Header image courtesy of Jeng Sheng (via Flickr)
Durians are often crowned as the “king of fruit,” but they are the most controversial and polarising one as well. Often found in Southeast Asian countries like Singapore, Malaysia, or Thailand, those who cannot appreciate durians say they have a pungent smell—even comparing them to raw sewage. Otherwise, their sweet or bitter taste is highly commended by durian lovers.
In Southeast Asia, durian eating can become a fun social activity by eating with friends right by a vendor stall or taking a bunch of them home for families, during the middle of the year. We encourage all travellers to try the famed fruit at least once and understand where durian lovers are coming from. If you’re a beginner, you’re strongly encouraged to bring a local friend who knows how to pick the freshest durians. Some durian sellers may rip tourists off and offer low-quality and overpriced fruit without them even realising. Here is a handy guide on what to expect when it comes to anything durian related.