No lemon, no melon, but why no durian?

Durians aren't allowed on Singapore's MRT (subway system). 

There are foods in your life that you'll never forget. Maybe your mother's Christmas cookies, or your grandfather's lasagna holds a special place in your heart. One of mine is durian, the king of fruit. It is a milestone for all those looking to try new things. This fruit has been referenced in movies, and not in a good way. In "Eat, Pray, Love", Julia Roberts is told to say away from this intriguing fruit because it supposedly smells like stinky feet. I've heard the smell described as sewage or rotting animal. Personally, I liken the smell to slightly off melon. The aroma is slightly repulsive, yet attractive at the same time. One thing for sure, it is unique and once you identify it, you'll never forget it. The odor is also pervasive, and as such, it has been banned from many regional hotels, and public transit systems.

Durians lined up on the side of a building.

Ranging in colors of green, durians are generally a bit smaller than the size of your head. On the outside of this fruit is a very hard, incredibly spiky shell; so much so that it has to be handled with gardening or utility gloves.The inside consists of a few pods stretching lengthwise, filled with a custard-esque flesh with a inedible pit. If you aren't thrown off by the smell, this is the other big pitfall. The texture freaks people out. Not only does it feel like a custard, but it is a bit stringy as well. It takes awhile to get used too.

I know this all sounds like a huge warning sign, but there is something to this fruit. In parts of Asia, particularly in the south-east, people go out for Durian like we might go out for ice cream; they love it. There are street corners lined with durians of different grades, and you can smell these places blocks away. You can get your durian to go, or sit in their make-shift dining area on the side of the street, consisting of mismatched chairs and tables, often of the folding variety. There is a certain romance with this fruit that I can not explain. My first experience wasn't magic, I didn't scarf it down, but a few months later, I had the hankering to try it again. It is almost always served raw and alone. Dishes that call for durian are few and far between; it is hardly ever cooked. Durian flavored candies can be found more readily, and while not having eaten them myself, I could see them as a stepping stone into raw durian.

Greg is a world traveler I met in Singapore. This was taken
as we were eating durian on the side of the street. 

I encourage everyone to take your palate for a spin with one of these. I have found a few places that carry durian, including Pacific Ocean Marketplace. They come frozen whole, or with just the flesh. Go for the full experience and get a whole one. Hack shell open with a big knife. I wouldn't use your best kitchen knife, but rather a small ax or something you can really get after this fruit with. I would suggest going outside to do this just so that if you do find the odor repulsive, it doesn't linger in your house.