Where could you go to enjoy really good durian? Without the frills and the hype, no shouting to call people, no bargaining to try and get a good deal, just high quality, select durian of many varieties, at low prices without the need to haggle, and with a very comfortable and relaxed local ambiance. My best and hands down choice - 227 Katong Durian at 227 East Coast Road. 
I would say that those who are in the know, go here for their durian. Locals come here in droves, buying 2 or more durians, they have them opened one by one to confirm the fruit is exactly as they want it, then have them packed in large paper bags before zipping off in their cars. 
How do you know which durian is right for you? First you choose the variety you want to eat. For newbies, try the Green Bamboo or the D101. For the more adventurous or those with a more developed taste for durian, choose the D24 also known as the Sultan King. And for those who really enjoy the intense, fullest flavour of durian, sweet yet bitter, almost alcoholic essence like a Bailey's, very luxuriously creamy inside yet held firmly with a thin membrane until you close your mouth and lick into into it, uniquely durian flavour that can't be described, go for the Mao Shan Wang aka Mountain Cat King aka Musang King. This can go for upwards of $30 per kilo especially in touristy areas, but today at 227 Katong Durian the Musang King sells for $18 per kilo.
What size do you get? For newbies who want to try, get one kilo for two people. Less the thick, spiky skin and the seeds, you'll be left with less than 500 g of fruit. For those who truly appreciate the fruit, it's easy to share 3 or 4 or 5 kg between just two people. Easy!! My wife and I have done this several times.
How do you check that the fruit is good? Each buyer has his or her way. They smell it, or look at the color, check the fruit is fresh and intact and not soggy, they pinch it and taste it. Personally I've never encountered a bad durian at 227 Katong. The sellers just look over the fruits, choose the one they think is best, tap the fruit with a knife and listen for the sound, then cut and break the fruit open and show the inside to you. Then it's done, now you pay.
Your choice of where to enjoy your durian. 227 Katong Durian is great for many reasons. For one, they have neatly arranged tables and chairs in a nice, airy stall interior, away from crowds or passers by. The tables have boxes of tissue you can use freely. They provide thin plastic gloves so you don't get your hands messy. There is a wide variety of cold drinks available in case you want them to go with your durian. There are many fruits available in case you look for "cooling" fruits to finish after the "heaty" durian. There is a comfortable hand wash area. And they even have men's and ladies toilets if you need them.
All in all, to me 227 Katong Durian is a winner, the place to go to to eat Durian. Now if you have a car, they can pack the durian in paper bags and you're ready to go if you want to eat at home or with friends. You can also have the durian peeled and packed in air tight vacuum containers that will hold secure for one hour so you can bring them on a bus or MRT, provided you get to your destination within that one hour. I have done this several times and I can vouch that the vacuum packs work. No durian aroma for others to notice, means no fines in the bus or MRT. Just don't bring durian yo your hotel!! To carry your durian aboard a plane, they have even further specialised packing. Ask them about it.
So if you want a taste adventure in Singapore, go for Durian at 227 Kating Durian. Let's keep it a nice place for all of us to enjoy!
P.S. Other nearby "attractions" include the upscale 112 Eas Coast Road mall, with a lot of restaurant andcafé choices. Along East Coast Road, there are many picturesque shophouses and more restaurants. It's an expat area, yet it feels quite local, so the character is refreshingly different from the hectic crowds of Orchard Road or Bugis. You can also try the 328 Katong Laksa that is just opposite Katong Durian. Enjoy your visits to the area! God bless!
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