Which is more premium: Monthong or Black Pearl (Tai Yuan, Tai Guan)?

Premium depends on your preference and season lot quality. Compare flavor depth, texture, and current price-to-quality ratio before deciding.

How do I compare Monthong vs Black Pearl (Tai Yuan, Tai Guan) quickly?

Check five things first: bitterness level, creaminess, aroma strength, season timing, and average RM per kg. This page lists those side by side.

Does higher price always mean better durian?

Not always. Price often reflects demand and rarity, but flavor quality also depends on ripeness, tree age, orchard handling, and your own taste preference.

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

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Monthong vs Black Pearl (Tai Yuan, Tai Guan)

Monthong

Thailand’s most exported variety; thick yellow flesh and a classic sweet flavor. Monthong durian is a highly sought-after variety both domestically in Thailand and internationally. Its mild aroma and appealing taste make it an excellent choice for first-time durian eaters.

View full variety profile

Black Pearl (Tai Yuan, Tai Guan)

The Black Pearl durian, also known as Tai Yuan or Tai Guan, is a distinct and sought-after variety of durian, particularly favored by those who appreciate a more subtle and sophisticated taste profile.

View full variety profile

Metric	Monthong	Black Pearl (Tai Yuan, Tai Guan)
Flavor profile	Sweet	Little bitter, little sweet
Texture	Thick, creamy, soft	Smooth, creamy, dry
Aroma	Mild	Very strong
Taste notes	Rich & sweet	Slightly bitter and milky
Price range	RM40-55 per kg	RM50 - RM80 per kg
Season	June to August	June - August
Popularity	Medium	High
Rarity signal	Semi-Rare	Common

Quick Verdict Snapshot

Price: Monthong averages around RM40.00 vs RM65.00 for Black Pearl (Tai Yuan, Tai Guan).
Bitterness style: Black Pearl (Tai Yuan, Tai Guan) 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.”

Popular Head-to-Head Comparisons

Use these quick links for frequent buyer searches and long-tail comparison queries.

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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.