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

D163 Hor Lor vs D162 Tawa

D163 Hor Lor

Also called Hulu. Named after its elongated shape resembling a bottle gourd ('Hor Lor' in Hokkien), this durian has a peculiar curvy inner compartment. The pale yellow flesh is very creamy with a slightly dry consistency and a tinge of bitterness. Originating in Balik Pulau, Penang, it won the state durian competition in 1987. If the durian hits the ground hard when it falls, the flesh could develop a stronger bitter aftertaste.

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D162 Tawa

D162 Tawa is a deliciously bitter but also has the sweet creamy taste. It's often classified in the bitter category, with many finding it more bitter than varieties like XO. The bitterness and sweetness tend to be on a balancing scale, meaning the more bitter it is, the less sweet, and vice-versa. Some consumers suggest that less ripe fruits might be drier and sweeter, though Tawa is generally sought after for its bitter notes when ripe.

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Metric D163 Hor Lor D162 Tawa
Flavor profile Strong sweet, bitter Strong bitter, sweet
Texture Thick, dense, creamy Light, creamy, soft
Aroma Average Moderate
Taste notes Complex Sweetness & Bitterness Bitter but sweet creamy
Price range RM25 - RM35 per kg RM35 - RM50 per kg
Season June - August June - August
Popularity Medium-High Medium-High
Rarity signal Semi-Rare Semi-Rare

Quick Verdict Snapshot

  • Price: D163 Hor Lor averages around RM30.00 vs RM42.50 for D162 Tawa.
  • Bitterness style: Both show bitter/complex signals; choose based on desired finish and aroma intensity.
  • Creaminess: Both include creamy descriptors; final choice depends on whether you prefer heavier or cleaner finish.
  • Buying tip: Ask sellers for your target profile directly, e.g., “bitter creamy sticky-dry” or “sweet mild less pungent.”

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.