Hello everyone! We are CHIU STYLE! We love sharing quirky stories, lighthearted news, and little moments that make you smile, bringing us closer to you in a fun and relaxed way. Today, we’re sharing a hilarious incident from a small town in England that’s guaranteed to make you laugh and unwind.
Before we dive in, why not brew yourself a cup of our Lemon Coconut Green Tea? With the refreshing scent of lemon and the sweet aroma of coconut, it’s the perfect companion to sip while enjoying a little laugh. Grab some small snacks or fruits and get cozy—we’re about to dive into today’s fun story!
The Town’s “Gas Alert” Was Actually… a Durian?
The story takes place in the seaside town of Lytham St Annes in Lancashire, England. One day, a strange odor suddenly filled the streets—it smelled exactly like a gas leak!
Panicked residents immediately called the authorities. Even a nearby charity shop received complaints, describing the smell as dangerous and unbearable. Soon, gas company engineers arrived, supported by the police. Everyone expected a serious emergency.
The engineer first checked the charity shop and the beauty salon next door, but found nothing. Finally, he arrived at a fruit and vegetable store called Strongs Fruit and Veg, where staff members Wai Peng Cheng and Candy Pooi Kuan Lam looked completely puzzled. Little did anyone know, the “culprit” behind the chaos was none other than a Southeast Asian tropical fruit—the durian!
How strong is a durian’s smell? Some say it’s like rotten onions, garbage piles, or even sewage. The engineer only realized what was happening after smelling it firsthand, and everyone burst out laughing. Even the store owner, Andrew Simpkins, said: “I knew it was strong, but I never expected it to be strong enough to summon the gas company and the police!”
For newcomers, the durian’s smell can be intimidating, but with a few tips, it can actually become delicious and fun. Let’s explore how to enjoy durian without any awkwardness—and even turn it into creative drinks and snacks.
How to Enjoy Durian Without Awkwardness
Despite its notorious smell, durian can be enjoyed safely and deliciously with a few simple tricks. These methods are easy, fun, and perfect for trying at home, impressing friends and family with your durian creations.
🥭 Durian Lemon Coconut Smoothie / Shake (Lemon Coconut Green Tea Version)
Ingredients (1–2 servings)
- Durian flesh: 80–100g (seed removed)
- Lemon Coconut Green Tea: 150ml (cold-brewed or chilled)
- Ice cubes: 100g (adjust to preference)
- Honey or maple syrup: 1–2 tsp (optional, for extra sweetness)
- Coconut milk or oat milk: 50ml (adds creaminess and smoothness)
Optional garnish: mint leaves, shredded coconut, lemon slices
Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare the tea base
- Chill the Lemon Coconut Green Tea or brew and refrigerate
- Use 1.5 times the normal tea strength to prevent the durian sweetness from overpowering the flavor
2️⃣ Blend the ingredients
- Add durian flesh + ice cubes + cold tea + coconut milk + honey
- Blend for 30–60 seconds until smooth and slushy
3️⃣ Adjust consistency
- Too thick → add a little cold tea or coconut milk
- Too thin → add more ice or durian flesh
4️⃣ Serve
- Pour into a clear glass for visual appeal
- Garnish with shredded coconut or mint leaves
Tips / Fun notes
- Strong durian smell → coconut milk and lemon tea help “mask” it
- Ice cubes and cold tea mellow the aroma
- Have fun with the process—it’s a playful “taste challenge”
Variations
- Durian Milkshake Version
- Replace ice cubes with frozen durian flesh for a creamier texture
- Increase coconut milk to 80ml for a richer flavor
- Dessert Cup Version
- Pour the smoothie into small cups → top with shredded coconut + lemon zest → turns into a durian afternoon treat
🍤 Thai-Style Fried Durian (Durian Fritters with Thai Sweet & Sour Seasoning)
If you prefer a warm snack, try these Thai-style fried durian bites. The sweet & sour seasoning balances the durian’s rich flavor, and frying helps reduce the strong aroma—perfect for sharing with friends or family.
Ingredients
- Durian flesh: 200g (seed removed, cut into small pieces)
- Thai Sweet & Sour Seasoning: 1–2 tsp
- Cake flour: 50g
- Cornstarch: 30g
- Sugar: 1 tsp (optional)
- Baking powder: 1/2 tsp
- Water: 60–80ml (adjust for batter consistency)
- Oil: enough for deep-frying (~500ml)
Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare the durian filling
- Mix durian pieces with sweet & sour seasoning until evenly coated
2️⃣ Make the batter
- Combine flour + cornstarch + baking powder + sugar, gradually add water to form a thick batter
3️⃣ Coat the durian
- Dip each durian piece into the batter, covering evenly
4️⃣ Fry
- Heat oil to 170–180°C
- Fry durian pieces until golden and crispy, about 2–3 minutes, turning occasionally
5️⃣ Drain and serve
- Remove fried durian onto paper towels to drain excess oil
- Optionally sprinkle a little more sweet & sour seasoning for extra flavor
6️⃣ Enjoy
- Eat while hot; the crispy exterior and creamy interior blend perfectly
- Pair with Lemon Coconut Green Tea or the durian smoothie for a complete treat
Tips
- Don’t overheat the oil to prevent outside from burning before the inside is cooked
- Adjust sweet & sour seasoning to taste
- Use fully ripened durian for the best creamy texture
These two recipes help tame the strong durian smell while turning it into a fun, shareable treat.
Watch the Full Story on YouTube
Curious about the full story? Watch our video on YOUTUBE:
With these simple tips and recipes, durian is no longer just a “stinky fruit”—it becomes a creative, delicious part of everyday life. We hope today’s story and recipes bring a moment of laughter and relaxation to your busy day.
We post new articles twice a week, and you can also visit our YOUTUBE to enjoy more fun videos. Don’t miss out on any of the quirky surprises we have in store!