Many people are scared to try durian fruit, mostly due to its spiky exterior and strong odour. Mostly found growing in Southeast Asia, the humble durian is becoming (albeit strangely) another good reason to visit Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia. Durian, or “The King of Fruit,” is generally known to be native to Borneo and Sumatra , but it is now found all over Southeast Asia .
Well known for its pungent smell and unique thorn-covered skin, many are scared to give it a taste. But with over 300 varieties on the market, there is a durian for you. From sweet bites to milky flavours, with no way of knowing which is which because of its spiky appearance, it can be a bit tricky to get your hands on the one that fits your taste buds.
Lucky for you, we’ve mapped out a few popular spots in Southeast Asia that guarantee a perfectly juicy bite. Thailand Thailand takes durian seriously, and rightfully so, given that they are marked to be the largest exporter of durian in the world, producing over 800,000 tons of fruit annually. This year, they are projected to export over a million tons of durians all around the world.
The peak season is from late April to early September, with the peak season being July. For interested tourists who are looking to try durian for the first time, locals and durian connoisseurs recommend starting with the “big five”, which are the Monthong, Chanee, Kanyao, Thong Yod, and Kan Yao. Monthong, or the “Golden Pillow,” is one of the most popular var.