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
D197 Musang King (Mau Shan Wang) vs Black Pearl (Tai Yuan, Tai Guan)
D197 Musang King (Mau Shan Wang)
Musang King is also known as Raja Kunyit or Mao Shan Wang, this premium variety offers golden yellow flesh with the perfect balance of bitterness and sweetness. Its texture is described as 'liam chooi' in Hokkien, meaning smooth, creamy and sticky-dry. The durian has a distinctive five-pointed star pattern at the base. Considered the king of durians.
View full variety profileBlack Pearl (Tai Yuan, Tai Guan)
The Black Pearl durian, also known as Tai Yuan or Tai Guan, is a distinct and sought-after variety of durian, particularly favored by those who appreciate a more subtle and sophisticated taste profile.
View full variety profile| Metric | D197 Musang King (Mau Shan Wang) | Black Pearl (Tai Yuan, Tai Guan) |
|---|---|---|
| Flavor profile | Sweet, bitter | Little bitter, little sweet |
| Texture | Creamy, smooth, buttery | Smooth, creamy, dry |
| Aroma | Strong but pleasant | Very strong |
| Taste notes | Balanced Bitterness & Sweetness | Slightly bitter and milky |
| Price range | RM40 - RM80 per kg | RM50 - RM80 per kg |
| Season | June - August, November - January | June - August |
| Popularity | Very High | High |
| Rarity signal | Very Common | Common |
Quick Verdict Snapshot
- Price: D197 Musang King (Mau Shan Wang) averages around RM60.00 vs RM65.00 for Black Pearl (Tai Yuan, Tai Guan).
- 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.”
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.