Bubur Cha Cha 3/5

For dessert, you can choose between Kueh Salat or Bubur Cha Cha. The Kueh Salat, with its light and creamy pandan custard layered over sticky glutinous rice, was the more satisfying of the two. The Bubur Cha Cha was decent but leaned more towards the ordinary.

This is my second visit to INDOCAFÉ Peranakan Dining, and I genuinely feel it’s an underrated spot for Peranakan cuisine. The food was even tastier than during my first experience, and the dining space, which feels both nostalgic and elegant, remains truly unmatched. 1-for-1 Signature Tasting Menu is available from 1 to 31 December 2025, only on weekdays for both lunch and dinner, excluding PH and eve of PH. Maximum of 8 guests per booking.

Photos and words by Si An. A homebody who is allured by travelling, loves the feel of freedom, the smell of the rain and the aroma of fine coffee and food.


INDOCAFÉ Peranakan Dining
35 Scotts Road
Singapore 228227
Tel: +65 9430 7307
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Nearest MRT: Newton (DT, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm -1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Newton MRT station. Take Exit A. On Scotts Road, turn right and walk down Scotts Road towards Orchard Road direction. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]