Special thanks to Iconic Hotel for extending this food review invitation.
Durian season has started, so it is time to indulge in the king of fruits! In this spirit, Iconic Hotel has erected an iconic (pun intended) durian shack outside the hotel. The fruits are sourced from Iconic Group’s own plantation in Balik Pulau.
Many durian cultivars are displayed at the shack; Musang King (猫山王) is perhaps the most popular one. Its flesh is sweet and creamy, and has a mild bitter aftertaste. Meanwhile, the seeds are relatively small.
Tian Sang (天送) literally means “heavenly gift”. This durian cultivar is not so well known but is cherished nevertheless. The durian’s flesh is orange in color.
D604 (六零四) is a local cultivar in Balik Pulau. This durian is often referred to by its name in Hokkien dialect, “lak kong si”. Like Musang King, D604 has somewhat small seeds.
Penang M5 (红肉仔) is another local favorite. Known locally as “ang bak kia”, this durian has a soothing aroma reminiscent of flowers.
Kampung (土种), or generic cultivar, is the most common type of durians sold by roadside stalls. Do not underestimate these durians because they can sometimes bring unexpected surprises.
The mangosteens here are also harvested from the same plantation in Balik Pulau. More often than not, mangosteens are eaten with durians because both fruits turn ripe around the same time. Moreover, mangosteen juice is believed to negate the “heatiness” of durians.
Iconic Hotel allows customers to eat-in or take-away. Fitted with proper ventilation, the durian shack offers a unique way to enjoy the fruit. While dining, customers can help themselves to complimentary nutmeg juice.
Iconic Hotel’s durian promotion runs from 12 June 2019 to 12 July 2019 or while stocks last. The shack operates between 12:00pm and 10:00pm daily. Durian cultivars are subject to availability.
As for durian lovers who prefer to sample a variety of cultivars, Iconic Hotel offers all-you-can-eat durians for only RM45.00 per person. Each session has a limited number of slots, so it is advisable make a reservation ahead of time.
Name: Iconic Hotel
Address: 71, Jalan Icon City, 14000 Bukit Mertajam, Pulau Pinang
Contact: 04-505-9988
Business hours: 12:00pm-10:00pm
Website: https://www.iconichotel.com.my
Coordinates: 5.34177 N, 100.43292 E
Directions: From the North-South Expressway, take the Bukit Mertajam exit and head east. Turn left just before Petron gas station, then turn right to the front entrance of the 15-floor Iconic Hotel. The durian shack is just in front of the hotel. The hotel provides multistorey parking.
