Durian Tasting in Penang: How to Eat Like a Local and Love It

Your first durian tasting! NICE (smacks lips)

So, durian lover—it was love at first bite for you.

Was it the sweet creaminess of Red Prawn or the bold bitterness taste of Musang King that first taste hooked you?

Durian Tasting in Penang

Penang durian season is a full-blown experience.

It’s not just about grabbing the first spiky fruit you see.

Pro Tip: When Penangites see durians appear in George Town, they call the Balik Pulau orchard to check if the first fruit have fallen.

How to Eat Durian Like a Local in Penang

The locals simply love the taste of Penang durians.

Locals know there’s an art to it.

You don’t just eat—you taste.

And with so many durian varieties available, from Musang King to D24 and Hor Lor.

It’s easy to get overwhelmed when you’re staring at a several basketful of thorny fruits!

Don’t worry.

The uncles at the stall have seen it all.

Believe me, they can size you up within seconds.

They’ll ask what kind of durian you like—sweet or bitter?

Smooth or fibrous?

Creamy or dry?

And based on that, they’ll guide you through your very own durian tasting session.

You’ll probably start with something mellow like D24.

Then move on to deeper, richer varieties like Red Prawn.
And if you’re lucky a Black Thorn!

Some will even guide you through a Musang King vs Red Prawn comparison just to see where your loyalties lie.

Knowing how to eat durian and in the right order, at the right ripeness—makes all the difference.

Think of it as a fruit flight.

Every bite has its own personality, and Penang durians are famously bold.

Popular Penang Durian Varieties You’ll Want to Try

Here’s a quick guide to help you navigate the most talked-about durians in Penang.

If you’re new, this can be your cheat sheet.

If you’re already a fan, maybe it’s time to revisit an old favourite.

Variety Taste Profile Country Notes
Musang King Creamy, bittersweet, rich Malaysia Gold flesh, high demand
D24 (Sultan) Sweet, creamy, slightly bitter Malaysia Strong aftertaste
Red Prawn Sweet, smooth, slightly fruity Malaysia Deep red-orange flesh
Black Thorn Sweet, rich, complex Malaysia Rare and premium
Hor Lor Mild, creamy, with a floral note Malaysia Also known as Little Fish

Pro tip: Start with the milder ones and build up to the bolder flavours. It’s like a durian tasting flight—only messier and way more fun.

Up Next: How to Pick a Good Durian (Without Looking Like a Tourist)

If you’ve ever stood frozen at a durian stall.

Or staring at thorny fruit and hoping someone would help…

The next post is for you.

I’ll walk you through what to look for, what to smell (I asked Durian Uncles for help here)

And yes, how to shake a durian without getting stabbed.

Stay tuned.

Your durian confidence is about to level up.

Wrap-Up of Durian Tasting

By now, you’re not just eating durian.

You’re almost local and tasting it like a true blue Penangite.

But once you’ve picked your favorites and nailed the tasting order, what next?

In the next post,  let’s dive into where to find the best durians in Penang.

From hidden orchards in Balik Pulau to must-try stalls in George Town — this is your insider’s guide.

Read Post 3: Where to Find the Best Durians in Penang

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