Durians Atok (Kampung Jalan Kebun) Shah Alam

Our Sunday food adventure brought us to Durians Atok, tucked away in Kampung Jalan Kebun, Shah Alam. I stumbled upon this eatery while searching for places near Nava’s Zen (just 10 minutes away), and what a discovery it turned out to be. By 11:30 AM, this unassuming spot was already packed, but we managed to grab a table just as someone was leaving.

Durians Atok is famed for its Cendol Durian (DURIAN DESSERT RECIPE) and I couldn’t resist trying their D40 variety, priced at RM10. Returning to my table with the plastic container of Cendol Durian, 

I then walked over to the other stalls - if I’m not mistaken, there were four - all lined up in a row across from where we were seated. I ordered, paid, and returned with Laksa Penang (Asam Laksa). The Laksa Penang had the usual suspects: tangy fish broth, laksa noodles, onion slices, half an egg, scented with Vietnamese coriander (daun kesum), and torch ginger bud (ASAM LAKSA NYONYA STYLE RECIPE).

While it was decent, it didn’t quite match the best I’ve had elsewhere. The Mee Kari, on the other hand, which my hub ordered, was the standout. I tasted it, and the flavorful curry broth, tofu, and seafood made it the better choice (SINGAPORE LAKSA RECIPE).

Next was digging into and slurping the Cendol Durian - a generous portion of thick coconut milk, palm sugar (gula Melaka) syrup, cendol, corn, a mountain of ice, and four durian pieces. While undeniably indulgent, it was a tad too sweet for my taste and overloaded with ice. When I got home, I removed the ice and slowly tucked into it bit by bit until I finished it.

Before leaving, I couldn’t resist taking home some Durian Udang Merah (literally translated as Red Shrimp or Red Prawn Durian) for RM30. While it wasn’t a letdown, it didn’t quite measure up to my all-time favorite, Musang King.

What truly sets Malay eateries apart is their warmth and hospitality, and Durians Atok is no exception. Service with genuine smiles - just as you’d expect in such unassuming Malay eateries. A heartfelt thank you to these unsung heroes of Malaysian dining.

 

Would I return? For the Cendol Durian experience, maybe. But overall, Durians Atok is worth a visit if you’re nearby and craving some durian goodness.

(Ms. Nava, a Zenpreneur in her 60s, founded Nava’s Zen at 58. She has 22 years of experience as a former lecturer, including with Curtin University’s Degree Twinning Program. Ms. Nava is also a passionate foodie who loves discovering eateries. For Ms. Nava, food brings people together, and sharing her Zen dining experiences celebrates this connection with others).