This article was updated on 12 April 2024. Additional research done by Caryn Tan.
(Credit: Mohd Hafizuddin Husin / Flickr)
Whether you’re a newbie to durians or someone who regularly indulges in the King of Fruits, we won’t blame you if you’re overwhelmed by the different types of durians available! From Mao Shan Wang’s (MSW) signature bittersweet taste to the buttery goodness of D101, each durian variant presents a distinct taste profile that’ll appeal to different palates. Scroll on as we cover the different types of durians you can buy in Singapore.
| Durian Variety | Colour of Flesh | Seed Size | Fleshiness | Flavour Profile | Texture |
| D24 (Sultan King) | Pale yellow | Medium | Fleshy | Sweet and creamy with a hint of bitterness | Smooth and creamy |
| D24 XO | Pale yellow with a tinge of orange | Medium | Fleshy | Richer and more intense sweetness than D24 with a hint of caramel | Creamy and melts in your mouth |
| Mao Shan Wang (Musang King) | Rich, buttery yellow | Medium to large | Very fleshy and creamy | Bittersweet symphony with caramel and dark chocolate notes | Creamy and melts in your mouth |
| Wang Zong Wang | Rich, buttery yellow | Medium to large | Very fleshy | Complex bittersweet with hints of caramel and dark chocolate | Creamy and melts in your mouth |
| Red Prawn | Reddish orange | Medium | Fleshy with some fibre | Sweet, nutty, and slightly bitter | Creamy with a slight chew |
| Hor Lor | Yellowish brown | Large | Moderately fleshy with drier texture | Bold, bittersweet, and intense | Drier and firmer |
| Black Gold Mao Shan Wang | Deep yellow with a tinge of brown | Medium to large | Very fleshy and creamy | Rich bittersweet with pronounced dark chocolate notes | Ultra-creamy and decadent |
| Black Thorn | Pale yellow | Small to medium | Fleshy with some fibre | Sweet with a hint of bitterness and earthy undertones | Creamy with a slight chew |
| Black Pearl | Pale yellow-grey | Small | Very fleshy and creamy | Intense bittersweet with a hint of milkiness or custard | Ultra-creamy and decadent |
| Tekka | Yellowish brown | Large | Moderately fleshy with drier texture | Bittersweet with a lingering aftertaste | Drier and firmer with a slight chew |
| D13 | Creamy yellow | Small to medium | Fleshy with a slightly sticky texture | Sweet and bitter with a hint of nuttiness | Creamy with a slightly sticky texture |
| D17 | Pale yellow | Medium | Moderately fleshy with some fibre | Bitter with a hint of sweetness | Slightly fibrous and creamy |
| D1 | Pale yellow | Small | Very fleshy and soft | Bittersweet with hints of caramel and coffee | Very creamy and soft |
| D101 | Pale yellow | Medium | Moderately fleshy with a drier texture | Bittersweet with a hint of fruitiness | Drier and slightly fibrous |
| Golden Phoenix | Pale yellow | Small | Fleshy with a soft and watery texture | Milder sweet flavour with a hint of bitterness | Soft and watery |
A gateway drug to the world of durian, the D24 offers a sweet and creamy flesh with a hint of bitterness. Its smooth texture makes it easy to enjoy, and its well-balanced flavour profile is a crowd-pleaser. Think of it as the vanilla ice cream of durians – familiar, comforting, and universally adored.
While many durian species flood today’s market, old-school durian fans will know that D24 durians are the best because they offer the perfect balance between sweet and bitter notes! For a more intense aftertaste, check out D24 XO durians. Thanks to additional fermentation, this variant features the same creamy goodness of D24 durians with a potent alcoholic kick. The end result is a bitter, booze-like aftertaste like no other among the different types of durians in Singapore.
Ask anyone what’s their top pick among the different types of durians and it’ll likely be MSW, also known as Musang King durian. As the de facto durian choice for durian desserts and ice creams, MSW’s reputation precedes itself with its classic bittersweet taste profile. MSW durians are also easy to eat as its bright yellow flesh slides off the seed effortlessly. Shape-wise, they’re also easily recognisable given their pyramid-shaped thorns and starfish-like pattern at the durian husk’s base.
We’re eyeing this Frozen De-husked MSW (available on Qi fruit llp) for a MSW party at home. Being frozen ensures that you’ll only be getting the freshest and best-tasting durian. Plus, everything’s been dehusked for you, so just dig in!
Ascend the durian throne with the Wang Zong Wang, also known as the cream of the crop of Mao Shan Wang durians. This king of durians boasts a complex flavour that goes beyond mere sweetness. The flesh is a rich, buttery yellow, with a creamy texture that melts in your mouth. Expect notes of bitterness balanced by sweetness, with a lingering aftertaste that will have you reaching for more.
Don’t let the name fool you – the Red Prawn isn’t all about sweetness. Named for its reddish-orange flesh, this durian offers a unique taste experience. It’s known for its initial sweetness that gives way to a subtle nuttiness and a hint of bitterness. The creamy flesh has a slightly fibrous texture, adding another dimension to this delightful durian.
And if you’re ready, why not give this Red Prawn (available on Durian Evergreen) a go? The vendor ensures that it’s freshly dehusked the moment it’s ready for delivery. Every step of the process also ensure that the durians are kept cold so as to prevent any drop in quality before you receive it!
This translates to “throat-scratching” in Hokkien, but don’t let the name deter you! Hor Lor offers a taste bud adventure for the durian enthusiast. It boasts a drier texture with a bittersweet flavour that leans towards the intense side. Think of it as an aged cheddar cheese – sharp, bold, and full of character.
A premium selection within the Mao Shan Wang family, Black Gold (available on UncleSamDurian) boasts an even richer and creamier texture than its counterpart. The Black Gold has a bittersweet flavour profile that’s more pronounced, with hints of dark chocolate adding to its complexity. Imagine a luxurious dark chocolate mousse that’s infused with the classic Mao Shan Wang taste – decadent, intense, and perfect for those who appreciate a bolder durian experience.
Step aside MSW, there’s a new challenger to the throne! The Black Thorn durian is popular among durian fans for its bittersweetness that rivals the levels of Musang King. Done admiring its custard-like orange flesh? Dig past its dark-tipped shell and you’ll uncover dense flesh with a melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s rich in sugary goodness. As it’s a rarer variant among the different types of durians, you’d best snatch whatever you see before it’s too late!
Step aside, sweetness! Black Pearl durian is all about the intense, creamy bitterness. This rare and highly sought-after variety boasts a pale yellow-grey flesh with a luxuriously creamy texture. Unlike its sweeter counterparts, Black Pearl focuses on the bold, bittersweet flavour profile, with some even describing it as having hints of milkiness or custard. This variety is a true indulgence for those who appreciate the full spectrum of durian’s unique flavour.
For the adventurous durian aficionado, Tekka promises an intense flavour experience. Renowned for its powerful aroma, Tekka durian packs a punch with its bittersweet profile. It’s full-bodied, intense, and guaranteed to awaken your senses. The flesh is slightly drier and firmer than some other varieties, offering a delightful textural contrast.
As a lesser known cultivar among durian feasters, D13 durians are kampung breeds — meaning they’re grown in smaller batches and tend to have their own unique flavours and textures. It can also be easily identified from its deep orange hue. For durian fans who prefer something lighter on the palate, D13 is their best bet among the different types of durians due to its light sweetness and how it’s less pungent than other varieties.
This durian is known for its strong and pungent aroma that can clear a room. But for those who brave the smell, the reward is a unique flavour profile. The D17 durian leans towards the bitter side but with a hint of sweetness for a well-rounded experience.
Forget the Starbucks queue, D1 is the real deal. This rare gem boasts a super soft and creamy texture that melts in your mouth like a luxurious ice cream. But the flavour’s where it gets interesting. D1 durians offer a complex mix of sweet and bitter, with hints of coffee and caramel. Think fancy tiramisu in the form of a fruit – it’s like a party in your mouth with bitter coffee notes, sweet cream, and a touch of caramel richness.
Introducing your friend who’s trying durians for the first time? Then the subtle taste profile of D101 durians (available on Vital Pro) will certainly win them over! Moreover, different types of durians can sometimes overwhelm newcomers with their intense bitterness, D101 durians flip the script by offering a sweeter and more buttery flavour.
Contrary to popular belief, bigger durians don’t always taste better. Don’t let its pale, yellow-white durian pulp and miniature size fool you — Golden Phoenix durians prove there’s more than meets the eye with its complex flavour profile and creamy mouthfeel! Also, unlike some of the different types of durians on this list, Golden Phoenix (available on Vital Pro) features a thick and dry consistency. This gives it a sharp and bitter taste that will satisfy durian fans that want an alternative to sweetened variants.
So, you’ve just bought your first durian! Unfortunately, cracking open one of these green porcupines can be a nightmare given their sharp spines and tough shell. But fret not, we’ve got a tried and tested method with which you’ll learn how to open durians with ease!
The last thing you’ll want is going through all that effort on how to open durians without being able to feast on its tasty flesh because it’s unripe. One way to tell if the durian is ripe is to shake it! Yes, simply shake the fruit gently and observe if you hear a slight rattling. If you do, then this means the durian seeds have flesh that’s soft enough for eating! Alternatively, you can also take a sniff of the durian. Ripe durians will emit a pungent scent that everyone’s all too familiar with.
At the base of any durian, you’ll find a brownish five-pointed star outline. These lines are the durian’s sutures and they separate the fruit into its various segments. Simply stab the middle of the durian’s base and apply force on these lines while holding the durian steady with a towel. Then, cut along the lines so you can easily open the durian with your hands later.
When the durian’s open by a few inches, you can easily pry apart the durian segments with your bare hands. Just make sure you do this carefully and protect yourself from the durian’s sharp spines.
Now that you’ve learnt how to open durians, it’s time to learn what differentiates one variant from another with this guide to the different types of durians in Singapore.
Calling all durian connoisseurs! Follow the ShopeeTV team in this durian blind test challenge and see if you can identify the right durian types yourself!
From learning how to open durians to sampling the alcoholic punch of D24 XO, we hope our guide to the different types of durians in Singapore has served you well! Keen on further indulging those durian hunger pangs? Check out our list of easy durian cake recipes to try your hand at. For a more in-depth guide on where you can get your supply of durians, read our guide to online durian deliveries and enjoy these fruits from the comfort of your home!
This article was updated on 12 April 2024. Additional research done by Caryn Tan.
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