Kampot durian: what it tastes like and which varieties to try

The smell and the taste

Durian is often called the smelliest fruit in the world. The odour is strong and pungent, and people tend to love it or hate it. Kampot durian has a following because the flesh is sweet and creamy enough that many people forgive the aroma.

The fruit has become more popular in recent years, helped by a distinctive flavour, soft flesh and a high sugar content.

What to expect on the tongue

• Texture: soft and creamy, often compared to custard or whipped cream.
• Sweetness: high in sugar, so it suits people who like rich tropical flavours.
• Flavour: usually described as a mix of caramel, vanilla and honey.

If you are nervous, start with a small piece of a sweet, soft variety rather than a whole fruit.

Varieties grown around Kampot

Three names come up most often.

• Ang Siam: sweet, creamy flesh, and a favourite among local people.
• Nungoi: a distinctive flavour and high sugar content. It is considered one of the best durian varieties in Cambodia.
• Laichee: prized for a soft, custard-like texture, and a popular choice with tourists.

Ask the seller which variety you are buying, since texture and sweetness differ between them.

Nutrition

Durian is linked with several health benefits because of what it contains. It is a good source of potassium, magnesium and vitamin C. It also contains antioxidants, which help the body deal with free radicals and oxidative stress, and its fibre can support digestion and help prevent constipation.

It is also a very sweet, dense fruit, so a little goes a long way.

Durian around town

The fruit's local fame has spilled into the town's landmarks, most obviously the large durian sculpture on a roundabout, a playful piece of public art that suits the area's reputation. Farms and plantations in the surrounding countryside are where much of the fruit is grown.