Ms Durian celebrates 7th anniversary with quirky “durian air”

Durian season normally hits in June, but durian specialist Ms Durian has kicked things off a little early, with its seventh anniversary celebrations starting this April.

Ms Durian is a Singapore-based brand well-known for its durian-centric desserts (and even a few savoury mains), made with premium varieties such as mao shan wang.

To mark the occasion, it has launched a cheeky, immersive experience called the Durian Air Laboratory that’s perfect if you’ve been craving the king of fruits, but without the extra calories! 

It features playful installations such as a durian craving meter, alongside a new secret menu item at its cafe.

It also comes with the new “durian air” — but more on this in a bit.

Intrigued, we popped down for a sneak peek!

What’s in store

When we first arrived at its cafe in Jalan Besar, it didn’t quite feel like Singapore — the space sits almost like a standalone bungalow tucked away from the surrounding bustle. It’s surprisingly expansive, with both indoor and outdoor areas, including interactive spaces that give it a relaxed, resort-like feel — almost like a durian-themed weekend escape.

Beyond the durian-themed menu at its onsite cafe, the space is filled with playful, interactive installations — so come ready to have a little fun.

First up is its durian craving meter — a free interactive installation that “measures” your craving levels. Simply step onto the platform and place your hand on the metallic silver sphere — much like a Van de Graaff generator. You might feel a tiny static shock (don’t worry, it’s completely safe!), and after about a minute, your hair will start to stand — revealing your so-called durian craving level. The more it stands, the bigger your craving!

Then, there’s also the durian air — one of the brand’s more playful creations. The idea behind it is simple: After seven years of satisfying durian cravings, it wanted to create something you can enjoy anytime, anywhere. Since durian is often prohibited on public transport and doesn’t travel well, this is its quirky solution. 

Simply put, it’s durian-scented air sealed in a can, designed to give you a quick “hit” of that unmistakable aroma — no peeling or eating required.

We recommend taking your time with it, so you can really savour the rich, intense scent that just might satisfy your cravings. It does lean on the stronger side, so don’t be surprised if it catches you off guard at first.

Unfortunately, it doesn’t seem resealable, so be sure to sniff it all up, while you can! 

To get your hands on this quirky (and free) souvenir, simply join Ms Durian’s WhatsApp community by scanning the QR code provided on its tables. 

Next is a durian excavation site — spend S$30 on food & drinks or merchandise at Ms Durian and you’ll get a chance to win a little something.

Take control of a mini excavator using the handheld remote, and scoop up “durian gold” into a box. You’ll have two minutes to collect as many pieces as you can. As long as you manage to scoop at least one, you’ll walk away with a durian craquelin (cream puff). 

The more you collect, the better the prize — hit 15, and you’ll score Ms Durian’s exclusive seventh anniversary oversized tee.

All things durian 

It’s served under a cloche, adding a fun, theatrical touch to the reveal.

Inside is a MSW durian mille-feuille (S$14.80), a flaky French pastry layered with mao shan wang durian cream. It’s a light, yet indulgent dessert, with a rich, creamy filling that isn’t overly heavy on the palate.

While you’re here, be sure to try Ms Durian’s usual signatures, including the Sweeter Course (S$42), a sharing platter for two. Served on a three-tiered stand, this durian-inspired afternoon tea set is equal parts indulgent and a little fancy.

The set features a mix of bite-sized desserts, including mini durian kaya churros, baby durian craquelin, durian macarons, and durian cheese mousse. 

It’s a great option if you’re having a hard time choosing from the wide range of durian treats, since you get a little bit of everything in one go.

We found that it’s best enjoyed from top to bottom, as the durian intensity builds with each tier. Start with the churros for a lighter introduction, and work your way down to the macarons, which pack a stronger durian punch.

If you can’t decide between something warm and comforting, or cold and refreshing, the MSW durian charcoal bomb (S$13.80) was the flavour bomb (pun intended) that hit both spots. It features a deep-fried yam pastry filled with mao shan wang durian, and topped with a scoop of MSW durian ice cream.

The contrast of warm, crispy pastry and cold, creamy ice cream makes it especially satisfying — a rich, indulgent dessert that delivers on both texture and flavour.

Prefer something savoury? Go for the MSW durian kaya toast (S$13.80), a playful twist on the local classic.

It’s a comforting dish that hits the spot, with familiar flavours that are easy to enjoy. The kaya blends seamlessly with the durian, resulting in a rich, yet balanced spread that isn’t overly overpowering.

Last but not least — durian, in its unadulterated form, of course! 

We had a taste of the Johor Old Tree mao shan wang (S$38), which is just one of the many varieties available at Ms Durian. The brand rotates its selection regularly, with durians sourced from Pahang and beyond — especially with the main durian season approaching soon — so you may get something different on your visit.

This one leans bold and distinctive in flavour, with a slight natural sweetness. Rich, creamy, and deeply satisfying, it’s one for those who truly love the king of fruits.

Drinks-wise, there’s the durian coffee (S$15) — a blend of mao shan wang durian and cold-brew, rated at a three out of five, in terms of intensity, that leans on the milder side.

For something lighter in between all the durian, the lemongrass pandan tea (S$8.80) is a solid pick. Served in a pot and ideal for sharing, it’s refreshing and works well as a palate cleanser between the richer dishes.

Durian merch

To round things off, Ms Durian has also rolled out a solid line of merch for its anniversary, including baby tees, oversized tees, and more.

We’d say come for the fun experience, and stay for the durian-themed food. 

If you’re a durian lover, because you’re pretty much guaranteed a good time here. This experience is only running till June 30, though, so don’t miss out. 

This was a hosted tasting.

For more on what to eat, check out Onggii’s new opening at Nex, and homely shoyu ramen at Torasho Ramen Bar.