Esplanade Concert Hall

If you have a 5¢ Singaporean coin, flip it over, and if you spot what looks like a durian fruit, you’re looking at the exterior of this iconic concert hall. First opened in 2002, this space’s possible nod to the large fruit is a reflection of the tropical delicacy’s cultural importance to the city-state.

Known in some areas as the “King of Fruits,” the large fruit is quite popular in Southeast Asia, and is used in a variety of cuisines. Due to its unique creaminess, the fruit is used in a variety of sweets, pastries and even ice cream. Its influence even goes beyond food, with images and sculptures of the distinctively horned durian shell found in many artistic mediums in the region. 

Due to its intense fragrance, the fruit can be polarizing—with some finding the smell to be sweet while others find it repugnant. Even in the subway system in Singapore, it is prohibited to have durian on public transportation due to the possibility of bothering a fellow passenger’s nostrils. What everyone can agree on, however, is that it has one of the most interesting flavors in the world. 

From symphonies, to film premieres, galleries and workshops, the Esplanade hall hosts over 3,000 performances every year. Unfortunately, durian is not available for purchase at intermissions.