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

D164 Khun Poh vs Black Gold (Empire King)

D164 Khun Poh

Perhaps the most beautiful durian in Penang, Kun Poh originated in the Sungai Pinang region and tastes best from there. It has a super soft and messy texture with a fragile skin that tears easily. The gorgeous orange color and rippling wrinkles make up for the messiness, along with its complex milk-coffee flavor. Won championship title in 1989 in a durian competition.

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Black 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.

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Metric D164 Khun Poh Black Gold (Empire King)
Flavor profile Bitter, sweet Strong bitter, sweet
Texture Soft, messy Creamy, velvety, smooth
Aroma Strong Mild
Taste notes Bittersweet Deeply complex and intense flavor
Price range RM25 - RM35 per kg RM60 - RM100 per kg
Season June - August June - August
Popularity Medium-High High
Rarity signal Semi-Rare Common

Quick Verdict Snapshot

  • Price: D164 Khun Poh averages around RM30.00 vs RM80.00 for Black Gold (Empire King).
  • Bitterness style: Both show bitter/complex signals; choose based on desired finish and aroma intensity.
  • 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.”

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.