Thorny Temptations by Lime (PARKROYAL on Pickering) Proves that Durian Is Indeed The King of Fruits
July 24, 2018
I am so glad that it is the durian season now, what with the special abundance of the thorny fruit this year. Like many others, I enjoy savouring this creamy goodness in its pure form, but then I started wondering: “how else can the King of Fruits shine?”
Lime at PARKROYAL on Pickering answered my burning question with the return of their popular durian fiesta, Thorny Temptations! Running for one month from 27th July to 26th August at Lime Restaurant, diners can feast on a durian-themed dinner buffet where the titular fruit is the star of the show! Durian is commonly found in sweet desserts but at Thorny Temptations, you will find durian EVERYWHERE!
Executive Chef Yap Wai Lunn has specially infused Mao Shan Wang into every delectable item on the menu, from charming confections to satisfying savouries. Worried that having durian in everything might be a little too much? Don’t worry, the best thing about Thorny Temptations is that their creative tribute to the King of Fruits has been carefully planned and thought out, such that you’ll be relishing every dish from the start of the buffet, till the very end! Here are a few of the highlights that you can look forward to in the magnificent durian spread!
We first had the Durian Wild Rice and Chicken Salad, and Vegetable and Citrus Quinoa with Durian Mousse as appetisers. It was an unexpectedly light start to the indulgent durian meal as both dishes were easy on the palate. We loved that the quinoa was especially crunchy! I appreciated how the richness of the appetisers were thoughtfully toned down to accentuate the sweetness of the durian. What a great start to dinner!
At Thorny Temptations, durian is also infused into iconic Singaporean dishes! How does Durian Curry Chicken and Baked Durian Nasi Lemak sound? As we all know, curry chicken is the kind of comfort food that goes well with practically everything. The curry chicken here is given a fabulous upgrade with the addition of premium durian which lent a mild sweetness to the usually spicy and savoury gravy, making it even more addictive! The Durian Curry Chicken comes paired with fried golden mantous that you can dip into, and soak up the slurp-worthy gravy. But, I think that the curry is already delicious enough on its own! The Baked Durian Nasi Lemak sees durian puree laid atop a pile of fragrant coconut rice that’s topped with sambal chili, fried peanuts, ikan bilis, and a hard-boiled egg. Who would have guessed that durian and sambal chilli actually go well together? This dish presents you with the best of both worlds — spiciness of the sambal chilli, and sweet creaminess of the durian puree. Both the chilli and durian puree perform an amazing medley with the coconut rice. Be sure to give this unique nasi lemak a try!
You will also find an assorted array of durian imbued mains such as Wok Fried Kung Pao Pork Belly with Durian, Durian Salted Egg Popcorn Chicken and Spicy Durian Rice Cake. Although the taste of durian was not as strong in these dishes, the fact that such a prickly flavour could be incorporated into these savoury dishes was commendable, and quite frankly, impressive. The kung pao sauce in the Wok Fried Kung Pao Pork Belly with Durian had a subtle hint of durian which enhanced the sweetness of the tender pork belly chunks. The salted egg coating of the popcorn chicken in the Durian Salted Egg Popcorn Chicken bore a tantalising aroma, making it a crispy and addictive treat. I predict that the QQ tteokbokki in the Spicy Durian Rice Cake will be a hit with children, as the taste of durian is well hidden within the fun, chewy texture of rice cakes.
Do not belittle the versatility of durian — Lime has even managed to integrate durian seamlessly into their Western dishes! Are you ready for the sublime Spicy Shepherd’s Pie with Durian, and the delightful Durian Pizza? Lime’s rendition of the Shepherd’s pie is a refreshing change from the usual well-loved treat, with mashed durian pulp taking the place of mashed potato. This was a bold gamble which paid off. The pairing of the lightly sweet mashed durian and the mildly spicy pie filling turned this quintessential English dish into a breathtaking, tropical invention! The Durian Pizza was, yet, another stellar dish. Each bite of the crispy thin pizza slice carried the sweetness of the durian topping and the sharp, savoury tang of melted cheese. So good, you have to try it to know what I’m talking about!
What is a feast without desserts? The durian desserts at Thorny Temptations were in a class of their own, and I cannot decide whether the Durian Pengat, Durian Mousse with Gula Melaka Cream, or Durian with Avocado Puree and Sago is my favourite. The Durian Pengat is the closest to the actual durian fruit, as it is made from simmering durian pulp at a low heat until it reaches a thick, gooey consistency. I couldn’t stop myself from going for seconds, because this was just too delicious. For the Durian Mousse with Gula Melaka Cream, I like how the chef has managed the sweetness of the rich gula melaka cream and durian mousse well. Those who love mango sago will love the Durian with Avocado Puree and Sago too! The buttery avocado puree, and lightness of sago worked in tandem and you will be sure to take multiple spoonfuls of this pudding-like dessert at one go!
In addition to the luxurious buffet spread, Thorny Temptations also has a FREE flow of MAO SHAN WANG and top quality Red Prawn, Red Lobster and Xiao Yen Zi. The durians are opened and served by the chefs at the open patio between 7pm and 9pm.
Thorny Temptations is available daily from 27 July to 26 August 2018, between 6.30pm and 10.30pm. Prices start at SGD98++ per adult (inclusive of free flow coffee and tea) and SGD49++ per child (between 4 to 12 years old). Enjoy 10% savings when you dine with four paying adults or more, valid from Monday to Thursday only. Or earn 50% bonus miles when you pay with Mileslife, new users will also score an additional 1500 miles.
It’s time to feast to your heart’s content on all things durian at Lime at PARKROYAL on Pickering! Make sure you gather your troops, and make a reservation! For dining reservations and enquiries, please call +65 6809 8899 or email lime.prsps@parkroyalhotels.com
This post was brought to you by PARKROYAL on Pickering.
