Durian‑Delicious Anniversary: Melvin Ha & Wei Zhixin’s Sweet Celebratory Spread
Melvin Ha and his bride Wei Zhixin marked their second year of marriage by turning their humble durian stall into a charity carnival.
Why a Durian Giveaway?
- They needed a quick way to clear out an ocean of ripe booty.
- Instead of tossing the fruit to the landfill, they handed it to the community.
- It was a nod to the loyal punters who’ve been buying from the stall since 2016.
Event Snapshot
Location: Outside Prime Supermarket, 1 Upper Aljunied Lane.
Durian bill: 2,200 kg slid out over two days.
Age factor: 28‑year‑old owner – proving youth really does keep the business going.
What Melvin Says
“We simply wanted a fast way to offload the durians so we could enjoy a nice anniversary dinner,” Melvin chuckles.
“And pushing that sweet goodness to the community is the perfect thank‑you gesture for all the loyal spot‑bugs who stock up week after week.”
Massive Durian & Mangosteen Giveaway Shocked Local Fans
In a spectacular food‑frenzy at the Aljunied stall, Mr Ha distributed 700 kg of mangosteens (normally priced at roughly $2 a kilogram) and a staggering 1,200 kg of durians to a ravenous crowd. The extravaganza cost him more than $25,000, but the smiles were priceless.
All‑Out Effort, Two Extra Lorries of Durians
“When the Facebook post went live, folks pulled in from everywhere – Bukit Batok, Jurong East, even farther – just to taste the legendary durians,” Mr Ha said. “It was a full‑blast operation, so I had to load two more lorries with fresh fruit for that fizzy 7 pm crowd.”
Teamwork Makes the Dream Work
- Mr Ha – the mastermind behind the giveaway
- 10 folks manning the stall, including four friends who joined the mission
- 30+ customers lining up, waving hello at the bagged durians
The Lightning‑Fast Distribution
Within a swift 90 minutes after a 5 pm start, the crew handed out 700 kg of mangosteens. Then, about two hours later, they nibbled another 300 kg for the evening crowd. The turnout was so hot that the team even spent 11 ½ hours pouring out 1,200 kg of durians.
The Verdict
“We made this happen because the support was simply immense,” Mr Ha proudly shared, waving the last bag of prized fruit. “Customers loved the spontaneous giveaway, and we turned Aljunied into a fruit‑frenzy hub for a short, unforgettable weekend!”
Durian Delights in the Tropical Market
In a small but bustling venue, customers were handed two generous portions of the famed “five‑finger” durian. According to Mr. Melvin Ha, the classic grade typically fetches about $12 per kilogram.
A Sweet Spin on the Classic Bean
“Personally, I lean toward the bitter varieties, but this one strikes a perfect balance of bittersweet,” Mr. Ha mused. “It carries a hint of vanilla, making it a crowd‑pleaser for everyone,” he added, as he showcased the fruit to eager buyers.
Chef’s Own Twist
During the sale, his twenty‑three‑year‑old wife—who had once recoiled at durian’s notorious odor and flavor—opened up about her change of heart. “It’s part of the job now,” she told me. “Customers often ask for my recommendation, and I’ve learned to answer them all with confidence.”
The Wife’s Tasting Transformation
- “It’s a learning curve, but I’ve grown to appreciate the subtle flavors.”
- “Thanks to working together, I’ve become the go‑to guide for durian newcomers.”
Word from the Crowd
≤ Lianhe Wanbao first spoke to the front‑row patron, aged 65 and known as Mr. Liao (name withheld), for his impressions:
“This young duo keeps innovating. The quality of their durian is top‑notch. That’s why I’m a fan.”
Originally released by The New Paper, any reproductions require permission.
