Confession: My first durian experience was when I was knee-high to a grasshopper.
The durian was tiny.
It wasn’t a giant Musang King or some prized Red Prawn.
My very first durian, oddly enough, was small.
It was about the size of a baseball, with a little stalk sticking out like a badge of pride.
I was four, barely tall enough to see over the dashboard of the old lorry.
Nothing beats the sight of a truck bursting with durians – a true Penang welcome!
So I held onto that durian like it was treasure.
It sat snugly on my lap, cushioned in a gunny sack my mom folded over twice.
Probably (of course it was) to protect both my knees and my curious fingers from the spikes.
The road home was the usual kampung trail.
Bumpy and dusty, winding past coconut trees and chickens darting wherever and whenever.
Every bump made the durian jiggle slightly.
I’d glance down just to make sure it was still there, still mine.
Delicate, creamy, and oh-so-satisfying – this tiny durian packs a big flavour punch!
When we finally reached home, my mom opened it with a practiced twist.
The smell hit first.
Not a polite, fruity fragrance, but something loud and unapologetic.
Like a fart! I squelled and laughed.
It was later as an adult that i could describe it as wweet, but also earthy.
“A little wild,” chimed in SD.
Like vanilla left out in the rain mixed with garlic and something faintly floral.
“Like old gym socks!” SD grinned.
I didn’t hesitate.
One bite of that soft, custardy flesh, and I was sold.
It was warm from the sun, sticky on my fingers.
And it melted like butter in my mouth.
I didn’t know then that this fruit would become such a big part of my life, but I knew it was something special.
My First Durian Experience
Tasting Durian for the First Time!
If the lion is king of the jungle, then durian is hands down the King of Fruits in Southeast Asia.
And did you know even our Malaysian tigers have a soft spot for durians?
For Malaysians, it’s a cultural icon.
Its bold aroma, thorny shell, and custard-like flesh have earned it the nickname “King of Fruits.”
You either love it, avoid it, or hate it—but you can’t ignore it.
It’s like the rockstar of tropical fruit.
Loud, spiky, and unforgettable.
And that tiny durian?
It kicked off a lifelong obsession I never saw coming.
But tasting one is just the beginning.
This little durian is just getting started – nature’s spiky treasure in the making.
Up next, I’ll walk you through the popular durian varieties and how to eat them like a local—no guesses, just good bites.
Read: Popular Durian Varieties and How to Eat Them Without Regret
