Geylang Durian Alley is a dangerous place to visit if you like durians. It’s hazardous if you’re a first-time durian fan who isn’t a Singaporean. You’re more likely to be tricked here than any other into buying some very poor durian for the lowest price.
Geylang Durian Alley is a 400-meter section of Sims Avenue featuring nine durian shops and nine durian experiences. It’s a congested, dusty two-way road that runs east-west through Central Singapore’s Geylang area, over the Kallang River near Singapore’s commercial sector and significant tourist attractions like Botanical gardens and Even little India. It’s a short walk; I’ve done it before.
Singapore’s red-light zone
It’s also known as Singapore’s red-light zone, a site where even Singapore’s strict laws and regulations are ignored in favor of a bit of vice. When people talk about the Geylang durian stall, they all have a sly grin. Make it a point to say it out loud. Don’t you already feel a little naughty? Are you ready for some durian?
Some Geylang durian shops have a reputation for defrauding customers and seem to be run by real-life gangs.
Geylang’s edginess stems from the fact that it was established as a destination for newly arrived immigrants to settle in Singapore. People from all over China and India came through Geylang, bringing their own culture, cuisine, and religious rituals.
It’s also a favorite spot for Chinese immigrants on work visas to visit eat durian. Until you go-goeat durian at Geylang, you’ll undoubtedly be rubbing elbows with a group of non-Singaporeans who don’t understand how to protect themselves from buying rotten durian.