Best Durian Varieties: Must Try at Geylang Durian Shops

The Best Durians You Must Try

If you’re a durian lover and you’re in Singapore, you must try some of the best durian varieties available in the Geylang area—the country’s premium durian hub. Here, you’ll find the favorite durians of many: from Mao Shan Wang (aka Musang King), Black Gold, the occasional D24, to D13 (Red Prawn). These varieties are often available and promise unforgettable flavors, aromas, and textures.

Popular Durian Varieties and Commonly Available in Singapore

1. Mao Shan Wang (Musang King / D197)

• Origin: Malaysia (Pahang / Kelantan), cultivar D197. Known as one of the most sought-after durians in Singapore and Malaysia.
• Taste: A balanced combination of sweet and bitter. Generally more complex than D24—the depth of flavor is captivating due to the subtle bitterness that complements the rich sweetness.
• Aroma: Very strong and distinctive; a pungent aroma that may be surprising to some, but is a major draw for true connoisseurs.
• Texture: Smooth, thick, custard-like cream, with a bright yellow color often described as “turmeric-colored.”

2. Black Gold (a premium variant of Mao Shan Wang)

• Origin and Quality: Said to be a “higher class” of Mao Shan Wang, typically sourced from old-growth trees in premium plantations like Tiger Mountain and Cold White Leaf Mountain in Pahang..
• Taste: Sweeter than regular Mao Shan Wang, with a sharper bitterness and more intense aroma. Richer and more layered than the standard MSW version.
• Aroma and Texture: Extraordinarily strong aroma, very soft, creamy texture, almost melts in the mouth, sometimes called “buttery custard” but more powerful than regular MSW.
  
  

3. D24 (Sultan King / D24)

• Origin: Malaysia, cultivar D24. Known as Sultan King because it was once enjoyed by Malaysian royalty.
• Taste: Sweet with a slight bitterness, softer and less sharp than MSW. Hints of caramel or butter are very noticeable.

• Aroma and Texture: The aroma is less intense than MSW. The texture is smooth and moist, easily separated from the seed—perfect for those looking for quality durian without an extreme fragrance.

4. Red Prawn (D13 or D175)

• Origin: Malaysia, cultivar D13, also known as Udang Merah (D175).
• Taste: Very sweet and soft. Not too bitter, perfect for durian lovers who prefer a mild sweetness and rich natural sugars.
• Aroma and Texture: The aroma is lighter and more pleasant. The texture is dense yet soft, often described as juicier and less “heavy.”

Others: D13 (Red Prawn), Tekka, Golden Phoenix, XO

Occasionally available at some Geylang locations, especially Red Prawn (D13) and D24. Varieties like Tekka, Golden Phoenix, and XO do exist, but they’re not as popular as MSW and Black Gold. For example, Golden Phoenix is known for its bitter durian flavor with a unique aftertaste.

Variety	Flavor	Aroma	Texture
Mao Shan Wang / MSW	Sweet + bitter balance	Very strong and pungent	Thick, dense, battery cream
Black Gold	Sweet is more dominant + strong bitter	Super intense, “mountain‑rich”	Ultra creamy, very soft
D24 (Sultan King	Soft sweet, slightly bitter	Soft, not too sharp	Soft, moist, easy to separate from seeds
D13 (Red Prawn)	High sweetness, minimal bitterness	Light and sweet	Juicy, slightly dense, very soft

• Mao Shan Wang is a top favorite for its iconic balance of flavor and aroma-texture experience.

• Black Gold is suitable for those seeking the ultimate premium durian experience: maximum aroma and flavor.

• D24 is ideal for those seeking a quality durian experience without the overpowering fragrance.

• Red Prawn is perfect for durian beginners or connoisseurs who enjoy a mild sweetness and juicy consistency.

Recommended Varieties to Try

• Mao Shan Wang (MSW) – start with the most popular and representative.

• Black Gold – if you want something “more than just MSW,” with a wilder aroma and flavor.

• D24 – a classic hybrid, rich but smoother.

• Red Prawn (D13) – for a sweet and friendly finish.

Why Are These Varieties Common in Singapore?

Singapore imports a significant amount of durian from Malaysia (especially Pahang), and they focus on superior varieties like D197 (MSW), D24, D13, and premium grades like Black Gold, which are harvested from mature trees in hilly fields.

Stocks of these varieties are relatively stable during the peak durian season (usually June–August), so many Geylang stores keep them available throughout the main season.

Adherence to Preferences & Availability in Singapore

Due to high demand, durians like MSW and Black Gold often sell out quickly. Therefore, it’s best to pre-order or order vacuum-packed durians from a trusted vendor to ensure availability.

Red Prawn and D24 are sometimes available as complementary varieties, they’re cheaper and often available when MSW’s quota is full.

Let’s Talk About Durian SG Prime – The Most Trusted Durian Place in Geylang

If you want to enjoy the best durian in Geylang, Durian SG Prime is a reliable choice:

Address: Lorong 24A456, Geylang Road, Singapore 389415 (approximately 650m from Aljunied MRT Station, 5-minute walk)

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Opening Hours: Daily, from approximately 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM, or until 1:00 AM depending on the opening hours.

Durian Varieties Offered:

Old Tree Mao Shan Wang (premium grade),

Standard Mao Shan Wang,

Black Gold MSW,

D13 (Red Prawn),

D24, even Tekka and Golden Phoenix are occasionally available.

Pricing & Transparency: For example, Old Tree MSW is around S$76.80 per vacuum box (~S$96/kg), Black Gold is around S$83.20 (~S$104/kg), standard MSW is ~S$64 (~S$80/kg), Red Prawn is only ~S$16/kg, and prices for D24 and others are in the mid-range—all clearly stated on the menu and labeling the durian’s origin.

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Service & Warranty: “No-questions-asked free replacement”—if you’re not satisfied, we’ll replace the durian. Dine-in service is available (dehusk on the spot), as well as fast delivery within ~60 minutes if ordered online/WhatsApp.

How to Enjoy MSW and Black Gold Durian at Durian SG Prime

1. Order in advance, especially if you’re after Black Gold or Old Tree MSW.
2. Come directly to the store—it’s located in Geylang West, easily accessible from Aljunied MRT.
3. Enjoy dehusk on the spot: a truly authentic dine-in option, with optimal aroma and experience.
4. Try a variety of options: start with standard MSW → Old Tree MSW → Black Gold → D24 or Red Prawn for dessert.
5. Take the opportunity to compare aromas and flavors: each has its own unique character. The flavors range from subtle to intense.
   

If you want to experience the consistent sensation of premium durian, visit Durian SG Prime in Geylang. They offer favorite durian varieties like Mao Shan Wang, Black Gold, and occasionally D24, and D13 (Red Prawn), with friendly service and a full quality guarantee.

📍 Durian SG Prime

Address: Lorong 24A, 456 Geylang Road, Singapore 389415

Opening Hours: 10 AM – 12/1 AM daily

Durian varieties like Mao Shan Wang, Black Gold, D24, and Red Prawn are the cornerstones of the premium durian experience in Singapore. Their strong aroma, balanced sweetness and bitterness, and smooth, creamy texture make these varieties highly sought after.

SG Prime Durian is an ideal choice in Geylang due to its honest reputation, transparent pricing, and comprehensive selection of durians from regular to premium grades. So, don’t miss this opportunity to sample the deliciousness of world-class durian—it’s easy: order now, then visit their address, and savor every bite of the finest durian.

Good luck, and we hope your durian experience in Singapore is as memorable as possible!