Categorized | Food, Singapore

School Daze, Crab A La Bourdain, And Durian

University clubs

On my second full day in Singapore, I ran an errand with Ian to his alma mater, the National University of Singapore. It was fun to walk through the halls, and eat in the cafeteria, with all the students. It brought back memories from my own college years.

 

Afterwards, I opted for us to go back to his apartment so I could rest. I was tired from the previous day, and wanted to continue making use of the convenient and fast internet access.

 

Sin Huat Eating House

 

The plan for dinner was to track down Sin Huat Eating House, a local haunt frequented by famous chefs, including none other than Anthony Bourdain. If anyone can recall whether this was a restaurant featured on “No Reservations” let me know. I know he went there as it was publicized in a travel brochure, and clearly the prices reflected it more than the interior decorating.

 

Fresh crab and noodles

 

There were big tanks with live crabs, scallops and fish. I saw someone’s crab and noodle order and figured it was the way to go. We didn’t get menus, rather the waiter suggested items. When I asked about the prices, I was taken aback to hear 1 crab with noodles would run me about $37. I went with it though, and assaulted that sucker like there was no tomorrow.

 

Ian and Waffa (and my Tiger beer!)

Ouch

 

Ian and Waffa just looked on, graciously taking photos as I fumbled with the extraction of tasty crab meat. I tasted a bit of the roe, or guts, to be adventurous (orange stuff you see in the shell). Twas not my cup of tea so I stuck to the claws. Eventually, I ran out of steam and Tiger beer, so we paid the bill and headed for my dessert, the fabled and utterly stinky Durian fruit.

 

Street scene

 

The walk to the fruit stands with Durian was eye-opening. We were on a street bordering the red-light district. It was about 9 or 10pm on a weekday and the restaurants were packed with people dining al fresco (the modus operandi in Singapore). Lots of lights and people.

 

Plenty to go around

 

Eventually, we found a stand with heaps of Durian fruit. Ian bought us each one. The store clerk helped to crack it open, and then Ian did the rest to expose the pudding like fruit within the hard exterior shell. We began to scoop it out with our fingers, mindful of the pits. Yes, I could smell an odor in the area, however I didn’t find it overly pungent. And I actually started to acquire a taste for the fruit. It was certainly unlike any other I’d tasted. Upon completion, we chucked the shells in nearby waste baskets as so many had done before us, and headed home.

 

Gooey Durian....mmmm

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This post was written by:

Dave - who has written 998 posts on Go Backpacking.

Dave Lee (Editor-in-Chief) blogged his way around the world from 2007-2009, and then started Travel Blog Success to teach others how to do the same. When not writing, he can be found salsa dancing, and lamenting his untimely departure from Medellin. Follow him on Twitter @rtwdave

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  • Wow, that Durian fruit just looks too much like a slug in that picture for me. Still, kudos to you for trying it!
    -Suz
    San Diego Family Hotels
  • Kristen
    I am loving your blog(Found it from bootsnall)! Straight to the point and I love that you include photos! Really great and it sounds like your are having a fabulous time. I didn't get to see Bali or Singapore on my "journey" so this is making me think I might need to get out there again. :mrgreen: Keep up the good "work"!
  • Kristen -

    Thanks for the feedback! My parents asked for lots of photos early on, so I've taken the time to add them to almost every post. I can't imagine it'd be as fun for me to share or you to read if I didn't do so.

    Despite my difficulties in Bali, I wholeheartedly recommend visiting. I almost want to go back again after I've toured SE Asia!
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