Interactive Tool
Durian Variety Comparison Tool
Compare two durian varieties side by side by taste, texture, aroma, price range, season, and rarity. Perfect for long-tail queries like “Musang King vs Black Thorn” before you buy in Penang.
Choose Two Varieties
604 vs Black Gold (Empire King)
604
A sweet and fibrous durian, 604 is one of the earliest durians to drop in the season. It has a thin shell and cracks easily, so you will want to hit the stalls early in the morning to get the best quality 604. Its early availability makes it a welcome treat for durian lovers at the start of the season.
View full variety profileBlack Gold (Empire King)
The Black Gold durian, also known as Empire King or Black Gold Musang King, is a highly prized and rare variety of durian. It is considered a premium grade of the popular Musang King (Mao Shan Wang) durian. The flavor is intensely complex with a sophisticated bitterness that reveals layers of deep sweetness. The texture is exceptionally creamy and buttery, offering a luxurious mouthfeel.
View full variety profile| Metric | 604 | Black Gold (Empire King) |
|---|---|---|
| Flavor profile | Sweet | Strong bitter, sweet |
| Texture | Thin, watery, sticky | Creamy, velvety, smooth |
| Aroma | Mild | Mild |
| Taste notes | Sweet, fibrous | Deeply complex and intense flavor |
| Price range | RM20 - RM30 per kg | RM60 - RM100 per kg |
| Season | Mid May onwards | June - August |
| Popularity | Low | High |
| Rarity signal | Unknown | Common |
Quick Verdict Snapshot
- Price: 604 averages around RM25.00 vs RM80.00 for Black Gold (Empire King).
- Bitterness style: Black Gold (Empire King) likely fits bitter-forward preferences more strongly.
- Creaminess: Black Gold (Empire King) has stronger creamy/custardy indicators in flavor data.
- Buying tip: Ask sellers for your target profile directly, e.g., “bitter creamy sticky-dry” or “sweet mild less pungent.”
Popular Head-to-Head Comparisons
Use these quick links for frequent buyer searches and long-tail comparison queries.
FAQ
Which is better for first-time eaters?
Usually the milder aroma and less bitter profile is easier for beginners. Use the comparison table to identify lower intensity options.
Can I trust popularity as quality?
Popularity helps with consistency and availability, but quality still changes by season lot, ripeness, and handling at each stall.
Should I compare by price or taste first?
Start with taste and texture target first, then optimize by price range. The most expensive option is not always your best match.