What exactly is Durian? You've probably already heard of this almost legendary Asian fruit, known as the "stinky fruit", whose smell is so strong that it's even banned from many hotels in Southeast Asia. And this is no urban legend.
And yet, despite its unpleasant smell, it is a very popular dish in this part of Asia. That's all it takes to arouse culinary adventurers: could Durian be much better than its scent suggests? There's only one way to find out: try it. For some, this unusual tasting is a pleasant surprise, for others it's a categorical no, but one thing's for sure: durian doesn't leave anyone indifferent.
So, to help you test the waters, we suggest you set off on a discovery of patisseries offering creations based on this exotic fruit. Believe us, it's a good way to make up your own mind without over-fogging your fridge!
First stop in the capital's 13th arrondissement. Here we find ourselves in the Saison patisserie, one of our favorite discoveries, where you can try durian rolls. Don't worry about the size of these pastries, they're not as heavy as they look, thanks to their airy, ultra-soft texture.
Then, a few meters away from this first address, we head for Pâtisserie de Choisy, a veritable neighborhood institution offering traditional durian egg tarts, durian cream puffs and durian-based moelleux, roulés, feuilletés and brioche.
We leave the 13th district for a final stop, this time on the Daumesnil side. This is where you'll find Osmanthe, a gorgeous patisserie offering Franco-Asian creations. Among its green tea operas, mille-crêpes, sesame eclairs and other sweet treats, you'll also find a pastry in the shape of the famous durian, consisting of a cream made from this exotic fruit, an Italian meringue and a chiffon cake.
So, are you ready for the Durian test?
