Durian Fans rejoice! The famous Four Seasons Durians has set up a Durian Cafe catering to the needs of Durian lovers in the heart of Chinatown, Mao Shan Wang Cafe. This cafe is located at Temple Street, a stone throw from Chinatown MRT station Exit A.
Since I love Durian and I love dessert, I must visit them. In addition, I have been hearing positive reviews about Durian Pizza (from other establishment) which I have yet try, I got to head down to savour it for myself.
Before the entrance of Mao Shan Wang Cafe, there is a typical Durian stall setup, whereby a Durian Uncle was stationed to sell the Durian. At left of the entrance is a brightly lighted counter, to attract the attention of passerbys while on the right is a shelf filled of Durian snack. In there are full of Durian desserts to entice one’s sight and tastebud. Beyond the entrance is a modern cafe look. The design reminds me of the now defunct Rouse Cafe.
On the menu of Mao Shan Wang Cafe, pages filled with Durian desserts such as Napoleon, Durian Strudel, HongKong Pancake and Waffe with Durian ice cream, just to name a few. In addition, there are 3 savoury dish (Charcoal Pizza, Chicken Nuggets and French Fries with Durian Sauce). I counted, a total of 16 items.
We ordered 2 Durian desserts. First was the disappointing Durian Fudge Cake ($5.80). In between the thick rough vanilla sponge sandwich thin layer of durian fudge with hardly any durian aroma. We would ditch this for Emicake’s.
Equally disappointing Mao Shan Wang Ice Cream Puffs ($15.80 for 6). You can order any amount you like, not restricted to 6. Even after it was thawed, the durian fragrance was too mild to savour.
Another Mao Shan Wang item we tried was the Mao Shan Wang Coffee ($5). I would use interesting to describe the experience. Other Mao Shan Wang Durian desserts are Mao Shan Wang Takeaway Cup ($6.80), Mao Shan Wang Delight ($15.80), and Mao Shan Wang Durian Mochi.
Lastly was the Durian Pizza termed as Charcoal Pizza ($18.80) at Mao Shan Wang Cafe. There is some waiting time involved for this item but it was all worthwhile. We could taste the Durian and see the fibre. Cheese and Durian on bread, we enjoyed.
NAHMJ Verdict
We thought that Mao Shan Wang Cafe has an novel concept catering to a niche group, Durian Fans and we love the idea. However, we felt there is a need to enhance the durian intensity in at least the 2 desserts we tried.
Mao Shan Wang Cafe
49 Temple Street Singapore 058594
Tel: +65 6221 2338
Website: https://www.fourseasonsdurians.com/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/MaoShanWangCafe/
Opening Hours
Mondays – Fridays 1330 to 2200 | Saturdays 1100 to 2200 | Closed on Sundays
Getting There
By MRT:
- Downtown line or North-East line – Chinatown station
By Bus:
- People’s Park Complex bus stop along Eu Tong Seng Road 2, 12, 33, 61, 63, 143, 197, 961, 970, CT8, CT18, CT28
- People’s Park Center bus stop along Eu Tong Seng Road 54, 124, 145, 147, 166, 190, 851
- New Bridge Road bus stop 2, 12, 33, 54, 63, 80, 124, 143, 147, 190, 851, 961, 970, CT8, CT18, CT28
- South Bridge Road bus stop 61, 80, 145, 166, 197
Rate: 6.5/10