It’s durian time in Singapore! Which means pop ups and stalls selling this tangy fruit are now scattered all over the island and true aficionados are out to taste the very best.
Incidentally, it is not just the fruit in its truest form that has caught everybody’s attention, locals are also game for some innovative during recipes. Take Derrick Ng’s example.
The 40-year-old hawker has been serving durian fish soup for just $12 and is a hit with many locals in Tampines. Now you may wonder why add the pungent fruit to an already clean-tasting soup?
Well, the chef has the answer.
Hawker Sells Durian Fish Soup For Just $12 in Tampines
Derrick Ng has been running the Wang Yuan Fish Soup in Tampines for almost 10 years now. According to a report in 8Days, the hawker-farmer’s fish soup focuses on health and wellness.
Elaborating on why he is adding durian to the fish soup, Ng says, “The answer lies not much in flavour, but health.”
The hawker believes in the principles of biodynamic agriculture, which is a form of organic farming based on a combination of spiritual and scientific beliefs. He explains, “The minerals and nutrients from the soil will be driven into the durian trees, which in turn travels to the durian fruit.”
Preparation
Durian flesh is shredded and added to the broth. Here, the cultivar of durian, whether it’s bitter or sweet isn’t important to him. Ng says, “We adjust for taste with seasonings like pepper and salt.”
You can get a bowl of durian spiked fish soup along with Batang for just $12.
Response
Ng has received a mixed response to his durian fish soup ever since he introduced it on June 29. He says that people who already like durian or know about its health benefits are willing to accept it. But those who are merely trying the durian fish soup out of curiosity may not be that impressed.
Going ahead, Ng has plans to serve roughly “10 bowls a day” – from now till the end of the durian season (September).
Other healthy options available
Ng also has “keto-friendly and completely MSG-free” options sans the durian at his stall. You can get the standard fish soup with a side of two veggies for just $6. You don’t get any rice or noodles unless you ask for them separately. Only brown rice and bee hoon are offered in this combination.
There are some expensive options at his stall as well and they are tried with different fishes like a salmon or a pomfret. The base of the fish soup stock is usually made of fish bones and a “cruciferous vegetable” like a cabbage.
If you wish to try out Durian fish soup and other such healthy options at Ng’s stall, here’s where you need to go:
Address
Wang Yuan Fish Soup
Foodpark Coffeeshop, 519A Tampines Central 8, S521519.
Timing: 11.30am – 8.30pm.
But if you are keen to try your hand at some innovative and easy durian recipes, here are three you can try at home.