D103 Mong Zong Qing Ren (Bangkok Tree 28)

Alright, let’s dive into the world of D103 durian, also known as Mong Zong Qing Ren (梦中情人) — which literally means “Dream Lover” in Mandarin. Sounds romantic, right? Like if durians had dating profiles.

But don’t let the poetic name fool you — this one’s got drama. Not the emotional kind (okay, maybe a little), but more like the “I look innocent but try opening me and you will regret it” kind.

A Little Backstory

D103 is a certified Malaysian original — officially registered in 1970. It's sometimes called "Bangkok Tree 28", probably because somewhere in Thailand there was a tree labeled T28 and someone said, “Hey, that looks similar!” or maybe they just really liked Bangkok.

And then there’s the name Mong Zong Qing Ren, which translates to “Dream Lover” — poetic, dramatic, and slightly over-the-top. But hey, if you're a durian with flavor worth swooning over, why not?

It’s especially popular in Melaka, where folks swear by it and queue up for it like it's the last slice of cake at a birthday party. So if you’re ever down south and someone hands you a D103, know that you are eating royal Melakan durian vibes.

Looks: Cute, But Don’t Let That Fool You

• Size : Small to medium, around 1kg — light enough to carry without straining your back.
• Shape : Think kidney bean, pear, or just “slightly awkwardly curved.” Some even say it looks like Green Skin or Hor Lor. Basically, it’s the chameleon of durians.
• Husk : Light green, yellowish, or brownish-yellow — like it can’t decide what color it wants to be. The thorns are short, hooked, and kinda cute… until you realize they’re guarding something.

Now here’s the plot twist:

Opening this thing is a nightmare.

Seriously, it’s like trying to open a jar of pickles after someone super strong closed it with all their might. The core is locked in tighter than your phone screen after five failed Face ID attempts.

Durian sellers — experienced ones — still groan when they see D103. Because no matter how good you are, this husk fights back. And if you drop it too hard? The flesh inside gets smooshed faster than a pancake. So handle with care, or risk heartbreak.

Inside: Creamy, Sticky, Dreamy

• Color : Pastel cream yellow, bright yellow, or even white. Kinda like soft serve, but way smellier.
• Texture : Super soft, sticky, and creamy. If you like your durian to melt in your mouth instead of fight you, this one’s your friend.

Now, fair warning — older records from the 1970s describe D103 as having "thick, watery flesh" and being “bitter and not very delicious.” Ouch. But let’s be real — those old notes might’ve come from a bad clone, a sad tree, or someone who just didn’t like durian much.

Because these days? People love it. Especially if you enjoy a little bitterness balanced with sweetness — like dark chocolate, but pungent smell and tropical.

Taste: Bittersweet & Tea-Scented?

• Flavor Profile : Bittersweet, complex, and full of layers. Like a breakup song, but edible.
• Tea Notes : Some say it smells like tea leaves. Imagine sipping oolong while rolling around in a pile of ripe durians. Elegant? Weird? Delicious? All three?
• Bitterness Level : Present, but not overwhelming. More like a hint — like when your crush says “let’s just be friends,” but at least they’re polite about it.

Overall, D103 wins points for flavor and affordability. You won’t have to sell a kidney to buy one, and the taste makes it totally worth the struggle of opening it.

When Can I Find It?

D103 is an early-season player — shows up early in the mid-year season and disappears before things get too wild. So if you want to meet your “Dream Lover,” better catch them quick before they ghost you for the peak-season stars like Musang King or Black Thorn.

Final Thoughts

So yeah, D103 Mong Zong Qing Ren — aka Dream Lover — may not be the flashiest durian out there, but it’s got charm, flavor, and just the right amount of stubbornness.

It’s like that chill friend who takes a little effort to hang out with, but once you do? Total joy.

TL;DR:

D103 is small, sweet, bitter, creamy, tough to open, and weirdly poetic. Affordable, flavorful, and loved by many — especially in Melaka. Handle with care, eat with joy, and remember: patience pays off.