Durian!

I tried real durian for the first time today!

This durian doesn't even know what's about to go down

This picture was actually taken earlier, in Kuantan, but it's a nice detail shot

Durian is known as the "king of fruits" here in Malaysia, and it can be a point of contention among friends. I'm told that people either really love durian, or they really hate it (or they think it's just OK).

For those unfamiliar with this spiky fruit, it has a very pungent aroma that you can smell from several meters away (and since some find its odor offensive, the fruit is not allowed in many public spaces, such as hotels, public transportation, or airports). The smell and taste are very unique and difficult to describe, but sulfuric seems appropriate. It has a texture a bit like custard and it starts slightly sweet but ends on that sulfuric note I was talking about.

To eat it, you have to crack open the spiky shell. Inside, you'll usually find a whole bunch of rather big seeds, which are enveloped by the creamy edible flesh of the fruit.

Durian!

The moment of truth: My first bite

Close-up of the texture

We're OK!

Eating durian is, like bak kut teh or satay, a must-try experience if you ever travel to Malaysia. I'm quite pleased that I was able to try it.