Durian Stall at Toa Payoh Central, Singapore

Toa Payoh (simplified Chinese: 大巴窑; traditional Chinese: 大巴窯) is a district located in the Central Region of Singapore. It commonly refers to the Housing and Development Board (HDB) housing estate of Toa Payoh New Town, one of the earliest satellite public housing estates in Singapore.

Toa Payoh is a Hokkien language reference to “big swamp” (toa is “big” and payoh means “swamp”). The Malay word for swamp is paya. The reference indicates the large swampy area that preceded the later development of Chinese market gardens in this area.

I was lucky to be sitting opposite this blustling durian fruit stall you see here in the sketch. The shop just received a new batch of durians in baskets. The fragrance is just irresistible. In Asia we call our durians, king of the fruits and a delicacy. However, some people may find the smell revolting, just like how blue cheese turns some people off. I personally love the sweet and creamy texture of durian. I hope you will get a chance to try this prickly fruit.