Durian, the well-known tropical fruit native to Southeast Asia, captivates our curiosity not merely due to its taste or distinct appearance but predominantly due to its unique and spicy aroma that can make people flee in fright at the mere thought of trying it.

I must confess that I, too, have been acquainted with Durian for some time now. And by “acquainted,” I mean I’ve heard of this fruit but have never ventured into tasting it. However, all of that changed during a recent vacation to Malaysia when I found myself diving headfirst into the extraordinary experience of trying Durian. It was an opportunity that I hesitantly embraced, as this peculiar fruit is abundantly found throughout the bustling streets of Kuala Lumpur.

My hesitance stems primarily from the numerous unflattering reviews about durians. Like many others, these unfavourable accounts had successfully deterred me from embarking on a culinary journey with this enigmatic fruit.

However, my perspective shifted when I encountered a couple of Malaysian friends during my previous travels in Laos. They fervently insisted I try the fruit once I returned to their homeland. With no room for negotiation as a guest in their extraordinary country, I reluctantly obliged and begrudgingly embarked on this unique gastronomic adventure.

My Malaysian friends introduce me to tasting Durian.

An Experience of Tasting Durian in Malaysia

It happened on a sunny afternoon on the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur, the vibrant capital city of Malaysia. After an exhilarating day out with my Malaysian friends, riding the thrilling ATVs that whisked us through the breathtaking landscapes, we decided to make a pitstop at a charming fruit shop. As we entered, we were immediately captivated by the unique market setup that greeted us. Hundreds of durians, the iconic fruit of the country, adorned the spacious shelves, enticing our senses with their distinct aroma.

Although bare at that moment, the shelves were a sight to behold. A truck filled to the brim with fresh durians had arrived just moments before. The shopkeeper promptly shelved the precious cargo, carefully organizing them into five distinct category classes. Class-one durians, the epitome of perfection, were elegantly displayed at the top, gradually descending to class-five, which housed the imperfect but equally delectable fruits.

The atmosphere in the fruit shop was filled with anticipation as customers eagerly examined each Durian, searching for the one that would awaken their taste buds with its rich, creamy texture and heavenly flavour. It was a truly immersive experience, immersing ourselves in Malaysia’s vibrant fruit culture’s sights, sounds, and scents.

A boutique little fruit shop that hosts a range of yummy fruits.

At this stage, I couldn’t comprehend the extensive discussions about its distinct smell. Standing close, I found nothing offensive about it; it seemed rather ordinary to me. Of course, that’s just my perspective, as my olfactory senses failed to detect anything unusual.

My friends, resembling connoisseurs of selecting premium fruits, meticulously handpicked two hefty and extravagant durians, priced at approximately 30 Australian dollars each. A skilled fruit shop employee produced a substantial knife and commenced the preparation of the durians.

Gathered around a modest table adorned with a couple of stools, it was time to partake in the Malaysian-style durian experience.

Preparing the Durian for a little tasting session.

The Secret Confession of My Durian Experience

The taste of this fruit was unlike anything I had ever experienced. As it was my first time trying it, I couldn’t quite find the words to describe its uniqueness. Let me give it a shot!

The taste was surprisingly creamy, with just a hint of sweetness that mingled with a subtle bitterness. At first bite, it didn’t immediately captivate my taste buds, but the table was filled with abundant food, so I persevered in my quest to become acquainted with its flavours. I even dared to hope that I might eventually come to savour and appreciate it.

The Durians are selling fast if you can believe that.

For my confession, I must reveal whether my Malaysian acquaintances may stumble upon this narrative or perhaps not. But when tasting Durian, I am compelled to confess that I feigned enjoyment. Beneath a composed countenance, the truth remains that the allure of this peculiar fruit eluded me.

I cannot surrender myself to the sentiment of adoration for the taste of Durian. While I refrain from uttering “hate” when describing this exotic fruit, I must admit that its distinctive flavour never captivates my palate. It is worth mentioning that the Durian I sampled was purportedly of unparalleled quality.

Allow me to express my honesty when disclosing that a single durian commanded a lofty price of $30 at the esteemed purveyor in Malaysia. Rest assured. However, my eagerness to embark on another tasting venture remains quite tempered for this particular food in Malaysia.

Have you tasted Durian before? Did you like it? Explain in the comments below what you thought of the taste when you first tried Durian.

What do you think of the unique taste?