What’s new at Durian Fiesta 2016: Popsicles, rainbow rolls and more

Durian lovers are in for an treat, for the 33rd year running

The durian puffs are a perennial favourite.

Take a whiff of this: Goodwood Park’s popular Durian Fiesta is back from Mar 4 to July 17. With 13 handcrafted creations, of which seven are introduced for the first time, durian lovers will be spoilt for choice.

Whether you’re a connoisseur who can differentiate a D24 from an XO with a single glance, a sweet-toothed foodie or even a newbie to the King of Fruits (gasp), there is something to stir your appetite.

We shine the spotlight on the seven new creations, so that you can decide which ones to savour first.

1. Mini D24 Durian Ice Cream Bar

($6 per bar; $30 for a box of six assorted flavours)

The most photogenic of the lot, these 3-inch treats are best for sharing and Instagramming. Painstakingly handmade with pure D24 durian pulp, these dainty ice cream popsicles come in six gorgeous flavours – Original; Dark chocolate; White chocolate with rainbow sprinkles; Milk chocolate; Pink chocolate; and Milk chocolate with almonds.

2. Mao Shan Wang Mousse Cake

($62 for 500g)

Know a durian loving buddy who’s turning a year older? This Mao Shan Wang Mousse Cake, which is the luxurious adaptation of the hotel’s very first durian creation (Durian Mousse Cake made with D24 pulp), will make the perfect birthday cake. It is only available from May 28 to July 17.

3. Durian Pudding Topped with Osmanthus Jelly

( $6.80++ per individual serving, available only for dine-in at Min Jiang)

Want to see your loved ones grin from ear to ear? Simply turn up with a box of these delectable tarts. Topped with delicate gold flakes, these delicate tarts are filled with a layer of D24 durian pulp and milk chocolate-hazelnut mixture, boasting a crunchy texture from within.

5. Durian Kueh Lapis

($12 per slice; $62 for whole cake)

Lunar New Year may be over, but these slices of durian kueh lapis will delight your tastebuds all over again. The classic layered cake famed for its buttery flavour is now presented in a magnificent new form, whereby layers of pulpy D24 durian mousse and almond sponge are framed by the golden ‘multi-layer’ cake, resulting in a unique version of this traditional confection.

6. Durian Rainbow Ice Cream Cake

Somewhere over the rainbow, there’s a durian party — and they’re serving this magnificent, 10.5-inch cake. Go impress your guests with this vividly-coloured sponge cake, which conceals a core of creamy durian ice cream embedded with D24 pulp.

7. Durian Black Sea Salt Caramel Cake

Feathery-light and infused with Hawaiian black sea salt, this luscious cake consists of D24 durian and caramel for an inviting tea time treat.

Dessert Buffet with Durian Specialities at Coffee Lounge

Can’t stop at one? This dessert buffet (from $35.80)is for you. Available only from May 28 May to July 17, during lunch and dinner, diners can tuck into a tempting range of durian pastries in addition to the regular desserts.

Six D24 durian creations; the all-new Mini Durian Coffee Éclair; Durian Crunchy Chocolate-Hazelnut Tartlet, Durian Kueh Lapis, Durian Mousse Cake, Durian Puff and a live station highlight – á la minute Durian Pancakes, will be showcased among the spread that includes delectable cakes, hot and chilled local desserts, ice cream and more.

To order, guests can visit the Goodwood Park Deli from 9am to 9pm daily, call 6730 1786 or send the order form (available at the hotel or at www.goodwoodparkhotel.com) to email: festive@goodwoodparkhotel.com or fax (65) 6737 4073. Takeaway orders can also be placed online at: http://festivepromotions.goodwoodparkhotel.com. The last order date is 13 July 2016 at 12 noon.

by Samantha Francis