Which Durian Is Best for First Timers?

Written By Shaun Lee

Your Beginner’s Guide to Loving the King of Fruits

So… you’ve finally decided to try durian. Maybe you’ve been curious for a while. Maybe your friends have dared you. Or maybe, you’ve smelled it one too many times and thought, “How bad can it be?”

Whatever brought you here — welcome! You’re about to embark on a delicious, creamy, and slightly controversial journey. But don’t worry — we’ve got your back. As durian lovers (and enablers), we at Jiak Durian Mai believe that choosing the right durian for your first taste can make all the difference.

Let’s break it down.

🥇 The Best Durian for Beginners: D13 Red Prawn

If you're new to the durian game, D13 Red Prawn is your best bet.

Why D13 Red Prawn?

  • Creamy & Sweet: Its rich, custard-like texture and naturally sweet profile make it incredibly approachable — like a tropical dessert in a shell.

  • Less Pungent: Compared to stronger varieties, D13 is more mellow on the nose (so your taste buds don’t get overwhelmed).

  • Great for Sharing: Many first-timers who try D13 with friends end up saying, “Hey, that’s actually not bad!”

At Jiak Durian Mai, our Season Special Premium D13 Red Prawn Bundles are hand-selected for ripeness and freshness, delivered to your door the same day.

🥈 Runner-Up: Golden Phoenix (Jin Feng)

For those who don’t like overly sweet things, Golden Phoenix is another excellent choice.

Why Golden Phoenix?

  • Slightly Bitter, But Smooth: It has a firmer texture and mild bitterness — ideal for first-timers who don’t want something too rich.

  • Lower Sugar Profile: Great for people who prefer more complex flavors over sugary ones.

  • Smaller Seeds, More Flesh: More value for your bite!

🤔 What to Avoid as a First-Timer

Not all durians are beginner-friendly. Here are some you might want to wait on:

  • Mao Shan Wang (MSW): Beloved by seasoned durian fans, but it’s strong, pungent, bitter-sweet, and can be intense for newcomers.

  • Black Thorn: A rare, luxurious variety with deep, bold flavors — better appreciated after you’ve had a few durians under your belt.

👶 Pro Tips for First-Timers

  • Start with a few pieces. You don’t need to finish the whole box — unless you love it.

  • Pair it with water or light tea. Helps balance the richness.

  • Chill it before eating. Slightly chilled durian is creamier and more dessert-like.

🛍 Ready to Try Your First Durian?

At Jiak Durian Mai, we make it easy.
✅ Same-day islandwide delivery
✅ Handpicked, premium-quality durians
✅ Perfectly packed for freshness
✅ Vacuum Sealed air tight
✅ 100% Quality Guarantee

👉 Check out our D13 Red Prawn Bundles — beginner-friendly and durian-lover approved.

Still unsure? Chat with us on WhatsApp or any of our various social media platforms — we’re happy to help you pick the perfect one.

Shaun Lee
Previous

D13 vs Mao Shan Wang – What’s the Difference?
Next

Secret tips and tricks on choosing the freshest durians!