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 D168 IOI
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 profileD168 IOI
A premium variety with pale to light golden yellow flesh that offers a consistent sweet-dominant flavor with just a hint of bitterness. The texture is reliably creamy and soft.
View full variety profile| Metric | D197 Musang King (Mau Shan Wang) | D168 IOI |
|---|---|---|
| Flavor profile | Sweet, bitter | Strong sweet, bitter |
| Texture | Creamy, smooth, buttery | Thick, firm, creamy, soft |
| Aroma | Strong but pleasant | Moderate |
| Taste notes | Balanced Bitterness & Sweetness | A balance of bittersweet notes |
| Price range | RM40 - RM80 per kg | RM30 - RM40 per kg |
| Season | June - August, November - January | June - August |
| 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 RM35.00 for D168 IOI.
- 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.