Durian Varieties and Tasting Guides

Mao Shan Wang

This is the most well-known variety, famous for its bittersweet ending and buttery yellow flesh. It has a creamy, fibrelss texture, and is recognised by its light green husk with thick short thorns and a star-shaped pattern at the bottom. If you want a durian that's rich and bold, Mao Shan Wang is the classic choice.

Black Pearl (Tai Yuan)

Black Pearl offers a slightly bitter taste with a milky aftertaste. The flesh is creamy and pale greyish-yellow, while the durian itself is oval-shaped with thin thorns. It's excellent for those who enjoy a more subtle, milky flavor.

D24 (Sultan)

D24 is bittersweet with pale yellow flesh. It was extremely popular in the 1990s before Mao Shan Wang took the spotlight. The flavor profile is balanced, making it ideal for those who like their durian not too sweet and not too bitter.

Black Thorn

Known for its floral sweetness, Black Thorn has a burnt-orange flesh and an elongated husk with blackish thorn tips. This variety stands out for its fragrance and complex sweetness. Golden Phoenix This variety has a bittersweet taste with a distinct floral fragrance. The fruit is round with light green to greyish thorns, and it is identifiable by a cluster of small thorns at the bottom. The flesh is pale yellow and appealing to those who enjoy a perfumed durian.

Red Prawn (Ang Hae)

Red Prawn strikes a balance between sweetness and bitterness. Its flesh is creamy, custardy, and smooth, colored in shades of orange to reddish. The husk is elongated with short thick thorns. This variety is especially popular among those who prefer sweeter durians but still want a hint of complexity.

Green Bamboo (Tekka)

Green Bamboo transitions from a bitter to a sweet taste, ending with a bitter aftertaste. It has an elongated husk with thin thorns and brownish-yellow flesh. The contrast of flavors makes it interesting for adventurous eaters.

XO (Johor)

XO is well-known for its pronounced bitterness and creamy texture. The flesh is pale yellow. Note, this XO is not the same as the premium Pahang XO, which is a top-grade D24. XO is for fans who enjoy strong, bitter durians.

D13

D13 is mildly sweet and not bitter at all. It features deep yellow flesh and rather big seeds. Suitable for those starting out with durians or anyone who desires a gentler, milder variety.