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The Top 10 Durian Breeds of Malaysia

6/20/20254 min read

Durian, Malaysia’s crown jewel, is a fruit of many faces—each breed has its own unique shape, taste, and aroma.

Let’s dive into the top 10 popular durian breeds in Malaysia, their distinct characteristics, and fun facts that make each one special. By the end, you’ll be a durian expert!

Region of Origin: Gua Musang, Kelantan

Shape: Round, slightly squat, with large spikes.
Flesh Colour: Rich, golden yellow with a smooth texture.
Leaves: Dark green, thick, oblong and glossy.
Pulp Taste: Creamy, bittersweet with a strong, aromatic flavour that lingers.
Fun Fact: Known for its 'butter-like' texture, Musang King is often regarded as the most premium durian, and is highly prized in China and other export markets.

1. Musang King | Raja Kunyit (D197)

Region of Origin: Sungai Bakap, Penang

Shape: Compact, roundish like a pumpkin, with fine, sharp thorns.
Flesh Colour: Pale pink-orange to deep golden-orange.
Leaves: Large and leathery, with a dull green appearance.
Pulp Taste: Sweet, nutty, and creamy with a subtle aftertaste.
Fun Fact: Black Thorn is rare and exclusive, with a distinct texture that’s often described as having a 'mellow' bite, loved for its luxurious feel.

2. Black Thorn | Ochee | Duri Hitam (D200)

Region of Origin: Bukit Merah, a town on the border of Penang and Perak,

Shape: Oval, smaller spikes than Musang King.
Flesh Colour: Pale yellow, less vibrant than Musang King.
Leaves: Narrow with a light green hue.
Pulp Taste: Sweet and slightly bitter, custard like with a smooth texture.
Fun Fact: D24 is considered a classic Malaysian durian and has a cult following in local durian circles. It is often used in durian-based desserts like durian mousse.

3. Sultan | XO (D24)

Region of Origin: Balik Pulau, Penang Island

Shape: Typically oval, resembling a rugby ball. It has a tapered, pointed end and a greenish-brown husk with short, sharp thorns.
Flesh Colour: Vibrant reddish-orange hue flesh.
Leaves: Pointed, with lighter green veins.
Pulp Taste: Richly sweet, with a fruity, and subtly bitter taste.
Fun Fact: This variety is named after its prawn-like colour, and its sweet flesh makes it highly sought after for making durian ice cream.

4. Red Prawn | Udang Merah | Hong Xia (D175)

Region of Origin: Banting, Selangor

Shape: Medium, oblong shape with short thorns and hard cores.
Flesh Colour: Yellowish, pale yellow to light beige yellow.
Leaves: Narrow, light green with a silvery underside.
Pulp Taste: Sweet with a mildly bitter aftertaste, softer and fluffier than others
Fun Fact: Tekka is often considered underrated, but its subtle sweetness and smooth texture make it a favourite among locals.

5. Tekka | Zhu Jiao | Bamboo Feet (D160)

Region of Origin: Balik Pulau, Penang

Shape: Unique gourd-like oblong shape.
Flesh Colour: Bright yellow flesh with tinges of orange.
Leaves: Narrow, evergreen and oblong to elliptic.
Pulp Taste: Sweet flavor, and a smooth, creamy texture that is slightly sticky
Fun Fact: An interesting note about the HorLor is that those that are grown on trees for over 40 years have a distinct taste similar to chocolate.

6. Hulu | Hor Lor (D163)

Region of Origin: Batu Pahat, Johor

Shape: Round to slightly elongated, small size, thin husk.
Flesh Colour: Bright milky colour.
Leaves: oblong to elliptic.
Pulp Taste: Sweet and mildly bitter, with floral notes and a slightly alcoholic aftertaste that are velvety smooth
Fun Fact: The variety is known as the “poor man’s Mao Shan Wang” due to its similar complex flavor at a more affordable price.

7. Golden Phoenix | Jin Feng (D198)

Region of Origin: Sungai Ara, Penang

Shape: Egg-like shape, with a rounded base and a pointed tip.
Flesh Colour: Pale yellow with bluish-black tinges.
Leaves: Oblong to elliptic, with pointy end.
Pulp Taste: Having a less bitter taste than Musang King, with subtle alcoholic notes and a creamy, bittersweet flavor with nutty undertones.
Fun Fact: Officially recognised as D214 in February 2024, the Tupai King is set to challenge the reigning Musang King’s dominance in the durian world.

8. Tupai King (D214)

Region of Origin: Muar, Johor

Shape: Shell is a deep, dark green with sharp, lengthy thorns.
Flesh Colour: Often creamy yellow to darker shade of orange.
Leaves: Oblong to elliptic.
Pulp Taste: The flesh is thick, creamy, and moist but not wet. Bittersweet taste, with a creamy and custard-like texture when fully ripen.
Fun Fact: Some people believe the number "101" in its name refers to the original tree owner's car plate number.

9. Mas Muar | IOI | Red Flesh (D168)