It’s durian season again – a tropical fruit with an unusual flavour most people either love or hate
Durians can be found in a variety of flavours, ranging from bittersweet to creamy rich. There are different types of breeds with different flavours, but most people prefer to taste one predominant flavour.
If you aren’t familiar with durians, you will probably be aware that there are three types of durians: Mao Shan Wang durian, XO durian, and D24 durian.
Approximately a hundred types of durian are known to exist, the most famous ones being the ones grown in Malaysia and Thailand.
Here is a list of sixteen different types of durian you should know about and maybe you can find them in Singapore this season if you are interested in knowing more about the various kind of durians that you can find in Singapore during this time of year. This will help you choose the kind of durian that most suits your taste buds.
1. Mao Shan Wang Durian (Musang King)
Mao Shan Wang durian, also called Cat Mountain King or Butter durian, is bright yellow. Originating from Malaysia’s Kelantan, Pahang, and Johor, it’s favoured in Singapore for its complex bitter-sweet-creamy profile. Despite the initial bitterness, the subsequent sweetness outweighs it. This durian variety has permeated popular culture, featuring diverse treats like pastries, mooncakes, ice cream, cakes, and coffee.
Flavour: Bitter, sweet, and creamy at the same time
Colour: Bright yellow durian
2. XO Durian
XO durian, pale yellow from Genting, Cameron Highlands, or Johor. Ideal for those who crave bitterness with a mild alcoholic note. Thick, soft, creamy flesh that melts delightfully.
Flavour: Bitter with a slight alcoholic taste
Colour: Pale yellow durian
3. D24 Durian
D24 durian, also named Sultan, is pale yellow and hails from Pahang, Johor, and Cameron Highlands, Malaysia. In the ’90s, it reigned as the renowned durian before Mao Shan Wang’s rise. Delicate bitterness, melting creamy texture.
Flavour: A slightly bitter taste, creamy texture melts in your mouth.
Colour: Pale yellow durian
4. D1 durian
D1 durian, also called Gang Hai, originates from Johor, Malaysia. With small seeds and a milky taste, the flesh separates easily with a subtle surface crunch.
Flavour: Small seeds with a milky taste
Colour: Pale yellow durian
5. D13 Durian
Hailing from Segamat, Johor, Malaysia, D13 durian boasts large seeds and suits first-timers. Its appealing burnt orange hue makes it a favourite. Sweet, fragrant, and less pungent—a delectable choice.
Flavour: Delicious, sweet, and fragrant treat, perfect for those with less pungent taste buds
Colour: Deep burnt orange in colour
6. Golden Phoenix Durian (Jin Feng)
Golden Phoenix durian, also Jin Feng, is pale yellow-white. Originating from Pahang and Johor, Malaysia, it offers bitterness and a watery texture. Despite a small seed, its pungent aroma and sweet flesh impress.
Flavour: A bitter taste with a more watery texture.
Colour: Pale yellow-white durian
7. Red Prawn Durian
Red Prawn durian, also called Hong Xia or Ang Hay, is orangey-red. From Pahang, Johor, Malaysia, it boasts intense sweetness, making it an ideal choice for newcomers and enthusiasts alike.
Flavour: An intense sweet flavour
Colour: Orangey-red durian
8. Green Bamboo Durian
Green Bamboo durian, aka Qing Zhu or Tekka, exhibits a subtle greenish hue. From Johor, Malaysia, it offers sweet creaminess with fibrous flesh. Trying it brings a unique experience reminiscent of the past, perfect for adventurous palates.
Flavour: Distinctive and reminds you of the good old days.
Colour: A slight greenish tinge pale yellow durian
9. Black Gold Durian
Hailing from Pahang, Malaysia, Black Gold durian is a grade above Mao Shan Wang. With dark greyish undertones, it offers buttery smoothness and a lingering bitter note—an experience worth having.
Flavour: Buttery, smooth texture, bitter aftertaste
Colour: Dark greyish undertones.
10. Black Pearl Durian
Black Pearl durian, or Hei Zhen Zhu, displays a pale yellow-grey hue. From Johor, Malaysia, it features small seeds and a balanced blend of slight bitterness, creaminess, and smoothness—an excellent choice for those seeking a less overwhelming flavour.
Flavour: Slight bitter, creamy, and smooth taste.
Colour: Very pale yellow and greyish durian
11. Black Thorn Durian
Originating in Penang, Malaysia, Black Thorn durian is vibrant yellow with custardy flesh. Its sweet creaminess carries a subtle bitterness. If available, trying Black Thorn is a definite treat.
Flavour: A sweet creamy taste with a slight bitterness.
Colour: Bright yellow durian
12. Chanee Durian
Chanee durians offer a sweet, occasionally bitter taste suitable for fresh or cooked dishes. The flavour varies with maturity and cultivation and is cherished by enthusiasts when eaten fresh. Bright yellow flesh, occasionally orange-hued, boasts a dense, smooth, buttery texture. The fruit houses a substantial seed. Enjoy Chanee durians slightly underripe, in salads, fried as chips, or added to soups and curries.
Flavour: A thick, smooth, buttery, and creamy consistency
Colour: Bright yellow, sometimes with orange tones
13. Hor Lor Durian
Originating in Penang, Malaysia, Hor Lor Durian showcases an elongated form. Its subdued sweetness and lower pungency provide an option for those desiring a gentler flavour encounter.
Flavour: Mild sweet flavours with less pungent
Colour: Pale yellow durian
14. MonThong Durian
MonThong Durian, known as Golden Pillow in Thai, originates from Thailand and stands as a widely favoured durian variety. Its bright yellow, meaty flesh offers minimal pungency and a mild, sweet taste.
Flavour: Very meaty with a least pungent, mildly sweet taste.
Colour: Bright yellow flesh
15. Tekka Durian
Musang King pioneered the trend, yet Tekka, dubbed Musang Queen, elevates it further. Tekka’s uniform texture and welcomed bitterness stand out. While appearance is ordinary, its taste is delightful. A Singaporean rarity, seize the chance to savour Tekka.
Flavour: Tekka’s texture is consistent, and its bitterness is welcome
Colour: Pale yellow flesh
16. Tok Litok Durian
Tok litok also known by D169 durian boasts an elongated, medium size with prickly, yellowish-green skin. Its thick, yellow flesh is pleasantly sweet, rich, and slightly bitter in taste.
Flavour: Sweet, fat with a slightly bitter taste
Colour: Bright yellow
(Credits: Veliyath Garden, Duriotourism, 99 Old Tress Durian, Alibaba, Ah Seng Durian, WLS Durian Village, Black Pearl Durian, Durian Delivery, Fruits Monkeys SG, Durian Man SG)
For more Food Lobang updates like this, subscribe to our Telegram channel at @sgfoodlover.
Since you’re here, why not read:
How to Choose and Open Durian and Avoid being Ripped off in Singapore
