Khoon Poh Durian (D164)

Also known as: Khun Poh, Ang Bak (registered name)

Penang's "Beautiful" Durian

Khoon Poh is often described as one of the most visually striking durians to come out of Penang — a fitting reputation for a fruit named after the durian master who first cultivated it. Its official registered name, Ang Bak, means "red flesh" in Hokkien, a nod to its distinctive orangey-red colour.

Origin

Khoon Poh comes from the Sungai Pinang area of Penang, and is generally considered to taste best when sourced from its home region. The variety took out a Penang durian competition title in the late 1980s, cementing its place among the island's most respected heritage cultivars.

What It Looks Like

The husk is fragile and tears easily, and the flesh inside has a soft, somewhat wrinkled texture with a vivid orange hue. Seeds tend to run on the larger side, though smaller, flatter seeds do turn up — fruit with a slimmer body is generally more likely to carry them.

Aroma & Flavour

Khoon Poh brings a heady, floral aroma to match its bold flavour. The taste is classic bittersweet, but with real complexity: alongside the sweetness and bitterness, tasters commonly pick up notes of caramel, vanilla, milk chocolate, coffee, and even a citrusy, orange-peel brightness. It's a flavour that lingers well after the last bite — a durian for people who want a lot going on in one mouthful.

Texture

Expect a soft, wet, almost messy texture rather than a firm or dry one. This is part of Khoon Poh's charm rather than a flaw, though it does mean the fruit is best enjoyed relatively soon after it's opened, as it can develop a sourness the longer it sits.

Season

Khoon Poh has an earlier harvest window than many popular varieties, generally running from May to June.

Good to Know

Fruit from older Khoon Poh trees tends to carry a stronger bitterness and stickier flesh than younger-tree fruit. There's also a related but distinct variety sometimes called "Little Red," which shares the same lineage but has a greener husk, smaller size, and a noticeably milder flavour than true Khoon Poh — worth knowing if you come across it elsewhere, as it's often mistaken for the same thing.

Why Try It

Khoon Poh rewards durian fans looking for something layered and dessert-like rather than straightforwardly sweet or bitter. If you enjoy tasting notes of caramel and coffee alongside the classic durian bittersweetness, this is one of Penang's most rewarding heritage varieties to explore.