From July 21 to 22, Southeast Asia's favorite stinky fruit is taking its place of honor at the Marina Bay Sands (compare rates|buy direct), which is throwing its inaugural Sands Fruit Festival this year in the Event Plaza.
The Sands Fruit Festival is the best place for Singapore visitors to try the region's most exotic fruit, with a special emphasis on the durian. From 7pm till 11pm during this two-day extravaganza, visitors to the Marina Bay Say Sands will have the chance to sample some of the region's rarest and most top of the line durian grades.
The star of the durian spread at Sands Fruit Festival will be the Mao Shan Wang durian variety. Hailed by many durian lovers as the crème de la crème of durians, it has a sweet and creamy texture and silky smooth flesh, coupled with a subtle touch of bitterness that lingers on the palate.
Other durian varieties joining the aromatic cavalcade include XO, D24 and Golden Phoenix. D24 is similar to Mao Shan Wang in texture, with thick and creamy flesh; it's even more fragrant than Mao Shan Wang. Golden Phoenix durian flesh is bittersweet and has considerably less fiber. The seeds of a Golden Phoenix durian are much smaller, surrounded by thicker flesh.
"Indigenous to Southeast Asia, the durian has an especially significant history in food culture of Singaporeans," explains Mr Tamir Shanel, Vice President of F & B at Marina Bay Sands. "We are excited to be hosting an event that will unite durian aficionados from across the country and region - and we invite them to enjoy this durian feast for two special, memorable nights."
Of course, other tropical fruits will share the spotlight at the Fair, including mangosteens, lychees, longans and coconuts. A free flow of durian flavoured cream puffs and ice cream will also be available on the buffet line.
Tickets for the Sands Fruit Festival are available for purchase from 25 June at SGD 88 nett per person. A family of four can enjoy a special package at SGD 208 nett. Tickets can be purchased online from www.marinabaysands.com, or by telephone at +65 6688 8868.
Read all about this favorite event venue in our review of the Marina Bay Sands. And compare prices on the Marina Bay Sands and other Marina Bay hotels in Singapore.
If you're the foodie type, read our Introduction to the Durian Fruit of Southeast Asia, or check out our lists of Six Strange Fruits to Try in Southeast Asia and Eight Foods Not to Miss in Southeast Asia.