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
Little Red (Xiao Hong) vs Puppet King (Kong Zai Wang)
Little 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 profilePuppet 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.
View full variety profile| Metric | Little Red (Xiao Hong) | Puppet King (Kong Zai Wang) |
|---|---|---|
| Flavor profile | Bitter, sweet | Strong bitter, strong sweet |
| Texture | Creamy, soft | Velvet, super creamy |
| Aroma | Medium strong | Strong, pungent |
| Taste notes | Bittersweet with occasional sourness | Bittersweet & incredible creaminess |
| Price range | RM20 - RM30 per kg | RM100-140 per kg |
| Season | June - August | June to July |
| Popularity | Medium | High |
| Rarity signal | Semi-Rare | Common |
Quick Verdict Snapshot
- Price: Little Red (Xiao Hong) averages around RM25.00 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.”
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.