Best Durian Desserts in Penang

Among the latest food trend that has taken the social media platform by storm - Fried Ice Cream! With a quirky name and selection of flavour profiles, this vibrant joint is a must-visit if you’re at Queensbay Mall. Ice creams are made to order and it only requires three to four minutes to reach your palm. Meanwhile, keep your eyes peeled looking at it being prepared. Not the most ordered flavour yet their durian ice cream is worth drooling over. Tart up the icy swirls with assorted confectionaries, nibbles and chocolates for maximum gratification.

Kochabi simply means ice cream potong and you can easily spot this little joint at Queens Hall as many locals find themselves hopelessly addicted to this pastel coloured icy goodness. Among the most vaunted rendition is the durian which packs up a strong essence. If you're not into potong sticks, then their durian gelato is a splendid substitute to your craving. It’s rather a surprise as the icy sticks taste so good without the addition of colouring, flavouring and preservatives. Not in the mood to steer your wheels over? Check out their website, order online and have them delivered to your doorsteps.   

Housed in a colonial building along Muntri Street, Passion Heart Cafe is the best spot to go if you’re in for a cake feast, homemade cakes to be precise. An unpretentious welcoming, vibrant backdrop, soothing atmosphere and range of cakes made with premium ingredients and lots of love, just reminds you of grandma. What not to be missed here is their Fresh Cream Durian cake which comes in a huge portion. Fresh layers of cream interspersed with durian puree and coating of durian paste atop seals the deal. Complete your indulgence with an aromatic cuppa by the side. 

With numerous branches across the state, U Desserts is no stranger to Penangites. Their latest addition at Maritime Piazza certainly warrants a visit with a more sophisticated ambience and overlooking a scenic ocean. With an impressive spread of desserts, you may hem and haw to make up your mind but if durian is your pick, then you’re in safe hands. Creativity is the name of the game here with options like – durian pancake, durian pudding, durian and pomelo sago soup and ice blended durian. Yes, time literally stands still for durian lovers. 

The outlook of this coffee shop may seem an unlikely place to find a dessert but it’s been making waves both online and offline for decades especially for their homemade durian ice cream. The real deal here is opting for a hearty bowl of durian ice kacang. Once the colourful bed of icy concoction is formed with assorted syrups and scoops of corn and red beans, two scoops of durian ice cream are crowned on top. As the creamy lava cascades all over the bowl, it’s indeed photo-worthy and nothing short of delicious. 

You wouldn’t ask for a more encouraging name. Durian Haven is quite a hideout at Armenian Street yet tourists and locals alike are widely raving about their menu which is downright dedicated to durian devotees. How about whetting up your appetite with durian daifuku - glutinous flour stuffed with cold durian filling? And head over to durian puff, durian pancake, durian egg tart and durian pancakes. Then wash it all down with durian chendol. Enough of imagination, steer your wheel over and return with all smiles. 

Sited at Gurney Paragon, this cosy restaurant is known for churning out a plethora of Malaysian delights with a modern twist. Among the standout here is their durian pancake which scores on both presentation and flavour. Three greenish bundles chockfull with premium durian flesh and cream are lined on a banana leaf. The pancake is so smooth; you might feel like slithering through a cloud and the creamy concoction within shackles onto your taste buds. Given the spacious and colourful backdrop, if you’re on a date and your partner isn’t a durian person, be sure of holding on to your burp. 

Hopping over to a Thai restaurant that has been reaping up strong reputations for their beef noodles. And what else pops up in your mind as dessert in a Thai eatery other than mango sticky rice but Sukhothai has brought the dish to a whole new level by adding durian into the scene. Throw the confetti - durian sticky rice it is! Aesthetically served in a goblet, the medley of black and white glutinous rice with creamy durian flesh and mildly sweetened coconut milk rounds up an impeccable dessert. You may be tempted for seconds or even thirds, you live only once, go ahead.