Singaporeans’ love for durian does not stop at just the King of fruit itself, and can encompass durian desserts, durian pastries and even durian beer.
Durian beer?!
One of the durian myths states that durian and beer should not be consumed at the same time. However, MAO King Tavern wanted to challenge this by collaborating with The 1925 Brewing Co. to create their very own Musang King Ale ($18.80 set).
You dare to try?
MAO King Tavern is opened by the folks behind Durian Edition at The Brooks (next to Cafe Bakeaholic).
This dessert cafe is located at Opera Estate near Siglap, which took over the space previously occupied by Slake at Swan Lake Avenue.
It can be pretty confusing as their D.Lab concept sounds very similar to Durian Lab by Ah Seng Durian located at Bukit Merah. Coincidence much?
Their 25-seater space is designed like an ancient tavern with their cat mascots hanging on the walls.
Focusing on just Musang King (Mao Shan Wang 猫山王) desserts, their concise menu includes Signature Grilled Durian ($58.80), MSW Burnt Cheesecake (Slice $12.80, Whole $88.80), Premium Mochiko (3pcs $14.80), Mochi King Bomb (3pcs $17.80), MSW Durian Mousse Crumble Slice ($12.80) and Musang King Cream Puff (3pcs $7.80).
Note that both GST and service charge are applicable, even though they do not even serve plain water, and ordering and payment are made through scanning their QR code on each table.
My favourite was the Premium Mochiko (3pcs $14.80) served chilled with 100% Musang King puree encase within the soft and chewy mochi skin.
It had the strongest durian flavour among all items on the menu, but can be pretty expensive at almost $6 per piece.
I was quite interested to know what the Mochi King Bomb ($17.80 for 3pcs) were.
Turning out to be a “durian goreng” savoury treat, the durian flesh was coated with a batter before deep frying for a golden-brown crunchy texture. Icing sugar was also sprinkled for a touch of sweetness.
Two durian cakes were available, namely the MSW Burnt Cheesecake ($12.80) and MSW Durian Mousse Crumble Slice ($12.80).
Each slice of cake came with cookie crumbles on top of alternating layers of durian mousse and sponge cake with a mini slice of kueh lapis on the edges.
The overall texture of the MSW Durian Mousse Crumble Slice was well-balanced with smooth and creamy molten durian mousse contrasted with fluffy sponge cake.
If you feel like splurging on their most expensive item on the menu, the Signature Grilled Durian priced at whopping $58.80 would come with melted cheese over the fruit.
Overall, I personally feel that the items are quite pricey for the portion served, and there are other options such as Durian Lab Cafe and Ms Durian Pastry serving more refined durian desserts.
MAO King Tavern
Opera Estate, 15 Swan Lake Avenue, Singapore 455711
Opening Hours: 6pm – 10pm (Mon – Sun)
Other Related Entries
Durian Lab Cafe (Alexandra)
Ms Durian (Potong Pasir)
* Written by Nicholas Tan @stormscape who loves all things [NEW]. DFD paid for food reviewed unless otherwise stated.
