Netizens Are Split Over This Viral Durian Fried Rice With Sambal Belacan
Is this the next big durian combo?
Just when you thought you've heard of every durian food combination there is to know, this dish comes along
Trevor James, also known as 'The Food Ranger', is a Canadian vlogger who travels around the world making videos about his food adventures.
As part of his series, Street Food Around The World, James recently featured a specialty of Penang restaurant Ah Chong Fried Rice: durian fried rice with sambal belacan.
Image via The Food Ranger/Facebook
Cooked and garnished with the King of Fruits, every bite of this unusual combo promises to be a flavourful one
After frying the prawns, cabbage, carrots, soy sauce, and rice together in a wok, an entire bowl of golden durian flesh is added into the mix, as seen in James' Facebook video.
The durian is tossed alongside the other ingredients, infusing the dish with its potent aroma.
Image via The Food Ranger/Facebook
Generous helpings of durian are then placed on top of the rice to guarantee a punch of flavour with every mouthful.
Image via The Food Ranger/Facebook
For that extra kick, spoonfuls of sambal belacan are heaped onto the side of the dish
Just in case you were worried it wasn't Malaysian enough as is…
Image via The Food Ranger/Facebook
The verdict? Surprisingly delicious!
According to the travelling food blogger, the bold flavours actually complement one another.
"I like that sweetness from the durian and the spiciness from the sambal… It's actually a surprising combo," James remarked.
The creaminess of the silky durian flesh was another highlight for the vlogger, who just couldn't seem to get enough!
Image via The Food Ranger/Facebook
Image via The Food Ranger/Facebook
The video has since gone viral, with over 12,000 likes and 10,000 shares
Several viewers found the durian fried rice very enticing, recounting childhood experiences of concocting similar food combos.
Image via The Food Ranger/Facebook
Another Facebook user brought up the fact that the durian and rice combo isn't a novel idea. Numerous traditional dishes have been cooked with tempoyak, a condiment made from fermented durian.
Image via The Food Ranger/Facebook
While James seemed completely taken by this food find, durian-lovers were not as easily convinced
Image via The Food Ranger/Facebook
Image via The Food Ranger/Facebook
Other commenters were offended by the dish, saying that it was a waste of durian. They added that an individual can only appreciate the fruit if eaten on its own.
Image via The Food Ranger/Facebook
Image via The Food Ranger/Facebook
For any brave Penangites willing to try it, the dish can be delivered right to your doorstep for just RM15
Unfortunately, it will not be made with Musang King.
Ah Chong Fried Rice is currently only open for delivery. You can place your order on their website.
Got a lot of food recommendations? Let us know in our new SAYS Makan Buddies Facebook Group!
Image via SAYS Makan
Durian fried rice with sambal belacan doesn't seem so strange when up against these other combinations:
While Trevor James travels the globe in search of a variety of street food, this American woman puts all her energy into hunting down the best durian:
If you prefer durian just as it is, look no further:
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