99 Old Trees Durian has become something of a legend among durian enthusiasts in Singapore and beyond. My hubby and I stumbled upon this gem quite by accident one afternoon while making our way to the carpark after lunch at Shake Shack. Situated at the end of a row of shophouses, this durian specialty shop caught our attention immediately, particularly as I recalled seeing numerous Chinese tourists raving about it on RedNote.
A Dedicated Durian Experience
The menu at 99 Old Trees Durian isn’t extensive, but it certainly is focused. Everything revolves around durian – and not just any durian, but premium Mao Shan Wang, widely considered the crown jewel of durians and a hot favourite among Singaporeans. Their offerings include durian mousse, durian ice cream, durian swiss roll, durian choux buns and durian shortcake – essentially a durian lover’s dream come true.
Despite visiting on a weekday afternoon, we found the shop packed with customers, many of whom appeared to be tourists who had likely discovered the place through social media.
Know Before You Go
A quick tip for those planning to visit 99 Old Trees Durian: if you’re dining in, secure a seat first, as the seating area is rather limited. Then queue up at the counter to place your order, pay, and wait for collection. The system is efficient but can be overwhelming during peak hours, so a bit of patience might be necessary.
The table’s legs are actually made from an old sewing machine—how cool is that?
The Star Attractions
After observing what seemed popular among other diners, we ordered what appeared to be their bestsellers: the Mao Shan Wang Chendul ($14.90) and the Stinky Bomb ($2.40 each).
Mao Shan Wang Chendul: A Durian Extravaganza
The Mao Shan Wang Chendul makes quite an impression visually, with a generous heap of actual Mao Shan Wang durian flesh crowning the dessert. Unlike many places that use durian puree or mousse in their chendul or ice kachang, 99 Old Trees doesn’t compromise – they serve up the real deal, complete with seeds. Our bowl contained five durian seeds surrounded by that unmistakably creamy, bittersweet durian flesh that aficionados love.
This commitment to authenticity explains the price tag, which might seem steep to the uninitiated. Quality durian desserts generally command premium prices due to the cost of the fruit itself.
While the durian portion was stellar, I found the chendul base somewhat disappointing. The green pandan jelly strands were too soft for my liking, and there was a noticeable lack of rich gula melaka fragrance that typically defines a good chendul. For this price, I’d almost rather enjoy a box of fresh durians on their own, as the mediocre chendul base somewhat diminished the star ingredient.
Stinky Bomb: Living Up to Its Name
The Stinky Bomb, on the other hand, was truly the bomb! These French-style choux puffs are topped with a crispy butter crust reminiscent of bo luo bao (pineapple bun), creating a delightful textural contrast. Inside, they’re generously filled with rich Mao Shan Wang durian and French pastry cream.
The magic happens when you bite into one – the thin, delicate choux shell gives way to a luscious flow of creamy durian filling that’s absolutely indulgent. They were so delicious that we packed several more to take home to my folks, who equally adored them.
Beyond Desserts: Fresh Durians Available
What many people might not realise is that 99 Old Trees isn’t just a dessert shop – it’s also a durian vendor. They display the prices of available durians daily, and customers can either purchase them to take away or enjoy them on the spot in their outdoor seating area.
Is It Worth the Hype?
All in all, I think 99 Old Trees Durian is definitely worth a visit if you haven’t been. While I enjoy durians, I wouldn’t consider myself a durian fanatic, but even I can appreciate the quality and dedication they bring to their craft. For those experiencing sudden durian cravings or looking to introduce friends to premium durian desserts, this shop offers a more accessible entry point than diving straight into the whole fruit experience.
Final Thoughts on 99 Old Trees Durian
99 Old Trees Durian at Teo Hong Road stands out as a specialist in the Singapore dessert scene, focusing exclusively on what they do best – showcasing the king of fruits in various forms. While some offerings like the chendul could use improvement, their signature items like the Stinky Bomb demonstrate why they’ve gained such popularity among locals and tourists alike.
I might return someday to try their durian mousse and ice cream. However, I’ll likely give the chendul a miss next time. For true durian lovers seeking quality treats, 99 Old Trees Durian offers an experience that’s hard to match elsewhere in Singapore.