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Which signature dish from Southeast Asia can really surprise your palate?

Denisse Vayne

Southeast Asia is a food hub that never fails to amaze me! The diversity of flavors, spices, techniques, and ingredients that go into their dishes is mind-boggling. But, if you ask me which signature dish can really surprise your palate, I'd say "Bring on the Durian!"

Yes, I said it - Durian!

Now, for the uninitiated, Durian is a fruit that's practically banned from most public places, hotels, and transportation in Southeast Asia because of its pungent odor that's been described as "rotten cheese" mixed with "turpentine" and "gasoline." But wait! Don't let that scare you off! As they say, "Never judge a book by its cover" - and in this case, never judge a fruit by its smell!

Once you crack open the rough, spiky exterior of the Durian fruit, you'll find creamy, fleshy pods that pack a flavor punch like no other. It's hard to describe, but some say it's like "eating custard in a sewer," while others swear it's "the most heavenly taste in the world." To me, it's like a mix of sweet, savory, and slightly fermented flavors that melt in your mouth like butter.

But here's the thing - Durian is an acquired taste. You're either going to love it or hate it. Heck, I've even seen some locals in Southeast Asia gagging at the first taste, while others gobble it up like it's their last meal on earth. It's definitely not for the faint-hearted.

But, if you're up for a challenge and want to surprise your palate with something completely unique, then Durian is the way to go. You can try it fresh or in a variety of sweet and savory dishes like Durian sticky rice, Durian ice cream, Durian pancakes, or even Durian pizza!

So, there you go! If you want to venture beyond the usual Pad Thai, Satay, or Tom Yum Soup - go for the Durian and get ready for a wild ride! But remember, as they say in Southeast Asia, "No Durian, No Talkie."