Our Durian Adventure at Chew Jetty

We recently went to Chew Jetty, a neighborhood of stilt houses over the ocean in Georgetown Penang. The houses have been established since the 1800s. I admit, this did frighten me that the old planks would collapse and I would plunge into the ocean. But I was amazed all the same, at the houses and families that had lived in this environment for centuries. As we weaved through the Jetty (they actually seemed quite comfortable) there was an assortment of food and small goods that the locals had set up in their houses for sale.

There were many ice-cream shops, and as we neared the end we decided to stop and try some durian flavored ice cream. If you are not familiar with durian, it is a large green tropical fruit that is covered in large sharp spikes. In fact, people wear thick leather gloves when cutting them open so they don’t get cut by the spikes.

The durian sets off a terrible stench that causes many people to reconsider trying the sectioned fruit, and the smell also affects the flavor. Many people love durian and will buy durian no matter how expensive but many others are left to wonder how anyone can want to eat this smelly fruit.

About a month ago, my mom tried a durian flavored candy, which she ended up spitting out in disgust. She reluctantly/unwillingly tried the tiniest nibble of the ice cream, and winced at the smell and flavor.

Some of us loved the ice cream and gobbled it right up, but I have to give the prize to Cosie (age 2). She insisted to hold the ice cream the entire time, and screamed in protest if anyone dared take it from her.  Click here to read my dad’s posting for all our reactions.

I took my first bite and was pleasantly surprised at the mild sweet flavor but then the aftertaste kicked in. It tasted like moldy lime with a dirty sock base. I immediately regretted it. After the taste melted off my tongue, I forgot all that my mouth experienced and I was filled with curiosity not unlike what I felt before I had my first bite. 

As I took another bite, I knew I had been wrong in my reconsideration. This fruit was hardly tolerable! I then resorted to taking bites with my nose plugged, and I was pleased with the hint of mango flavor in the sweet cream. I have not given up on becoming accustomed to Durian, but I doubt I ever will.