By Ricky Fernandez
BANGKOK – Rarely does a fruit polarise opinions as much as the durian. The Southeast Asian “king of fruits” is loved by locals and Chinese consumers, but described by many first-timers as overripe garlic – due to its often pungent odour and bold flavour.
Yet, many tourists who get the chance to try Thailand’s fresh durians experience a shocking change of mind.
Early missionary in the old Siam capital of Ayutthaya, Jacques de Bourges, described his admiration for the Thai durian, saying “The flesh is as white as snow, exceeds in delicacy of taste all our best European fruits, and none of ours can approach it.”
One of the most sought-after varieties of durian is Monthong, or ‘Golden Pillow.’ Monthong is one of the “big five” durian varieties cultivated in Thailand, alongside Chanee, Kanyao, Thong Yod and Gan Yao. These varieties differ in sweetness, bitterness and texture.
However, the Monthong variety boasts a mild, caramel-like flavour and velvety texture offering an approachable introduction for tourists to the fruit’s unique profile.
Eager foodies can get their hands (or preferably gloves) on this variety of durian at Thailand’s famous street markets like the Tor Kor Market in Bangkok. But for the ultimate experience, enthusiasts journey to Chanthaburi Province.
Just a few hours south of Bangkok, the province boasts the largest durian production area in Thailand. The crown jewel of the region is Durian Land, a 200-hectare, 10,000-tree commercial durian orchard that welcomes visitors on a durian farm tour and the chance to taste fresh Thai durian.
“The flesh is as white as snow, exceeds in delicacy of taste all our best European fruits, and none of ours can approach it.”
The scenic tour is on the back of a tour cart that takes you through beautiful valleys, up steep hills and past endless durian trees. Tourists are then taken past a grand statue of the Buddhist earth goddess Phra Mae Thorani, wringing her hair to bring water and fertility to the land and chase away demons of temptation.
Then, the most anticipated stop on the tour, the Durian Cafe. The Iconic Cafe gives connoisseurs the chance to taste and compare around 45 durian varieties from around the world, including Malaysian breeds like Musang King. But for the Facebook fanatics, TikTokers, Tweeters and Insta-holics, it is the “experimental dishes,” from durian pizza to durian- flavoured espresso, that spark the most intrigue.
Sipping your durian lemonade, you notice the birds-eye view of countless rows of durian trees divided by numerous rivers and lakes.
For the brave, Durian Land offers you a chance to zipline and canopy walk across that very view. If that sounds like you, maybe fill your belly with durians after soaring through the durian trees.
Editor: The Mega Southeast Asia Festival www.seasia.co.nz returns at Auckland Showgrounds, 8 March 2025. FREE ENTRY.
With MORE unique Southeast Asian foods, MORE traditional performances and MORE immersive activities!
It’s like a day trip to Southeast Asia ✈️
HUNDREDS of food options and non-stop entertainment from Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam and more!
FREE parking at Cornwall Park (1 min walk)
Auckland Showgrounds, 217 Green Lane West, Epsom
Save the date and join the celebration: 8th March 2025. 10am to 5pm at Auckland Showgrounds, Greenlane.
Contact:
melfernandez@xtra.co.nz, info@include.co.nz
mobile: 0274958477, 0277888090
website: seasia.co.nz
