(ANN/THE STAR) – Penang durians are renowned for their exquisite flavours, with the famous Musang King and Black Thorn varieties often taking the spotlight.
Yet, beneath the fame of these celebrated types lie lesser-known local variants that offer equally delightful complexity, fragrance, and luscious mouthfeel.
Among these hidden treasures is the Puppet King, or “Kong Zai Wang” in Chinese. This unique variety hails from a farm in the scenic Pondok Upeh area of Balik Pulau, on the southwestern part of the island.
With its slightly pale yellow flesh, the Puppet King boasts a bittersweet taste and creamy texture that durian aficionados cherish.
Harvested typically in June and July, the Puppet King is at its finest when it falls onto a net, preserving the perfect balance of sweet and bitter notes.
“If they hit the ground, their taste becomes more bitter,” explains Ang Hock Leng, a durian seller who operates a popular stall along Anson Road in George Town.
While Musang King and Black Thorn may dominate the durian scene, the Puppet King offers a delightful and memorable taste adventure for those willing to explore.
This lesser-known variety adds an extra layer of excitement to the durian season in Penang, proving that there is always more to discover in the world of this beloved fruit. For durian lovers seeking new experiences, the Puppet King is a hidden gem worth savouring.
He said the Kong Zai label came from the plantation owner’s name.
Wang, which means king, was added for glamour, in the vein of the Musang King or the newer Tupai King.
“Taste wise, the Puppet King can give the more popular variants a run for their money.
“But, apart from serious local durian lovers, not many know about it yet,” Ang added.
The secret is now out, as the Puppet King was among the many varieties served to local media members during a durian party hosted by Batu Lanchang assemblyman Ong Ah Teong.
Cheers rang out when Ang and his staff carted out baskets of the thorny fruits and cracked them open with ease.
Many took the opportunity to feast on the normally pricey Black Thorn and Musang King, in between mouthfuls of other variants like Capri, Hor Lor and Khun Poh.
Ong said the durian party was a yearly affair, organised as a gesture of thanks to local pressmen, councillors and community leaders.
“Penang is well-known for durian and what better way to bring everyone together than over the finest durian the state has to offer.
“This stall offers quality durian and we can sample a wide variety,” said Ong, who personally loves the Black Thorn or any variety with a bitter flavour profile.
Having operated at the site since 1979, Ang has seen the fruit rise from a local treat to a global sensation.
“I started as a kid helping my father.
“Now, some of my customers are the children of people whom I used to serve.
“Back in the day, our clientele was almost all local but nowadays, we get a lot of tourists, particularly from Indonesia and China,” he added.
