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 D198 Golden Phoenix (Jin Feng)

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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D198 Golden Phoenix (Jin Feng)

Also known as Jin Feng or Kim Hong, this durian is characterized by its large size and thick, creamy flesh. It has a strong aroma and a flavor profile that can be bittersweet if overripe. The flesh is fibrous and possesses a unique texture. It is distinguished by its dark green skin adorned with prominent spikes. Its signature intense bitterness and pungent aroma make it a prized selection, especially for those who are not keen on sweet durian.

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Metric D197 Musang King (Mau Shan Wang) D198 Golden Phoenix (Jin Feng)
Flavor profile Sweet, bitter Sweet, bitter
Texture Creamy, smooth, buttery Velvety, smooth, soft, creamy
Aroma Strong but pleasant Strong
Taste notes Balanced Bitterness & Sweetness Sweet and slightly bitter
Price range RM40 - RM80 per kg RM40 - 70 per kg
Season June - August, November - January May to 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 RM40.00 for D198 Golden Phoenix (Jin Feng).
  • 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.