Between May and August, Southeast Asians gourmands will prepare for the annual durian season with a list of the most decadent places to sample the King of Fruits. Enjoyed on its own while also prominently featured in all manner of recipes within the region, here’s where you can try some of the best places in Bangkok for durian desserts.
Even if the smell or the texture turns you off, you can see that durians have their cult following despite the high prices. Durian’s versatility enables the fruit to be used in savoury and sweet dishes, and its sweetness pairs so well with other components already used in cooking. In Bangkok, durian desserts have become something to look forward to each year.
Here are some durian desserts in Bangkok to try, because ’tis the season. Note that some of these dessert spots serve limited quantities each day.
[Hero image credit: Holiday Pastry; featured image credit: Brooklyn Baker]
Where to enjoy durian desserts in Bangkok this summer 2024
Cheevit Cheeva Cafe
The bingsu craze hit Thailand pre-Covid, and never left. The Korean shaved ice with milk is the perfect treat for any hot day, so basically any day in this country. Now add a huge chunk of durian on top. It’s what they’re offering at Cheevit Cheeva Cafe for the season, available in two variations: Durian Sticky Rice Bingsu, and Durian Cheese Pie Bingsu.
More info: Cheevit Cheeva Cafe
Opening times: Open daily, 11am-9pm
Location: Floor 1, Siam Square One, Siam Square Soi 5, ปทุมวัน, Pathum Wan, Bangkok
Nearest station: Siam, BTS
Brooklyn Baker
Brooklyn Baker is beloved for their birthday cakes that are feather-light and fluffy in texture, and now, with a generous portion of durian on top. There’s simply no better way to wish a durian lover a “Happy Birthday” than a durian cake. It’s certainly one of our favourite durian desserts Bangkok has to offer.
More info: Brooklyn Baker
Opening times: Open daily, 8am-5pm
Location: 51/7 Polo 3 Alley, Lumphini, Pathum Wan, Bangkok
Nearest station: Lumphini, MRT
Durian Summer
With “Durian Summer” as the name, these guys surely are confident about their produce. The sweet notes of durian pair so well with coconut milk, so one of their signatures is the durian sticky rice served with a dollop of coconut milk ice cream. It’s a refreshing way to beat the heat, and a great means to end the day.
More info: Durian Summer
Opening times: Open daily, 12-10pm
Location: 1322/3-4 Rama 6 Rd, Wang Mai, Pathum Wan, Bangkok
Nearest station: National Stadium, BTS
Bakesjourney
Durian sticky rice gets an upgrade as Bakesjourney is stuffing sticky rice directly into the durian, topping it with a generous portion of mung beans. If you’re looking for something to share, they also have a durian sticky rice pie that promises 100% durian meat, no cream cheese, and a mousse from Monthong durian from Chantaburi.
More info: BakesJourney
Opening times: Tue-Sun, 9.30am-6.30pm
Location: Charoen Rat 20 Alley, Khlong Ton Sai, Khlong San, Bangkok
Nearest station: Khlong San, BTS
Holiday Pastry
Everybody is swarming Holiday Pastry for their famous cheese tarts, but don’t overlook their fruit cake boxes, as they never skimp out on quality ingredients. Five layers are packed into one shortcake, and one of the most enticing options is the Monthong durian sticky rice mochi shortcake. The name is a mouthful, but so are the chunks of fresh durian.
More info: Holiday Pastry
Opening times: Open daily, 10am-7pm
Location: 240 Charoen Nakhon 10 Alley, Khlong Ton Sai, Khlong San, Bangkok
Nearest station: Krung Thon Buri, BTS
Nara Thai Cusine
As you’re enjoying the Thai delicacies at Nara, end the meal with a bang and try their seasonal durian desserts. Made using Monthong durian from Chanthaburi, they’re offering classic durian sticky rice, as well as fresh durian in coconut milk with durian lava dumplings. Alternatively, get yourself order a box of coconut rice pancakes with durian meat on top — they make amazing gifts, too.
More info: Nara Thai Cuisine
Opening times: Open daily, 11am-10pm
Location: centralwOrld, Floor 7, Ratchadamri Rd, Pathum Wan, Bangkok
Nearest station: Chit Lom, BTS
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Written by
Vichayuth Chantan
Digital Writer, Drinks and Dining
Writer by day, skinny legend by night, "Kook" Vichayuth works closely with Bangkok's F&B industry. His hobbies include bar-hopping, catching up with friends, and silently judging you from across the room.
