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

D24 Sultan vs D162 Tawa

D24 Sultan

A classic durian variety loved for its rich sweetness and firm texture. D24, also known as Sultan, was very popular in the 1990s before Musang King took over. It strikes a good balance between sweet and bitter flavors with a thick, firm, smooth and creamy flesh. It also has a mild alcoholic aftertaste. The yellow flesh has a less pronounced flavor compared to Musang King, making it less overwhelming for first-time durian eaters. If you like D24 but prefer a more intense flavor, try the XO as it is a variant of D24 but with a more intense flavor profile.

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D162 Tawa

D162 Tawa is a deliciously bitter but also has the sweet creamy taste. It's often classified in the bitter category, with many finding it more bitter than varieties like XO. The bitterness and sweetness tend to be on a balancing scale, meaning the more bitter it is, the less sweet, and vice-versa. Some consumers suggest that less ripe fruits might be drier and sweeter, though Tawa is generally sought after for its bitter notes when ripe.

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Metric D24 Sultan D162 Tawa
Flavor profile Strong bitter, sweet Strong bitter, sweet
Texture Soft, creamy, thick, dense Light, creamy, soft
Aroma Strong Moderate
Taste notes Balanced Sweetness & Bitterness Bitter but sweet creamy
Price range RM25 - RM50 per kg RM35 - RM50 per kg
Season June - August June - August
Popularity High Medium-High
Rarity signal Common Semi-Rare

Quick Verdict Snapshot

  • Price: D24 Sultan averages around RM37.50 vs RM42.50 for D162 Tawa.
  • 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.