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Double Serving of Luscious Snickers Ice Cream (top) and D24 Ice Cream (bottom)
After tonight's class dinner at the Hong Kong Street Restaurant at Upper Thomson Road (which was not very good), the group of us went to Icekimo located around the bend of the restaurant itself.
From the looks of it, the journey to this Ice Cream Shoppe is a little bit extravagant as it is quite far. (unless you are some sort of die-hard Ice Cream fanatic aiming to try out every single Ice Cream shop in Singapore)
Double serving of Wild Strawberry (top) and the D24 Durian again (bottom) - the durian is very popular.
Still, Icekimo serves up over 10 types of flavours with locals variants such as Teh-tarik (pulled tea), Milo, and even the D24 Durian which Singaporeans love so much. For me, it would be considered a quaint little outlet located in the suburbs. There is a limited number of seats and it is generally crowded at times.
Their ice cream is hand made with reduced sugar and fat and the texture reminds you of that lovely little taste that grandma used to have in her own recipe of ice cream. A little gritty because of the icy grains here and there, it is not entirely smooth and may not appeal to those who love silky smooth sumptuous smooth ice cream. (Did I say smooth twice or thrice?)
I must rave about their durian. You can actually taste the durian fibre in it and the sweetness is just right. Not too sweet like those Potong Ice Creams you see in the supermarket.
If you are ever in the vicinity or simply craving for that home made ice cream, you might want to try out Icekimo. Rated 2/3 by Makansutra (the ever popular food critic television programme by K.C. Seetoh), it was a visit well worth it. Especially in Singapore's sweltering heat.
Rating for Icekimo : 4/5
Location : 8 Sin Ming Road #01-03 (see pictures above for full map and address)
Mao Shan Huang - Really the King of Durians
The Mao Shan Huang, priced at a steep value of $20 per kg is certainly no durian to be trifled with. It's exterior of the durian meat has a thin flesh which breaks easily once in the mouth, only to reveal a bitter sweet creamy filling.
The "King" is extremely fragrant and it perhaps exudes the most durian aroma out of the three varieties. Each bite gives a refreshing aftertaste that leaves you tantalizing for more. However, for its price at $20 per kg (my 1 durian of Mao Shan Huang cost me $48!), it is ideal more for hardcore durian lovers and adventurers or when you have struck the lottery!
Price : $20 per kg
Rating : 4.5/5
Hong Xia - Red Prawn
The Red Prawn (Hong Xia) is perhaps highly sought after because of its slightly reddish flesh. In the picture the reddish colour is not clearly seen.q At a price of $12 per kg, it is still expensive as mine cost me $27 for 1 durian.
With a generally creamier texture than the Mao Shan Huang, and no hint of a bitter aftertaste, this could probably be the durian kids will love. After the first bite or so, it tends to lose its uniqueness and stands out only a little because of its sweet taste.
Price : $12 per kg
Rating : 3.5/5
The D24
The D24 is slightly wetter in texture with the flesh being slightly sweeter than the Red Prawn. Certain harvests will also bear a slightly alcoholic taste and perhaps that is what makes this variety one of the most popular durians in Singapore. Bitterness of the flesh is masked mostly by the sweet taste.
Priced at $10 per durian or 3 for $20, it is something most people will go for in an excellent balance of taste and value.
Price : $10 per durian or $20 for three durians
Rating : 4/5
The taste test - from left : Hong Xia, Mao Shan Huang, D24
My trip to the Four Seasons Durians Cafe cost me about $80 for 3 durians. If you are a hardcore durian enthusiast or simply the adventurous sort with a slightly thicker than average wallet, you might want to try this place out.
Other than that, it would probably be better if you just stick to the neighbourhood durian sellers as there is really not much of a difference between taste. Except perhaps for the notion of value and guarantee of a good durian at the cafe itself. But maybe, I am just the adventurous sort who loves buying 3 for $10 durians or even 50 cents for 1 and hope Lady Luck has granted me with a superior quality durian =)
Yet again, bow down to the King of Fruits! - The Durian.
Overall Rating For The Four Seasons Durians Cafe : 3.5/5
Venue : No. 212A Joo Chiat Place (off Still Road)
Contact : 6342 0277
Note : You might want to take public transport there as the place is packed with cars that have "stopped for the moment" by the side of the road.
