Shenzhen Becomes Premier Destination for All-You-Can-Eat Durian Extravaganzas
Shenzhen has solidified its position as the favored weekend dining destination for Hong Kong residents, largely due to its high value and diverse all-you-can-eat offerings. For aficionados of the polarizing but prized durian, the city now hosts an impressive array of durian buffets (durian hōudāi) where the “King of Fruits” is served in unlimited quantities, featuring premium varieties like Malaysian Musang King (D197) and Black Thorn, often combined with high-end seafood and luxury meats for exceptional value, with prices commencing as low as ¥138 (approximately HK$148). The convenience of Shenzhen’s extensive MTR system makes these gastronomic adventures highly accessible for cross-border gourmands.
The emergence of these specialized buffets highlights Shenzhen’s commitment to offering unique culinary experiences that leverage accessible pricing and convenient metropolitan locations. These seven must-visit venues showcase the best of this trend, blending the potent aroma and creamy texture of top-tier durian with extensive menus of complementary dishes.
The Rise of the Durian Buffet Scene
The unlimited durian concept is thriving, with restaurants competing to offer the most diverse selection and creative applications of the fruit.
1. Kaihuang Durian (開皇榴槤): A Durian Variety Showcase
Located in Yantian, Kaihuang Durian specializes exclusively in Malaysian tree-ripened durians. Patrons can sample over 50 different durian products, including pure fruit flesh from varieties like Musang King (D197), Sultan King, Black Thorn, and Zhuque. The fruit is imported directly from Malaysia, ensuring quality, and uniquely offers self-service heating for guests who prefer the intensified sweetness of baked durian. Beyond the fruit, the buffet includes decadent desserts such as durian ice cream, Basque cheesecake, sticky rice, and milkshakes, priced from approximately ¥138.
2. V Café at Huangting V Hotel: Durian with a View
For diners seeking high-altitude luxury, V Café, situated on the 26th floor of Huangting V Hotel in Futian, pairs unlimited durian selections with panoramic night views of Shenzhen. The buffet elevates the experience by integrating durian with savory items, such as rich cheese-baked crab shells and oysters, complementing the extensive seafood spread—which includes baked lobster, fresh salmon, steak, and lamb chops. This three-hour dining experience starts at ¥566, offering a comprehensive feast often revisited by discerning visitors.
3. Mange Zizao (曼格姿造): Seafood and Durian Fusion
Mange Zizao combines luxurious living seafood with a core durian offering. Diners can enjoy freshly shucked oysters, king crab legs, prawns, and often lobster, alongside daily fresh Musang King and Black Thorn. The restaurant excels in durian-infused creations, such as pancakes, cream puffs, and deep-fried durian balls. This all-you-can-eat ocean-and-orchard feast begins at ¥388.
Value-Driven and Varied Offerings
Other popular spots emphasize high-value combinations, often featuring Thai Golden Pillow durian, which is prized for its sweet and less pungent flavor profile.
4. Lingxian (領鮮): Unlimited Golden Pillow Durian
A popular fixture near Luohu’s Dongmen Pedestrian Street, Lingxian offers a vibrant mix of fresh seafood (abalone, shrimp, salmon), grilled meats, and over 100 other dishes, with prices starting from an appealing rate around ¥228. Its signature feature is the unlimited supply of freshly cracked Thai Golden Pillow durian, allowing guests to freely indulge in the fruit while enjoying hot pot and barbecue options.
5. Happy Ranch (歡樂牧場): Hotpot Feast with Durian
With multiple branches across Shenzhen, Happy Ranch is famous for its reasonably priced 100-minute hotpot hōudāi. For around ¥139, the package includes unlimited Australian M-grade Wagyu beef, tripe, crab, shrimp, and a range of Korean barbecue items, capped off with limitless helpings of Thai Golden Pillow durian.
6. Isshoni Wagyu Sukiyaki (一緒に和牛壽喜燒放題): Premium Meats and Baked Durian
Specializing in high-quality Wagyu sukiyaki and hairy crabs, Isshoni provides unlimited access to flavorful ingredients beginning at ¥219. Their specialty durian offering features premium Malaysian fruit, often served baked. The baked durian, with its caramelized, slightly crispy exterior and warm, creamy interior that melts on the tongue, is a must-try.
7. Yubohui Steam Fresh Seafood (漁舶彙蒸汽活海鮮): Steamed Seafood Meets Durian Desserts
Located in the Futian Central Business District, Yubohui focuses on fresh, steamed seafood—including live abalone, lobster, oysters, and crab—to preserve their natural flavor. Complementing this is a free-flow supply of Thai Golden Pillow durian and various durian desserts, most notably the irresistible baked durian, making it a highly cost-effective option for both seafood and durian enthusiasts, typically priced around ¥258 for two hours.
The sheer volume, quality, and variety offered at these Shenzhen durian buffets solidify the city’s status as a culinary destination, providing Hong Kong diners a high-value, easily accessible option to satisfy their indulgence in this iconic tropical fruit. Prospective diners should always confirm current pricing and seasonal availability with the respective establishments.