There is a lot to Penang than just durians. But for durian hunters, there are probably no other attractions other than durian that will attract them like bees to honey.

While there are possibly over a hundred different durians that identify themselves as Penangites, there are a few that are just more famous than the rest.

The fame is understandable.

Like how even in a football team of superstars, there are going to be some players who are the stars within the stars.

If you are someone who is going to spend a lot of time in Penang, then it goes without saying that you might want to try tasting as many of the different cultivars as possible similar to crossing out a checklist.

But if you are making ONE stop. And quite possibly never going to return in the foreseeable future, then there are 6 most famous durians of Penang that you MUST try. And maybe… just maybe… you will want to return to the island afterall.

And I’m talking about the fame alright. How well-known and popular they are. Not how delicious. Taste is subjective and if we are talking about their deliciousness, I’m sure a lot of durian lovers would feel strongly that other durians like capri, lipan and tok kong are a few among many others that needs to be on this list as well.

1) D163 Horlor

Horlor is probably the most under-appreciated famous durian of Penang. Sort of like the drummer of a rock band in the mould of Bon Jovi. It is part of the band and a significant member of it. But just don’t get the attention like the lead vocalist and lead guitarist.

I’ve had the durians on this list many times. And no matter how often I attempt to ignore hor lor, the moment I take a bite at it, the giddy feelings all come rushing back. And the butterflies start to flutter in my stomach again.

Ever since post-pandemic, it has also slowly grown on me and climbed my personal durian rankings consistently. Until I currently rate it as one of my top 3 favourite Penang durians.

It sweet. It’s sticky. Like an ex-boyfriend that a kaki of mine describes. But this one won’t betray you and won’t ignite trust issues. Hor lor will love you back if you love it too.

2) D164 Khun Poh Ang Bak

This is one infamous durian that you can almost never find exported outside Penang.

Because there is a strong local demand. And the soft flesh characteristic means khun poh is not a durian that travels well. You won’t be able to buy travel insurance to provide it with coverage too.

The fruitlets themselves spot orange flesh. A bright colour that can easily make you go “Waaaaa!” the first time you see it.

I’m not kidding. I’ve heard this trademark squeal a number of times already.

Many orange durians are pretty to look at yet taste like potatoes. But khun poh is a durian with pedigree. And the taste will match the beauty of the fruitlets as long as you don’t have unrealistic expectations.

Khun poh don’t owe you a living. Don’t expect it to pay for your mortgage or auto loan. The most that it can do is raise your odds of going diabetic for feasting too much on it.

3) D165 Green Skin 15

Green skin is one durian that is gaining a lot of attention beyond the clear beaches of Penang island recently.

Among this list of esteemed green spiky fruits, it has the most complex taste. Filled with alcoholic gas.

If you ask me, I would put it in the same league as tekka. A lot of my kakis would put it in the same class as musang king. This should tell you all you need to know about the power of green skin.

The best part is that you can find green skin in almost every corner of Penang when in season. So this is one durian that you have no excuse to avoid.

4) D175 Red Prawn

Red prawn used to be the durian that Penang is most famous for before black thorn sort of took over the title.

But old-timers will undoubtedly still rank it as the original king of Penang that cannot be dethroned.

The flesh is soft like yogurt. It feel watery in the mouth. But the taste is so delightfully packed like pastry dessert.

Don’t go around telling people that you’ve had durians in Penang if you did not have red prawn while you were there.

It’ll be like going to Rome and not seeing the Colosseum.

5) D200 Black thorn

Black thorn is now possibly the durian that Penang is most famous for.

It’s hard to imagine that just a few years ago, a lot of consumers were still unable to get their hands on one. But now, it is everywhere.

Johor, Singapore, Melaka, Pahang, Perak. You name it. Anywhere that is selling durians… the odds are that there is some black thorn stashed somewhere at the store.

Who wouldn’t want to sell a durian at $30/kg for a cultivar that regularly weighs over 3 kilos right… It’s the durian sellers’ dream durian.

The birth place of black thorn is actually in the mainland area of Penang. Which means that some of the oldest trees of black thorn are in this area. Don’t forgo this opportunity of grabbing a black thorn where it is best cultivated.

6) D214 Tupai 226

Better known as Tupai King, this durian has been making headlines lately on a regular basis for the price it has been able to fetch. Especially during peak season when durian prices are supposedly at their lowest points of the year.

It will be the hardest durian to find among this list.

But you never known when you will will run into it with a stroke of luck. Sometimes you are just at the right place at the right time when a store owner brings it into the store.

At least if you do come across it by chance, you won’t turn it away for thinking that it’s another overrated durian. It’s actually one that thousands of people desire and have never seen with their own eyes before.

Despite what some reports being spread around are saying, tupai king is available in many different farmlands in Penang. Not just one. It’s just that supply is very limited as most farms are not producing much of it… yet.

Do be wary and learn how to identify it so as not falling victim of unethical durian sellers. You can never be too careful in this market.