BBC Great Asian Railway Journeys - coffee plantation on Java

SteveBRS

Episode 7, from 33 minutes on (link below) : The Java plantation visit is quite interesting, seeing the mixed crops grown - anybody for a Durian fruit? Strange though that the plantation grows 90% Robusta. Watch picking, some traditional roasting, cooling and brewing culminating with a tasting session. The landscapes, people and aspects of the Indonesian history and culture are very interesting.
In total it’s 10 60-minute episodes from 2020, available for about 2 weekd plus on iPlayer, presented by former Tory minister Portillo. Fairly lightweight but watchable, whatever you make of the presenter.

episode 7

Link to all 10 episodes

MediumRoastSteam

SteveBRS anybody for a Durian fruit

Yes please.

JahLaza

SteveBRS anybody for a Durian fruit?

I had it in Malaysia. The local team thought I would barf at it but I endured and consumed it ok! I think it was the smell that makes that interesting is it?

MediumRoastSteam

JahLaza I had it in Malaysia

Same! I had it before in the UK, and in Malaysia the locals thought I was “amazing” as I pretty much try anything. Cow’s stomach soup? Yes! Then came the durian… no problem. I then gave half of the fruit to the concierge staff stationed outside the hotel and I made their day. Durian is often prohibited to be taken inside hotels as (mainly western) people don’t like the smell. Personally I don’t think it’s that bad!

JahLaza

DavecUK MediumRoastSteam it was about 15 years ago when I was in Malaysia with work so my exact memory is sketchy but yeah it was very popular woth locals, sold at all the markets. They also brought me to roadside ‘eateries’ where the meal was served on banana leaves and eaten with fingers. It was there I had eel meat too and ate thin slices of chilli with chopsticks that were in bowls on all tables as a nibble for starters. The locals also didn’t think I would like that but it cleansed my palette!! I skipped past other options that were presented to me..!

DavecUK

In the basement of the Takashamya store in Orchard Rd Singapore they have the food section. I used to love ordering a Durian shake and Durian puffs, to the general astonishment of the locals. However, you get some funny looks if you burp on the underground…which inevitably happens

gordy53

my old man was in the RAF and my last 2 .5 years of school were in Singapore April 67 until October 69 so I was well spoilt by the fabulous food over there there was a man with a small charcoal brazier on the edge of Changi village walking back home that had the best Sate Chicken I have ever had we could not walk by him and not buy some

DavecUK

gordy53 Food in Singapore is unbeatable. They have a massively wide selection and excellent quality. Even from the cheap food courts….probably not so cheap now