Know the Difference: 10 Common Types of Durians in Singapore

Did you know that there are over 300 varieties of durians around the world and about 10 common types of durians in Singapore? Me neither, and before I started this article, I honestly only knew about two – Mao Shan Wang and D24 (I guess I can’t really call myself a durian fan now!). But if you love snacking on durians (like me!), find out which variety of durian suits your taste buds the best with this guide on the 10 most common types of durians in Singapore!

Mao Shan Wang

Image from Lazada.sg

Also known as: Butter Durian, Cat Mountain King, Rajah Kunyit

Origin: Kelantan, Pahang, Johor

Flesh: Rich and bright in colour, creamy with a bittersweet taste

Looks: Pyramid-shaped thorns at the bottom of the stem, unique starfish-shaped pattern at the base of the durian

D24

Image from Rojak Daily

Also known as: Sultan

Origin: Johor, Pahang, Cameron Highlands

Flesh: Good balance between bitter and sweet with a bittersweet aftertaste, perfect for beginners!

Looks: Stem is shorter as compared to other types of durians, brown ring around the bottom of the stem

Golden Phoenix

Image from Durian Delivery

Also known as: Jin Feng

Origin: Pahang, Johor

Flesh: Pale yellow in colour, watery, bitter

Looks: Small, shell of durian has sharp needle-like thorns, shape is roundish oval

XO

Image from The Durian Story

Origin: Johor, Genting, Cameron Highlands

Flesh: Pale yellow in colour, watery, strong bitter taste with a slight alcoholic aftertaste

Looks: Round or oval, thorns pointed inwards at the base of the fruit

Red Prawn

Image from Durian Delivery Singapore

Also known as: Hong Xia, Ang Hei, Udang Merah

Origin: Pahang, Johor

Flesh: Vibrant red-orange colour, sweet, creamier, and stickier than most durians. Younger tree produces sweeter flesh while mature tree produces bitter flesh

Look: Thick shell

Black Pearl

Image from SgDurian

Also known as: Hei Zhen Zhu

Origin: Johor

Flesh: Pale yellow with grey undertones, smooth and creamy with slight bittersweet taste

Look: Small shell with a stubby stem

Green Bamboo

Image from SgDurian

Also known as: Qing Zhu

Origin: Johor

Flesh: Pale yellow and slightly greenish, sweet, buttery with fibrous flesh

Looks: Orange stem in the middle of its core

Black Thorn

Image from Durian Info

Origin: Penang

Flesh: Bright yellow, creamy, sweet, and custardy but not as rich and has a lighter texture than the Mao Shan Wang durian

Look: Tip of thorn has a darker colour

Black Gold

Image from Durian Delivery

Origin: Pahang

Flesh: Dark greyish undertones, silky and custardy, very buttery, and bitter

Mon Thong

Image from Freepik

Also known as: Golden Pillow

Origin: Thailand

Flesh: Bright yellow in colour, creamy and custardy texture with a mild sweet taste.

After going through the list of common durians found in Singapore, which one suits you best?

Check out our list of durian deliveries available too: https://www.foodline.sg/catering/?NameOfSearchedCaterer=durian#FL