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 D158 Kan Yau

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.

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D158 Kan Yau

D158 is appreciated for its complex flavor profile that balances sweetness and bitterness. The flesh has a consistent quality and offers impressive depth of flavor.

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Metric D197 Musang King (Mau Shan Wang) D158 Kan Yau
Flavor profile Sweet, bitter Sweet, bitter
Texture Creamy, smooth, buttery Thick, creamy, soft, sticky
Aroma Strong but pleasant Mild
Taste notes Balanced Bitterness & Sweetness Sweet with bittersweet aftertaste
Price range RM40 - RM80 per kg RM22 - RM40 per kg
Season June - August, November - January May - July
Popularity Very High Medium-High
Rarity signal Very Common Semi-Rare

Quick Verdict Snapshot

  • Price: D197 Musang King (Mau Shan Wang) averages around RM60.00 vs RM31.00 for D158 Kan Yau.
  • 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.