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 Little Red (Xiao Hong)
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 profileLittle Red (Xiao Hong)
Also known as 'Xiao Hong', the Little Red durian has orangey-red flesh with small seeds and a bittersweet taste, sometimes with a tinge of sourness. It's sweet, creamy and shelf-stable, making it a good option to buy in a packet on special offer. It's the sibling of Khun Poh but offers different flavor notes.
View full variety profile| Metric | D197 Musang King (Mau Shan Wang) | Little Red (Xiao Hong) |
|---|---|---|
| Flavor profile | Sweet, bitter | Bitter, sweet |
| Texture | Creamy, smooth, buttery | Creamy, soft |
| Aroma | Strong but pleasant | Medium strong |
| Taste notes | Balanced Bitterness & Sweetness | Bittersweet with occasional sourness |
| Price range | RM40 - RM80 per kg | RM20 - RM30 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 RM25.00 for Little Red (Xiao Hong).
- 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.