This is not a joke. Repeat, this is not a joke. Durian steamboat exists — yes, you read that right — at Charcoal Thai, where a simmering pot of chicken stock comes with entire chunks of durian swimming around the broth. Start by tearing off the durian flesh and mixing it into the soup (but don’t do it all at once or you’ll end up with a super stinky stew), before you add your regular steamboat ingredients like noodles, meats, seafood and veggies.
Let ’em sit for a bit to really absorb the essence of the durian (after all, that’s what you’re here for), then dig in.
You’ll find the durian taste slightly overpowering at first, which is admittedly weird, but you’ll get used to it. And watch out for items like glass noodles, which will inevitably be overwhelmed by durian if left in the stew for too long. But since the experience is already a bizarre one, we say go all out and smear durian on everything. Just don’t suggest this meal for a first date.
If you haven’t run away screaming yet, give it a shot. It’s peculiar, to say the least; but hey, you gotta try everything once, right?
King Durian Steamboat is available at all Charcoal Thai outlets. $19.95++.
