A new contender has emerged in the fiercely competitive world of premium durians, boasting a uniquely sweet flavor that belies its unassuming appearance. Tupai King, which translates to “King of Squirrels” in Malay, is a rare cultivar that farmers predict could usurp the popularity of longstanding favorites such as Musang King and Black Thorn.
Tupai King recently went viral on social media in Thailand after images of the peculiar, almost bruise-like fruit were shared on a Facebook page named Than Pao.
The post described it as a highly sought-after Malaysian durian with an exceptionally delicious taste, originating from Penang about 20 years ago from an old durian tree, with some claiming to have tasted it even 40 years ago.
Hailed for its sweetness and sticky texture, this variety commands a premium price of approximately 120 Malaysian Ringgit (around 927 baht or 730,000 VND) per kg and is highly favored by Malaysian connoisseurs.
The post sparked significant interest among Thais eager to learn more about the Tupai King, also known as the Squirrel Durian. It is said to be the most expensive durian variety in Malaysia, surpassing the prices of Musang King and Black Thorn.
This premium fruit is gaining popularity among durian aficionados both domestically and internationally, especially in Singapore and China.
Penang, a significant durian-growing region, now boasts plantations cultivating various durian cultivars, including Black Thorn and Musang King. Tupai King is characterized by its elongated oval shape and distinctive dark green flesh. Its flavor is said to be less bitter with a subtle alcoholic aroma compared to Musang King. Despite the increasing demand, the supply remains limited as it has only recently been cultivated.
It takes several years for a Tupai King tree to mature and bear fruit, and commercial-scale production is estimated to take another 3-4 years as more Malaysian farmers begin to plant this cultivar.
However, the region faces challenges due to climate change, as higher-than-average rainfall affects crop yields. According to the Malay Mail, unpredictable weather has led to uneven flowering, potentially reducing overall fruit production by 30% this season.
“It has a creamy texture, intense with a deep bittersweet flavor, rich mouthfeel, and subtle fermented aroma,” shared durian farmer Chew Chee Wan with The Straits Times.
Chew discovered this unique durian two decades ago in Penang’s Sungai Ara neighborhood and immediately recognized its special characteristics.
“The first time I tasted this fruit, I found it very delicious. Immediately, I saw the immense potential and value in Tupai King,” he said.
This durian cultivar was officially registered with the Ministry of Agriculture in 2021 as Tupai 226, with the code name D214. The name Tupai King, meaning “King of Squirrels,” was inspired by Chew’s durian shop, Cap Tupai.
The durian season of 2025 is expected to begin in late May, and Tupai King is anticipated to create a buzz when the fruit becomes available from mid-June through August.
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