DURIAN-ized @ Sri Karak Restaurant, Section 52, PJ

Man, Ipoh is HOT !!!! In every sense of the word. The weather is scorching, the STILL-chaotic and volatile political fiesta still threatening to throw the citizens into lunacy, etc etc .....

Notice the 8TV's Ho Chak's endorsement? Gotta be good, no?

I'm a sucker for anything with durian in it. Be it Durian Cendol from Melaka, Durian pancake from Seri Petaling, Durian Ice-cream with Ais Kacang (or, the other way round, most probably) from Kek Seng, Penang Road, Tempoyak with or even the REAL DEAL, fleshy & thorny raw form. The title given, the undisputed "King of Fruits" well-deserving for a fruit that's not only versatile for desserts and savoury snacks, but the infinite potential of harm the thorny exterior can impose to others ... Muahahaha .... Makes Tear Gas sounds wimpy now, eh? =P

Durian Egg Tart @ RM1.60

I somewhat stumbled upon this outlet in Petaling Jaya's Section 52, an area I've never even been to previously. Yeah, makes one wonder is PJ really that HUGE of an area, exceeding 52 sections?!!! Geez. I'll just clasp my hands and pray for a GPS. C'mon now ..... -_-

Durian Bomb @ RM1.80

Sri Karak Restaurant originates from Yik Kei Restaurant in Karak town in Pahang. The HALAL restaurant serves mostly Chinese dishes, from their famous steamed fish (including patin with tempoyak!), as well as Freshwater Prawns Noodles (Sang Har Meen).

But of course, that's not their main pulling factor, nor the reason for our patronage. We were there for their tempting durian desserts, previously covered by 8TV's Ho Chak programme, and then some.

Durian Pancake @ RM6.50

The egg tart was rather cheap, at RM1.60 per piece, with pastry that doesn't crumble, but more to cookie-like, ala John King's style. But lacking in pungent durian aroma and flavour, I found it rather mild. My vote goes to John King's version, no doubt.

The Durian Bomb is actually durian flesh enveloped by crispy pastry skin, much akin to a Yam Puff (Wu Kok), but on the smaller scale. All the pastries are prepared freshly everyday, and no leftovers are being sold on the next day.

Durian Cendol @ RM6.00

The Durian Pancake's not on the menu, so you gotta ask if they're preparing them. One layer of durian ice-cream, one layer of sponge cake, and another with durian flesh, the pancake skin was thin, and highly advised to let the pancake warmed to room temperature first before consuming, so that the ice-cream layer will thaw slightly before one gets brain freeze.

The Durian Cendol has way more ingredients than Jonker 88's, with Gula Melaka syrup served at the side. A wise choice, as not many would prefer their cendol to be extra sweet. The bowl of colourful concoction resembled Ais Kacang more than Cendol though. The Durian Ice-cream served atop was creamy, but lacking the punch somehow. Maybe I'm used to stronger Durian flavour in my desserts.

Location : SRI KARAK RESTAURANT @ No 17, Jalan 52/8, Section 52, Petaling Jaya, Selangor. Tel No : 603-7958 3240.