How much durian for a party? Our rule of thumb is one 400–450 g box for about 4 guests when durian is one dessert among several, and one box for every 2 guests when they are real durian lovers and durian is the main event. That is our own suggestion, not an official standard, so if you're unsure, round up. Boxes make the planning easy. Each Spike Durian box is a known amount, as much as one whole durian, so you can do the maths for your Christmas or year-end gathering before anyone arrives.
How many boxes for your guest list
Find your number of guests, then pick the column that sounds like your crowd.
| Guests | Light (one dessert among several) | Durian lovers (the main event) |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 1 box | 2 boxes |
| 8 | 2 boxes | 4 boxes |
| 12 | 3 boxes | 6 boxes |
| 20 | 5 boxes | 10 boxes |
The light column works out to about 100 g a person: a taste after a big meal. The durian lovers column is about twice that, for a table that came for the durian.
If your count falls between two rows, round up. A spare box can be eaten the next day, within the window we explain below. A table that runs out at 10 pm is harder to fix.
What changes the number
How many of your guests actually eat durian
Durian divides people, even at a Singapore table. Before you order, ask who eats it, and count only them. If 12 people are coming and 8 of them eat durian, read the row for 8.
What else is on the table
After a full Christmas or year-end dinner with other desserts, use the light column. If durian is the reason everyone is coming over, use the durian lovers column.
Mixing varieties
You don't have to serve only Mao Shan Wang (MSW). We also have Black Thorn and D24 single boxes. Each of our single boxes is as much as one whole durian, so the table works the same whatever the mix.
D24 is, in its product notes' words, "less intense than MSW, more approachable", so it can be an easy pick for guests who only eat durian now and then. Black Thorn is light and airy, a contrast to MSW's denser, creamy flesh and natural bitterness. Our suggestion for a durian-loving crowd: put two or three varieties side by side and let people compare. Our comparison of Mao Shan Wang, Black Thorn and D24 explains what sets each one apart.
When to have it delivered
Have it delivered on the day of the party or the day before. It arrives chilled, not frozen, and it is best eaten within 2 days, ideally 12–24 hours after it arrives, so don't schedule it days ahead.
- Choose the date and slot at checkout. Standard delivery is 4–9 pm on weekdays and 12–6 pm on weekends. A weekday slot can land after your guests do, so for a weekday dinner we'd suggest the day before.
- Order before 10 pm for next-day delivery.
- Holidays are covered. We deliver on public holidays, including Christmas Day and New Year's Day.
- Someone has to be home. The durian is chilled and perishable, so someone needs to receive it and put it straight into the fridge.
- Get the address right early. Address changes need at least 2 days' notice before the delivery date.
If your timing is tight, our delivery and storage FAQ has the details. If you're sending durian to someone else's gathering rather than hosting, our guide to durian gifts in Singapore covers that.
Until it's nearly time to serve, keep the boxes closed in the fridge.
Serving it on the night
Take the boxes out of the fridge, open the lids and let them rest at room temperature for at least 20–30 minutes before serving. As durian warms slightly, its aroma comes through more and the flesh turns creamier. Straight from the fridge, it can taste muted.
Bring the boxes out in rounds rather than all at once. That's our suggestion, so that no box sits out for long: food-safety guidance generally warns against leaving perishables at room temperature for more than 2 hours, and a party can easily run longer than that.
A few hosting basics help:
- Small forks or toothpicks
- Plenty of napkins
- A plate or bowl for the seeds
Our guide on how to thaw and enjoy durian for the best aroma and texture explains why the short rest matters.
What to do with leftovers
Put any leftover durian back in the fridge in an airtight container. That keeps the smell in, and keeps other fridge smells out of the durian. Finish it within 2 days of delivery.
Don't put it in the freezer. Spike Durian is fresh-locked once, at peak season, and re-freezing it at home damages the quality. The window is the same for every box, which is one more reason to match the order to the people who will actually eat it.
Durian party FAQ
How many people does one box of durian serve?
Our rule of thumb is about 4 people when durian is a light dessert, or about 2 durian lovers. Each box is 400–450 g, as much as one whole durian.
Will the durian arrive frozen?
No. It arrives chilled, in a cooler bag with gel ice packs, with an A5 card of instructions on how to enjoy it. Put it in the fridge as soon as it arrives.
Can I get it delivered at a specific time for my party?
Standard slots are 4–9 pm on weekdays and 12–6 pm on weekends. For a specific time, there is a timed delivery service at an extra charge. Contact our customer service team to arrange it.
Can I freeze leftover durian?
No. Don't re-freeze it. Keep leftovers in the fridge in an airtight container and finish them within 2 days of delivery.
Can I order durian for an office party?
Yes. Corporate orders start from 30 boxes and need 7 days' lead time. Our guide to corporate durian gifts explains how to order.
For a small table, start with the Pahang Old-Tree Mao Shan Wang single box. For a room full of durian lovers, the MSW party bundle is made for sharing with friends and family.
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