A durian tale, as told in 1936 The City Advertiser, 2 Edition

• Published in: New Straits times
• Main Author: Prof Khoo Kay Kim
• Format: Newspaper Article
• Language: English
• Published: Kuala Lumpur The New Straits Times Press (M) Berhad 05.02.2001

Beginning his description of the durian, Dr Teh said: "Except to the natives, the radiating and firmly-rooted spikes of the durian, the most exalted of tropical fruits, look formidable enough to resist the attacks of any novice." Dr Teh then provided a blow by blow account of how a durian is opened. It is done with the help of a rag used to grasp hold of the fruit, palm downwards, applying firm pressure on the fruit against a flat board to prevent it from rocking. With sufficient experience, after gradual wriggling of the dagger, "the apex of the fruit could be made to yield easily to the invasion of the wedge, splitting it asunder, leaving a radiate crack exposing its imprisoned delicacies." "You then smack your already watering lips," he said, "in delightful anticipation of the coveted contents, the tasting of which ... is itself worth a voyage from Europe." He proceeded to explain the art of choosing and eating a durian and mentioned too that "if one were an epicurean and desirous of delving further into the mysteries of Malayan culinary recipe, one should indulge in a delicacy called by the Malays durian santan, a preparation made up of mashed durian pulp, juice of dessicated coconut and plain syrup." This concoction was said to be the beloved drink of the Malays. It surpassed the so-called "angel's kiss", a premier cocktail of Western countries.