When it comes to exotic fruits, few can rival the intriguing allure of the durian. Known as the “King of Fruits,” durian has a reputation that precedes it. With its distinctive aroma and custard-like flesh, this tropical fruit has captured the curiosity of adventurous food enthusiasts around the world. Seen on Andrew Zimmerman’s, Anthony Bourdain’s and many other foodie TV shows, it is a must try for any true foodie. And if you want to experience the true essence of durian, there’s no better place than Malaysia. Join us as we embark on a delightful journey exploring the art of eating durian in Malaysia.
The Durian Experience
In Malaysia, durian is not just a fruit; it’s a cultural phenomenon. The love for durian runs deep within the Malaysian psyche, and it is an integral part of their culinary heritage. From the moment you arrive in Malaysia, you’ll encounter roadside stalls, bustling markets, and specialty shops dedicated solely to this spiky fruit. Malaysians take immense pride in their durian, and the experience of eating it goes far beyond the taste alone.
The Hunt for the Perfect Durian
Durian aficionados will tell you that finding the perfect durian is an art form. Malaysians have a keen eye for selecting the ripest, most flavorful durians. The hunt involves examining the texture, smell, and even the sound the fruit makes when tapped. Locals often engage in friendly debates and lively discussions about the merits of different durian varieties, each claiming their favorite to be the best. It’s a sensory adventure that adds to the excitement of trying this tropical delicacy.
In Kuala Lumpur, one of the best places to try durians is at Durian Man in SS2. This place always has fresh durians and a wide variety to choose from. Smaller stalls might have durians older than 24 hours, or only a few varieties.
Durian Varieties and Flavors
Malaysia is a treasure trove of durian varieties, each with its own distinct taste and texture. There are over 200 varieties of durian. Each year, a new one is discovered and branded as the best for the year – and gets added to the list. Some popular varieties include Musang King, D24, Red Prawn, and XO. Musang King, known for its creamy, bittersweet flavor, is often hailed as the crown jewel of durians. D24, on the other hand, offers a rich and custard-like consistency with a milder taste. Each variety has its own loyal following, and part of the fun lies in discovering your personal favorite.
Durians varieties are propagated by grafting, as seeds are usually of unknown parentage and cannot guarantee the variety that will result. New varieties are discovered from wild trees, which are found to have particularly good flavor. Wild trees (and their durians) are referred to as Kampung (meaning village). A kampung durian will go for only a 10th of the price of a branded one. Yet, it might well have the taste you like the most.
The other major producer of durians is Thailand. One of the unique differences between Thailand Durians and Malaysian, is that Malaysian durians are picked after they have fallen off the tree, and thus are ripe. They should be eaten within 24 hours of falling. Thailand durians are picked from the trees and so are not naturally ripened. Thai durians are much blander than their Malaysian cousins.
Durian Etiquette
When it comes to durian, Malaysians have their own set of unwritten rules and etiquette. It’s customary to eat durian outdoors due to its pungent odor. Durians are expressly forbidden in hotels and airplanes because of that odor. The fruit is typically opened and shared among a group of friends or family members. Malaysians take pleasure in the communal aspect of enjoying durian, fostering a sense of togetherness and camaraderie. At many stalls along the roadside, they will serve the durians with a bowl of steamed rice and some cold drinks. But you will not find beer at these places because the alcohol reacts badly with the durians and will generally give an upset stomach and bloating.
Beyond Fresh Durian
Malaysia’s love for durian extends beyond the fresh fruit. You’ll find a myriad of durian-based products, such as durian pastries, ice creams, candies, and even durian-flavored coffee. These creations showcase the versatility of this unique fruit and allow you to indulge in durian flavors in unexpected ways. Many westerners find that they start with durian-based products and slowly acquire the taste (addiction?) for the raw durian. Once you have acquired the taste, the smell becomes a pleasant experience and conjours up the desire for a bite.
Conclusion
Eating durian in Malaysia is an experience that immerses you in the country’s vibrant culture and culinary traditions. From the exhilarating hunt for the perfect durian to the joy of savoring its rich flavors, Malaysia offers a haven for durian lovers. So, if you’re an adventurous foodie with a penchant for tropical delights, don’t miss the opportunity to embark on a durian adventure in Malaysia. It’s a journey that will tantalize your taste buds and create lasting memories. And if durians are your passion, we strongly suggest traveling to Penang Island and taking the Durian Farm Tour which ends in an all-you-can-eat durian feast. See our report of that adventure here.
