How To Spot Real Mao Shan Wang Durians

1. Look for a distinctive star-shaped mark at the bottom of its husk

“The star mark (see pic above) is not exclusive to only Mao Shan Wang durians, but on a real MSW you can see it very clearly — most of the time. It has five ‘points’, which usually indicate that the durian has flesh in five shell 'chambers',” says Alan Chern of Rangoon Road stall Mr Durian.

But do take note that a small number of MSW durians may not have this star, though they are still fruits from a MSW tree. If you're unsure about whether the MSW's appearance is legit, taste it to determine its quality (see point #2).

2. If the flavour ain’t intense, don’t part with your dollars

A good durian seller will let you sample the durian before you buy it. “You’ll know if it’s a Mao Shan Wang durian as soon as you taste it. It should be intensely bittersweet and creamy,” says Teoh See Yong of Fruits Top 1 Department Store. In other words, it should be very shiok, lah.

3. MSW flesh should be a vibrant golden-yellow

According to Melvin Ha from Melvin’s Durian shop, “there are dishonest durian vendors passing off [inferior] Thai durians as MSW. The flesh for those are usually pale yellow or overly orange; a true MSW is golden. Its thorns are also broad.”

Click here to find out how to determine a Mao Shan Wang durian's grade. 

Read more about our undercover review and ranking of Mao Shan Wang deliveries here.