Description

Cheh Kak

Old-school charm. Rich and earthy. Chek Kak, also known as Green Skin Durian, is a nostalgic favourite among traditional durian lovers. Its exterior might not look as dramatic as other varieties, but don’t be fooled — the flesh packs a deep, robust flavour that lingers long after your last bite. Slightly fibrous with a satisfying bite, Chek Kak is perfect for those who enjoy a more “classic kampung” durian experience.

This one’s for the purists — no frills, just good, honest durian.

Taste & Texture: Flesh is typically milky white with a yellow tinge, sometimes described as ivory-like in colour, taste is often described as sweet with a creamy and smooth texture, the Teochews like to call it “karm karm” taste.

Status: A heritage favourite among old-school durian fans and traditional kampung-style eaters.

Season: June to August

D2 – Dato Nina

Elegant. Delicate. Unexpectedly complex. D2, affectionately known as Dato Nina, is a lesser-known gem with a refined profile that surprises and delights. Its pale, butter-yellow flesh is soft and custardy, with a gentle sweetness and a subtle alcoholic aftertaste — a flavour that quietly builds rather than overwhelms. It’s the kind of durian that makes you pause, think, and go in for another bite.

Perfect for those who appreciate the quiet luxury of a durian that doesn’t shout but sings.

Taste & Texture: Flesh is thick, dry and creamy, its known for its sweet taste with a subtle bitterness with a complex profile that can include hints of almond & custard, it has pale yellow flesh colour and it’s originated from Malacca.

Status: A rare vintage pick, beloved by longtime durian connoisseurs who know their varieties.

Season: Early season – typically May to July

D13

Sweet. Bright. Crowd-friendly. D13 is the sunny-side-up of the durian world — cheerful in colour and flavour. With its vibrant orange flesh and candy-like sweetness, it’s often the first durian people fall in love with. Smooth, fibreless, and mild in aroma, D13 is approachable even for the durian-cautious, yet still satisfying enough for seasoned fans.

A perfect pick for sharing with friends, kids, or anyone dipping their toes into the durian universe.

Taste & Texture: Flesh is more orange in colour though some are yellow, sweet, with a subtle hint of bitterness particularly towards the end, less fibrous, less pungent smell, has a unique milky aftertaste, creamy texture.

Status: A beginner’s favourite and a sweet alternative to more intense varieties.

Season: June to August

D13.5

Richer. Bolder. A little more grown-up. D13.5 takes everything people love about D13 — the sweetness, the smooth texture, the beautiful orange hue — and dials it up. Think of it as D13 with a twist: deeper flavour, a bit more body, and just a touch of that signature durian funk. It’s still friendly and easygoing, but with more character and a slightly thicker bite.

Ideal for those who started with D13 and are ready to level up without diving straight into the bitters.

Taste & Texture: Flesh has a reddish-orange colour, it is also thick, soft & sweet, creamy and a moist texture with a subtle hint of bitterness especially towards the end, it has medium sized seeds.

Status: An under-the-radar upgrade from D13 — familiar, but with extra depth.

Season: June to August

D24

Classic. Reliable. Always hits the spot. D24, also known as Sultan, is the go-to durian for those who appreciate balance. Not too sweet, not too bitter — just the right harmony of flavour packed into firm, pale yellow flesh. It’s the variety many grew up with, and for good reason: D24 delivers that unmistakable durian taste without going over the top.

A great choice if you’re looking for something satisfying, flavourful, and easy to share.

Taste & Texture: Flesh is pale yellow to mustard yellow and has a creamy and sometimes sticky texture, thick soft flesh, mostly sweet though it has a bittersweet flavour, slightly milky taste, tend to have large seeds.

Status: A crowd-pleaser and longtime staple across Malaysia and Singapore

Season: June to September

D78

Balanced. Creamy. Quietly addictive. D78 doesn’t boast, but it delivers — a dependable mid-range durian that often flies under the radar. With a smooth, buttery texture and a mellow bittersweet profile, it’s the kind of durian that keeps you coming back for just one more seed. Not as loud as Mao Shan Wang, not as sweet as D13 — D78 is right in the middle, and proud of it.

Taste & Texture: Flesh is pale yellow and dry, mild sweet, creamy and has a slightly bitter taste with hints of chocolate or peanut butter.

Status: A quiet contender — known among insiders, loved by those who seek balance.

Season: June to August

D88

Bold. Buttery. No-nonsense. D88 is for those who like their durians with a bit of punch. Its rich, custardy flesh hits you with a firm bitterness upfront, quickly followed by a lingering caramel-like sweetness that coats the palate.

 

Slightly firmer than some of the creamier varieties, D88 offers a satisfying bite and a complex flavour that experienced durian lovers crave.

A great pick if you like strong flavours and a fuller durian experience without going too extreme.

Taste & Texture: Flesh is dry and pale yellow, sometimes pinkish hue, either straightforward bitterness or sweetness rather  than being mixed in together with it, texture is firm, creamy and slightly fibrous, has large seeds but fleshy.

Status: A popular choice among seasoned durian eaters — bold but not overpowering.

Season: June to September

D100

Silky. Sweet. Sneakily addictive. D100 is the smooth talker of the durian world — gentle on the nose, but rich on the tongue. Its flesh is soft, velvety, and almost mousse-like, with a light sweetness that slowly reveals subtle layers of bitterness the more you eat. It’s not showy, but once you’ve had it, you’ll remember it.

Ideal for those who enjoy a mellow but layered durian experience — think soft-spoken, but with depth.

Taste & Texture: Flesh is thick, has white to yellow in colour, it offers a complex & rich in flavour with a strong emphasis on bitterness, it’s also creamy & moist, has large seeds.

Status: A quiet favorite among those who prefer elegance over intensity.

Season: June to August

D101

Smooth. Sweet. Super likeable. D101 is the ultimate people-pleaser — mild enough for beginners, yet creamy and satisfying enough for durian lovers who want something easygoing. With its soft texture and gentle sweetness, it’s the kind of durian that disappears fast at any party. No sharp bitterness, no overpowering smell — just good vibes and good durian.

Perfect if you want a fuss-free, feel-good durian everyone can agree on.

Taste & Texture: Flesh is golden yellow or orange in colour, it is creamy and slightly moist & fibrous, mildly sweet, has large seeds.

Status: A staple at many stalls — friendly, reliable, and easy to love.

Season: June to August

D160 Tek Kah (Green Bamboo)

Clean. Cool. Confident. D160, better known as Tek Kah or Green Bamboo, stands out with a sharp, refined flavour profile that durian purists love. Its firm, slightly dry flesh carries a bold bitterness with just enough sweetness to keep things balanced. The aftertaste is long and satisfying — the kind that lingers in the best way possible.

A top choice for those who crave that classic, punchy old-school bitterness with structure and edge.

Taste & Texture: It has a bittersweet flavour with a strong floral fragrance, flesh is firm, pale greyish yellow in colour, smooth & creamy, has large seeds & slightly fibrous.

Status: A connoisseur’s pick — strong character and a cult following.

Season: June to August

D162

Strong. Sharp. Not for the faint-hearted. D162 is a bold, assertive durian that speaks directly to hardcore fans. With a thick, creamy texture and a strong bitter bite right from the start, this variety doesn’t hold back. The flesh is dense and slightly sticky, delivering a deep, complex flavour that seasoned durian eaters will recognize — and respect.

Best enjoyed by those who like their durian intense, unapologetic, and packed with personality.

Taste & Texture: Flesh is pale yellow in colour, less creamy and pungent, less fibrous, when it’s very ripe, flesh gets wet and that’s when it gets bitter, it has a firm texture and has a balanced bittersweet flavour.

Status: A heavyweight pick among veteran durian lovers.

Season: June to August

Golden Phoenix

Light. Lush. Deceptively potent. Golden Phoenix — or Jin Feng — may look dainty with its pale, almost ivory-coloured flesh, but don’t be fooled: it delivers a sharp, complex punch. With a distinct bitter edge, slight fermentation notes, and a drier, custard-like texture, it’s a favorite among those who like their durian lean but layered. It’s also one of the earliest varieties to arrive each season — a welcome preview of what’s to come.

Ideal for those who like a strong flavour without the heavy richness.

Taste & Texture: Flesh is dry, pale yellow to creamy whitish in colour, bitter taste with a potential alcoholic aftertaste, flesh is typically moist and thick and sometimes creamy or buttery small seeds.

Status: A sought-after early-season variety — bold, elegant, and memorable.

Season: May to July

Kasap Merah

Rare. Rustic. Strikingly unique. Kasap Merah stands out with its distinctive reddish-orange flesh — a visual feast before the first bite. But it’s more than just good looks. This heritage kampung-style durian offers a firm, slightly fibrous bite with a bold, earthy flavour profile that leans toward the bitter end. It’s less about creamy sweetness and more about texture, depth, and character.

Best suited for adventurous eaters and old-school durian lovers looking for something off the beaten track.

Taste & Texture: Flesh is pale yellow to almost white in colour, creamy, soft and fleshy, has a moist to wet texture, sometimes sticky flesh, mildly sweet, known for its bittersweet flavour profile with an alcoholic taste, best to take it chilled.

Status: A rare kampung variety treasured by collectors and traditionalists.

Season: July to September

Kampung Durians

Wild. Diverse. Full of surprises. Kampung durians aren’t from cloned or grafted trees — they’re grown naturally from seeds, which means every fruit is a little different. You might get one that’s sweet and floral, another that’s deeply bitter and funky, or one with a perfect bittersweet balance. No two seeds taste exactly alike, and that’s part of the charm.

Ideal for durian lovers who enjoy variety, mystery, and the thrill of the unexpected — like a lucky dip in fruit form.

Taste & Texture: Range from bitter, sweet or bittersweet, creamy, thick custard-like flesh, flesh ranges from yellow to white and even orange in colour, seeds can be big and some small, can be fibrous for some, older trees durians have even notes of alcohol hints with bitter taste.

Status: The original durian experience — beloved for its natural diversity and nostalgic kampung character.

Season: June to September

Lao Tai Po

Old-school. Bold. Packed with attitude. Lao Tai Po — which means “Old Grandmother” — lives up to its name with a deep, mature flavour profile that doesn’t hold back. Expect a thick, slightly dry texture paired with a strong, lingering bitterness and a sharp, fermented edge. It’s the kind of durian that hits you fast and stays with you — raw, real, and unforgettable.

Perfect for seasoned durian fans who like their fruit strong, funky, and full of old-soul character.

Taste & Texture: Flesh is pale, almost white yellow in colour, its also thick, moist and wrinkly texture that tends to breaks easily, its known for its bittersweet flavour with a combination of buttery and creamy texture, seeds range from small to large in size.

Status: A vintage variety cherished by hardcore durian purists and older generations.

Season: July to September

Mini Mao Shan Wang (MSW)

Prepare your senses for the king of all kings — Mao Shan Wang, also known as Musang King. With its golden-yellow flesh and unmistakably rich, buttery texture, this is the durian that aficionados dream of. Bold and unapologetically intense, every bite delivers a luxurious blend of bittersweet creaminess, laced with notes of roasted almonds and a whisper of cognac.

Encased in a green husk marked by its signature starburst at the base, the Mao Shan Wang doesn’t just stand out – it rules. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or a first-time thrill seeker, this is the durian that sets the bar.

Taste & Texture: Flesh is mostly yellow in colour, bittersweet yet creamy, buttery and smooth, sometimes with a slightly fibrous texture, less bitter than old trees, mostly small seeds.

Status: Malaysia’s most coveted durian, often imitated, never duplicated

Season: From June to August

Red Prawn

Don’t let the name throw you — there’s nothing fishy about Red Prawn (Ang Hei). This fan favorite is all about comfort and indulgence. With its peachy-red hue and ultra-creamy flesh, Red Prawn delivers a naturally sweet taste that’s milder and rounder than its more intense cousins. It’s the kind of durian you can keep eating without realizing how far you’ve gone.

This is a rich, moist to wet durian – perfect for durian fans or anyone who just wants something smooth, sweet, and deeply satisfying.

Taste & Texture: It is known for its light pinkish tone to orangey in colour, creamy and smooth and fiberless,  custard-like consistency, sweet, sticky  and sometimes has a bitter taste with a milky or champagne-like alcoholic flavour, seeds range from small to large.

Vibe: Less bite, more bliss — great for sharing (or not)

Season: June to August

XO

Sharp. Boozy. Not for beginners. XO is the rebellious, late-night version of durian — rich with fermentation notes and an unmistakable alcoholic bite. Aged longer inside the husk before opening, this variety develops a sharp bitterness and strong aroma that hits immediately. The flesh is soft, wet, and almost slippery, with an aftertaste that lingers like a fine spirit.

Perfect for seasoned durian eaters who crave complexity, intensity, and a bit of edge.

Taste & Texture: It’s known for its bitter taste with a distinctive alcoholic aftertaste, flesh is pale yellow and can appear watery, creamy, texture generally soft & moist. It has a strong pungent aroma sometimes described as a mix of sweet, fruity and even onion or garlic notes.

Status: A cult favorite among hardcore durian lovers and late-season loyalists.

Season: July to September