Secret Tips: How to Get Good Geylang Durians

Getting to Know Geylang Durian Street

Geylang in Singapore is known as an area dedicated to durian stalls, known as Geylang Durian Street. Some of the stalls have been operating for decades, while others have been controversial due to issues of unreasonable prices or declining quality. Some stalls have a good reputation, while others have received complaints for selling stale or overpriced durian.

Trusted Geylang Durian Shop Reviews

According to the latest 2025 guidelines, here are some stalls with excellent Google reviews and trusted by durian enthusiasts:

Combat Durian (206 Rangoon Rd)

Operating since the 1960s, they implement a “taste before you buy” policy. Mao Shan Wang is priced around S$18-20/kg. Transparency and consistent quality make Combat Durian a favorite.

Wan Bao Durian (513 Geylang Rd)

Open late at night, perfect for durian lovers looking to relax. Affordable prices and friendly service are a plus.

Durian 36

Open 24 hours, known for its durian package deals and variety of fruit. Many reviews praise the knowledgeable staff.

Durian SG Prime (Geylang)

Durian SG Prime is one of the premium stalls in Geylang that is increasingly popular among durian enthusiasts. They are known for offering exclusive varieties such as high-quality Mao Shan Wang, Black Gold, and Red Prawn.

Pros:

• Offers transparent pricing clearly displayed on the menu.
• Employs online and delivery services for customer convenience.
• Recognized for maintaining quality, as the fruit is hand-picked from selected orchards in Malaysia.

• Google Reviews: Average 4.6★ – Many customers praise the creamy taste, soft texture, and friendly staff.

• Price range: S$22–28/kg for Mao Shan Wang, with certain bundled promotions during peak season.

The addition of Durian SG Prime expands the options for durian hunters seeking premium quality with modern service in Geylang.

Before choosing a shop in Geylang, pay attention to the review scores on Google (or other review platforms):

• Combat Durian and Wan Bao typically have very positive reviews and high scores (≥4-4.5 stars).

• Durian 36 is trustworthy because reviews mention they are transparent about durian varieties and prices.
  
• SG Prime Durian is also a highly rated kiosk. User reviews often mention:

1. The flesh is creamy with a distinctive Musang King aroma.
2. The staff helps you choose the fruit to suit your taste (bitter, sweet, or balanced).
3. The price is clearly stated, with no surprises.

Negative reviews generally appear on shops without a “taste before you buy” policy or those that sometimes sell stale fruit.

When choosing, pay attention to user ratings and comments:

• Do they say the durian flesh is sweet, creamy, and not bitter?
• Are the opening hours convenient (e.g., late at night)?
• Are there any quality complaints, such as dry, bitter, or sour flesh?

Price Transparency : Price per kg Must Be Clear & Displayed

Good shops provide a clear price list per kilogram, or a price board at the front. For example:

• Combat Durian displays daily prices for each variety.
• Wan Bao uses a visible price list in the display case with family bundle prices.
• SG Prime Durian, like Combat Durian, is one of the stalls that consistently displays the daily price per kilogram. This transparency is crucial to avoid the negative experiences tourists often have at untrustworthy stalls.
• If a shop doesn’t list the price per kg or the main price changes without notice, its transparency should be questioned..

📌 Tip:

• Note whether the price per variety is clearly different (Mao Shan Wang, Red Prawn, XO, D24, etc.).
• Ask directly for the total price before they cut the durian.
• Avoid shops that suddenly announce “special prices” after selecting the fruit, without a clear price list.
  
  
  

How to Identify a Good Durian

Here are some techniques for selecting healthy and delicious durian fruit, based on sources from durian experts and the Michelin/TopFruits guide:

a) Look at the Husk

• The ideal skin color is green with slightly brown tips (brown tips): this indicates optimal ripeness.

• Avoid skin that is too bright green (unripe) or dark brown/dull (overripe).
• Check for small cracks on the bottom of the durian: these indicate the fruit is starting to ripen. But avoid large cracks—they mean it’s overripe or leaking.
• Look for small holes or black spots: these are signs of insects/larvae damaging the fruit.

b) Check the Stem

• A stem that is still green or moist indicates the fruit has just been picked (fresh).
• A black or dried-out stem means it’s been stored for a long time. While this isn’t necessarily a bad sign, fresh durians usually have juicier flesh.

c) Tap & Shake Test

• Gently tap the thorn; a ripe durian will produce a “hollow” sound, firm but not solid.
• Try to hear a glassy or drum-like sound when shaken: this indicates the air spaces in the fruit and the flesh is soft enough.
• If there’s no sound, it’s too ripe. If it’s heavy and solid, it’s not fully ripe.

d) Smell the Aroma

• The aroma should be strong but not overpowering (not sour or rotten).
• If the smell is faint and raw, it’s probably not ripe; if it’s too sharp and pungent, it could be overripe or starting to spoil.
  

e) Observe the Color and Texture of the Flesh

• Upon opening, the flesh should be bright: bright yellow (pale yellow to golden yellow) or cream-covered, depending on the variety.

• The flesh should be soft, creamy, and slightly sticky, with a custard-like texture.
• If it looks gray or grey on the sides, it may be bitter (found in the black version of Musang King or Black Pearl).
• Touch with gloves: the flesh should feel slightly springy, not hard or runny.
• If possible, sample the fruit and savour it before purchasing to ensure it’s sweet, creamy, and not bitter.

f) Shape and Size Refer to Filling

• Choose a round durian with 3–5 large bulbs on the side of the fruit. This usually means more flesh and smaller seeds.
• Don’t be tempted by long/tubular fruits, they usually have large seeds and less flesh.

Buying Strategy in Geylang

a) Who to Taste Before You Buy

• Choose a stall that’s willing to let you sample the flesh
• You can choose a small portion and try it before you buy. This is crucial to avoid being surprised by a bitter taste or poor texture.

b) Ask About Origin and Variety

• Honest stores will explain the origin of the durian (Malaysia, Pahang/Kelantan, for example) or the variety.
• If they can name D197 Musang King, D24 (Sultan King), XO, Red Prawn, etc.—that’s a sign they know the quality of their product.

c) Buy Based on Price Per Kg

• If varieties are limited, ask for the price per kilogram.
• Many stores have daily menus with clear prices for each variety. Be sure to ask to see a list or open price board.

d) Pay attention to operating hours.

• If you want dinner or a late-night meal, choose one that’s open until midnight or 24 hours a day, like Durian 36 or Wan Bao, which are open late at night.

Avoiding Common Mistakes:

• Don’t buy durian from stalls that refuse to open or show you the fruit before purchasing, as this can be a potential scam (bitter flesh, large seeds).
• Don’t be tempted by cheap fruit suddenly offered without a price list; it could be overripe or low-quality.

• Be wary of fruit that has been stored for too long—the stem may have turned black and dry, or the flesh may look soft and oily. These are signs it’s not fresh.
• Avoid sellers who don’t respond to questions about the fruit’s origin or storage methods. Transparent stores tend to be more trustworthy.
  

By following the steps above, choosing a reputable shop in Geylang, ensuring price transparency, using external inspection techniques, tasting a small amount before buying, and understanding the characteristics of good durian flesh you can enjoy high-quality durian without worry.

These secret tips combine local reviews of “taste before you buy” policies, clear price lists, and classic durian selection techniques: a hollow sounding ketungan (fruit), a moderate aroma, fresh skin and stem color, and a creamy, bright yellow flesh texture.

With the addition of the Durian SG Prime option, durian hunters in Geylang now have more options for the best durian experience. Choose a stall with good reviews, transparent pricing, and don’t forget to follow these tips for identifying delicious durian to avoid making the wrong choice.

Durian SG Prime, Geylang Complete Information

📍 Address: 478 Geylang Road, Singapore (Lorong 19)

🕒 Opening Hours: Daily, 12:00 PM – 10:30 PM

📦 Delivery: Available throughout Singapore

📱 Instagram: @sgprimedurian

🌐 Website: sgprimedurian.com

Happy durian hunting in Geylang. Hopefully your durians are sweet and satisfying!