Joeyjios’s Surprising Durian Hotpot Encounter: It Wasn't Disgusting at All

Durians, Hotpots, and the $1 Deal That Made Singapore Queue

Apparently Singaporeans love a bargain as much as they love something that oozes with extra‑odorous, thorny sweetness.

When Four Seasons Durians Restaurant went viral last weekend (June 15‑16) for a $1 durian hotpot collab with

It Was a Hotpot Hype

Over 600 servings of the Mao Shan Wang durian hotpot were snatched in just ten minutes.
Foodies whispered that the line stretched more than 12 metres (that’s about the length of two school buses).
Reports say some unlucky diners had to wait 45 minutes before getting a seat.

Is the $1 Deal Worth the Wait?

If you’re a fan of durians and a fan of hotpots (that’s two separate flavors that usually don’t mingle), you might wonder: will boiling a durian in a chicken broth leave your taste buds buzzing, or will it feel like a culinary marketing stunt?

The “Durian in Chicken Soup” Experiment

First off, the restaurant’s base soup is solidly good on its own. It’s a plain chicken broth that seems to simmer for hours, and it’s laced with Chinese herbs like goji berries—so yeah, rich.

Then comes the durian. Once it’s mixed in, my brain tries to reconcile the sweetness of durian with the herbal notes of the broth. It’s hard to imagine the two flavors dancing together, but they might just be a new kind of “fusion”.

Curious? Check out what a few first‑treats had to say below:

“It were kind of unreal” – one foodie, half the enthusiasm of a YouTuber, half the skepticism of a science experiment.
“Silly but surprising” – especially a heading: If you’re a fan of durian, it’s a chance to see it in a new way.

Fan Reactions on YouTube

So, hungry Singaporeans still want to try it, but is it a prime example of modern culinary daring, or a thing of spices that reminds us the “hotpot” is a hotplate for venturing a bit outside our comfort zones? You decide, but remember, durians are a treat for the daring.

Durian Chicken Soup: A Sweet Surprise

Picture a rich, comforting broth that might make you think you’re in a cozy kitchen, only to be greeted by a daring twist that keeps you coming back for more.

What Makes It Stand Out?

Durian’s subtle whisper: The fruit’s aroma and flavor don’t overpower the classic chicken base; instead, they dance in harmony.
Extra notes of sea and earth: Clams and beef sweeten the sauce naturally, creating a delicious, layered taste.
Every bite gets a hint of durian: Small bits of the fruit cling to each morsel, giving you that unmistakable, irresistible tick.

Is It a Must‑Try?

If you’re a seasoned durian fan, this dish is an acquired treasure that will earn your respect. And if you’re new to the fruit, you might find the creamy, slightly cloying texture a tad intense after the first few sips.

Will Durian Fried Rice Take You to Paradise?

Fried rice is the safety net of Asian cooking—any leftover ingredients from your fridge get tossed into the wok, and the result is always tasty. The same is true for durian: this fruit is a fearless hero that joins the culinary adventure without hesitation.

Durian Delights at Four Seasons Durians Restaurant

Picture this: a plate of mildly charred durian pieces, the aroma of the king of fruits slowly settling over your mouth. Add a crunchy side of belinjo crackers and a tangy splash of homemade achar, and you’re not eating any ordinary fried rice. This isn’t your typical Chinese dish; it’s a Malay‑inspired Nasi Goreng that promises a taste adventure like no other.

Be Prepared – The Spicy Shock

Think you can handle heat? Think again. This version of trad‑style fried rice packs an unexpected punch of chillies. Don’t underestimate the kick — it’s the kind of spiciness that’ll make you question your life choices (or just bring tears of joy).

Flavor Balance – Sweet, Savory, and Tangy

Sweetness from the durian’s own subtle sweetness
Savory notes from the stir‑fried rice grains
Sour tang courtesy of a generous squeeze of lime and the sharp zing of achar

Honestly, this dish beats the hotpot in terms of harmony. The mix of flavors feels like a perfectly stretched pun in a witty comedy script—pan plausible and delicious.

Real Durian Time

At the end of the day, nothing can replace the real fruit. Feeling adventurous? Grab a whole durian from the restaurant’s fresh basket and crack it open. That’s the real deal.

Where to Go

Four Seasons Durians Restaurant
#B2‑227/228, 78 Airport Boulevard, Singapore 819666

A Word from Joey

This write‑up is part of AsiaOne’s #Joeyjios series. If Joey’s foodie tales hit home with you, the hashtag’s alive across Facebook and Instagram—just don’t forget to follow for more!

Joeyjios’s Surprising Durian Hotpot Encounter: It Wasn\’t Disgusting at All