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

D78 Sweetie vs Puppet King (Kong Zai Wang)

D78 Sweetie

Despite its nickname 'Sweetie', this durian offers the most classically bitter experience. A hybrid of D10 and D24, it provides a thick custardy texture full of wrinkles. The flavor is intensely bitter with a complex profile that brings heat to the cheeks immediately, leaving an almost metallic tang in the aftertaste. Perfect for those who prefer traditional bitter durians without excessive sweetness.

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Puppet King (Kong Zai Wang)

A popular Penang durian variety known in Chinese as Kong Zai Wang. It has a pale yellow flesh but a potent aroma. It's a lesser-known but highly prized durian variety, particularly among serious local durian enthusiasts in Malaysia.

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Metric D78 Sweetie Puppet King (Kong Zai Wang)
Flavor profile Sweet, bitter Strong bitter, strong sweet
Texture Firm, creamy Velvet, super creamy
Aroma Strong Strong, pungent
Taste notes Complex Sweetness & Bitterness Bittersweet & incredible creaminess
Price range RM25 - RM35 per kg RM100-140 per kg
Season June - August June to July
Popularity Medium High
Rarity signal Semi-Rare Common

Quick Verdict Snapshot

  • Price: D78 Sweetie averages around RM30.00 vs RM100.00 for Puppet King (Kong Zai Wang).
  • 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.