Ultimate durian ice cream showdown

This Taiwanese matcha specialist is best known for its signature green tea ice cream, waffles and other sweet treats, but Gozen Cha has gotten in on the durian trend and has rolled out a limited durian ice cream ($58) that promises an intense aroma. You can smell it coming before it even arrives at the table and the ice cream tastes just like the fruit. While it’s made with fresh D197 durian purée, it’s actually quite light and not overly pungent. The durian pieces also add another layer to the texture.

Time Out rating: 4/5

Located inside Sogo’s basement supermarket, Milk Top sells deliciously pure, creamy ice cream and pudding thanks to its Hokkaido milk content. Sold in individual cartons, you’ll find all kinds of flavours here including red bean, blueberry cheesecake, sesame, as well as durian ($27.90). The flavouring doesn’t taste artificial at all and there are bits of durian pulp in every scoop. Unfortutanely, the durian ice cream lacks the milky taste of Milk Top’s other offerings and the texture just isn’t smooth enough.

Time Out rating: 3.5/5

Many of us have grown up with Kowloon Dairy, so we’ve an inherent weakness for any of their products. But since launching the durian ice cream ($15), it’s been one of the most popular flavours among Hongkongers who are fans of this most regal of fruits. The dull yellow sweet treat is incredibly smooth and the durian flavour really explodes in your mouth, accompanied by a concentrated coconut cream aroma. All packed perfectly into a small carton. And the best part? It’s dirt cheap. 

Time Out rating: 4.5/5

It’s common knowledge that Japanese ice cream is famously thick and creamy. And the offerings from Japan Ice Cream House is a perfect example. But when it comes to its Hong Kong exclusive golden durian soft serve ($45), the dessert purveyor falls a little short. Rather than a durian flavoured-ice cream, it’s really just a langue de chat cone dusted with durian powder. That being said, the powder is actually quite tasty, although the 12.5 percent milk ice cream can be quite sweet. Best enjoyed in small doses.

Time Out rating: 3/5

Out of all four of the ice cream brands, the one that comes out on top is none other than Hong Kong’s very own Kowloon Dairy. The durian flavour perfectly matches the real thing and the coconut cream in it makes a fantastic pairing. Gozen Cha’s durian is a close second, its lighter offering ideal for those who prefer a milder flavour.