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 Durian Botak

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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Durian Botak

Named for its distinctive appearance with sparse, widely-spaced thorns. This variety offers yellow flesh with a sweet-dominant flavor profile and pleasant texture.

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Metric D197 Musang King (Mau Shan Wang) Durian Botak
Flavor profile Sweet, bitter Sweet
Texture Creamy, smooth, buttery Creamy
Aroma Strong but pleasant Mild
Taste notes Balanced Bitterness & Sweetness Sweet and creamy
Price range RM40 - RM80 per kg RM25 - RM40 per kg
Season June - August, November - January June - August
Popularity Very High Medium
Rarity signal Very Common Semi-Rare

Quick Verdict Snapshot

  • Price: D197 Musang King (Mau Shan Wang) averages around RM60.00 vs RM32.50 for Durian Botak.
  • Bitterness style: D197 Musang King (Mau Shan Wang) likely fits bitter-forward preferences more strongly.
  • 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.