Here’s a handy list of exotic fruits with unique tastes and textures that you must try when you’re visiting Malaysia. 

Located near the equator, Malaysia’s tropical climate has lots of rainfall throughout the year creating the perfect soil and temperature for juicy and succulent fruits. Here we have curated a list of exotic Malaysian fruits you need to try, especially if it’s your first time here! Do take note that some fruits may be seasonal but most of them are available all year round.

1. Durian

A.K.A. The King of Fruits. There are two kinds of people in this world - people who love durian and people who don’t. People usually can’t get over the smell of it. The taste can be described as bittersweet and the texture is creamy and custardy. This fragrant, thorny fruit is considered the most expensive local fruit in the market, having approximately 134 varieties – the most popular being Musang King, D24 and Red Prawn. Durian season is usually from June to August, be sure you try this fruit at least once!

2. Mangosteen

The fruit is made up with a firm purple outer rind with the inside flesh white in color that is segmented into slices like oranges and is in season from June till August. The rind is inedible - you can easily split it open with your bare hands! It is known to have an extremely sweet, juicy flesh and is reported to have many health benefits when eating the fruit such as lowering cholesterol and controlling blood pressure. Goes very well after durian!

3. Rambutan

Similar to lychee, the Rambutan has a hairy exterior with delicious and fleshy meat inside. The name Rambutan originates from the Malay words ‘rambut’ (hair) and where the tree grows – ‘hutan’ (jungle). To eat it, slice the middle of the outer skin with a knife/thumb, gently squeeze and the white fruit should pop right out. The sweet, translucent flesh contains a large seed in the middle - you can spit it out after eating the flesh. The best times to buy Rambutans are between June to August when they are largely available.

4. Papaya

An oval fruit with an orange-green and waxy skin. This fruit can be commonly found in Malaysia and is available all year round. The meat itself is an orange soft and juicy flesh with a sweet taste. Don’t be alarmed when you find hundreds of black seeds inside its cavity when you open it - just scoop them out! You can then slice up the fruit and eat it with a spoon, avoiding the skin. We recommend pairing it with a squeeze of lime juice.

5. Langsat

This seasonal fruit is native to Malaysia and can be found between June to August and is unique due to its transparent fresh where the seed can be seen in the middle. The fruit is a good source of fiber and the flesh has a mixture of both sweet and sour taste. To eat it, simply pinch the skin of the fruit with your fingers then peel it off, break the segments of the flesh apart and pop them in your mouth! Try not to bite into the seeds as they might taste a little bitter - though they are usually small and not too obtrusive.

6. Pomelo

Belonging to the citrus family, Pomelo is the largest amongst the family being roughly the size of a small football. The fruit has either a white or red juicy flesh or a thick green outer rind. It is highly popular and sought out for during the Chinese New Year as it is believed that the fruit is a sign of prosperity and good fortune. Although the fruit is available all year round, you’ll see the fruit in abundance during this festival. They are also really popular in Ipoh, Perak.

7. Starfruit

Starfruit is Malaysia’s native fruit and the name of this comes from the fact that when cut horizontally, each slice is shaped like a star. It is often eaten with a sprinkle of salt - helps to bring out its flavour. The fruit has two varieties – one is light green with a saltier taste whilst the other is yellow with a sweet taste. There are two seasons when the fruit is available, which is between April to June and October to December.

Image by Davina Da Vegan

8. Ciku

The fruit has an appearance of a small hairy potato and is only available in March and November. The fruit has a sweet tasting flesh like honey and is one of the sweetest fruits available in Malaysia. The ciku is eaten like a kiwi, where you cut the fruit in half and scoop the flesh out with a spoon. If you are travelling to Malaysia, this unique tropical fruit is not to be missed!

9. Jackfruit (Nangka)

Jackfruit has its own unique flavor and is often used in various curries. The golden flesh found around the seed is sweet and extremely succulent. Although one may get Jackfruit and Cempedak mixed up, the Cempedak has a more cylinder shape and a smoother outer surface. The Jackfruit flesh is more solid whereas the Cempedak flesh is stickier and has a stronger fragrance. You can find Jackfruit all year round and is often made into cakes, ice creams or salads with the seed being edible as well once boiled.

10. Snake Fruit (Salak)

This fruit is fig shaped and attracts attention with its scaly snakelike skin hence the name. The skin may look tough and prickly but it is actually thin and can be easily peeled off by breaking the tip with your fingers. Underneath lies a firm, dry and crunchy fruit that resembles peeled cloves of garlic. It has an inedible seed inside which you have to eat around. The flavour of the Snake Fruit is often described as a blend of apple, pineapple and banana. The meat has a sweet, acidic taste and leaves a citrusy tingle on the tongue similar to eating a pineapple. It is available in Malaysia all year round.

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