If you’ve ever wandered through the West side of Singapore during durian season and caught a whiff of that unmistakable aroma, chances are you were near Ah Seng Durian. Ah Seng is now a household name among durian lovers and arguably one of the most trusted durian sellers in the country. It has regularly supplied to neighbourhood group buys and corporate events.
First Impressions
Located in the nostalgic Ghim Moh Market (with a newer branch in Alexandra), Ah Seng’s stall is hard to miss. During peak season, the queues say it all although now it has transited to a reserve first, collect later system. Friendly staff, efficient service, and a no-nonsense approach to durian selection are all part of the charm. The durians undergo a strict quality control process before they are packed into air-tight sealed plastic containers that will keep the smell out so that you take it on public transportation.
What we like is that, you are able to peep through the transparent plastic cover to ascertain the ripeness and texture of the durians. It is important to us as we always like our durians on the wetter side for maximum bitterness.
Ah Seng himself is often on-site, overseeing operations and interacting with regulars, some of whom have been buying from him for over a decade. That kind of loyalty doesn’t come from luck—it’s built on consistent quality.
The Durian
We have tried a variety of their durians but the star is still the Mao Shan Wang (MSW). Ah Seng Durian does not sell different grades of Mao Shan Wang unlike other vendors, they are all classified as one type and sold at the same price. At first bite, it was clear why people travel across the island for this. Rich, creamy, and bittersweet, the flesh melted in the mouth like custard. The seeds were small, and there wasn’t a dud among the bunch. Each pod was full and luscious, with that characteristic golden-yellow hue.
They also had D13, Golden Phoenix, and Tekka when we visited. While the MSW is the crown jewel, the Golden Phoenix stood out for its slightly lighter texture and smaller seeds, perfect if you prefer your durian on the less intense and sweeter side.
What Sets Ah Seng Apart
- Freshness Guarantee: Every durian is opened and packed on the same day. If it’s not good, they’ll will not pack it.
- Transparency: Prices are clearly marked and fair. No hidden costs, no haggling games.
- Clean and Organized: Compared to many durian stalls, Ah Seng’s operation is impressively clean, with thoughtful packaging for takeaway orders.
Verdict
Ah Seng Durian isn’t just about selling fruits, it’s about delivering a durian experience you can trust. Whether you’re a die-hard durian fan or cautiously curious, this is a great place to start (or continue) your journey with the king of fruits without the stress and disappointment of getting fake Mao Shan Wang, hard-selling tactics or gimmicky marketing.
Rating: 4.25 / 5
Ah Seng Durian
20 Ghim Moh Rd #01-119 to #01-122, 270020
Google Maps Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/rYNrQYK9qwXfNfK98
