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Top Picks of Malaysian Fruit for First Time Visitors

April 5, 2017 by Vanessa Workman 3 Comments

Fruit is a big deal in Malaysia. Local Malaysian fruit is especially popular. It’s an abundant and generally affordable, local snack you simply shouldn’t pass up. But no one wants to carry around a bunch of weird-looking fruit that you may or may not actually eat, right? Trust me, attempting to buy a handful of fruit from smiling vendors can be a true test of one’s travel sensitivities. Those folks drive a hard bargain and can melt your heart with their enthusiasm and smiles. So, expect to walk away with at least a kilo!

But hey, if you’re going to haul around a kilo of fruit it should probably be a sure-fire winner. So here’s a rundown of my top picks of Malaysian fruit and a few fun facts to help make those tasty treats become fond memories and great travel experiences.

BANANA (Pisang)

Yes, you may think bananas are a no-brainer, but there are regular bananas and then there are ‘cooking’ bananas (pisang tandung or plantains). Be sure to grab the right ‘bunch’. Also as a rule of thumb, buying from a local market, rather than a super market will usually get you a better price as well as better tasting bananas. Banana flowers (jatung pisang) are also edible and highly prized in Malaysia. Do note that bananas growing seemingly wild on the side of the road are not usually free for the taking. They belong to someone, so don’t take them without permission.

Banana trees never cease to fascinate me. Especially watching the yellow bits become the fruit. ?? #travel_captures #mytinyatlas #kampunglife

A post shared by Vanessa Workman (@theislanddrum) on Aug 27, 2016 at 1:19am PDT


Bananas at markets can be easily cut into smaller bunches. Just ask the vendor.

Banana installation at a roadside market in Ayer Hangat, #Langkawi. #fruit #Malaysia #f4f #artsy #yellow #vegetarian #agrotourism #Penang #monkeys #shopping

A post shared by Vanessa Workman (@theislanddrum) on Oct 1, 2014 at 8:35am PDT

Pisang Goreng (Fried Banana) is a local favorite.

Fried #bananas (goreng pisang) at the #beach. #food #secretbeach #Langkawi #Geopark #Kedah #Malaysia #Dubai #traveling #cooking

A post shared by Vanessa Workman (@theislanddrum) on Jan 1, 2014 at 7:33pm PST

 

COCONUT (Kelapa)

Coconuts are flat out fascinating. And yes, they are considered a Malaysian fruit and not a nut. The word coconut can actually refer to the entire coconut palm and every part of the coconut fruit and the tree is useful. You can read more about coconuts HERE.

My latest crop of #coconuts! #Langkawi #Malaysia #nature #tropical #islands #sailing #beaches #instapassport #travelgram #fruit #pantaicenang #palmtree #garden

A post shared by Vanessa Workman (@theislanddrum) on Dec 18, 2014 at 9:20am PST

Look for coconut vendors along the roadsides and at various markets throughout Malaysia.

Excellent fresh coconut juice (kelapa) and pulut panggat at Mr. Wari’s roadside stall on the road to Telaga Harbor. Look for him across from the Kuala Teriang mosque, you won’t be disappointed! #Langkawi #malaysia

A post shared by Vanessa Workman (@theislanddrum) on Nov 16, 2015 at 9:21pm PST

 

DRAGON FRUIT or PITAYA (Buah Naga)

The exotic looking dragon fruit is cultivated in Southeast Asia. They are a member of the cactus family. The fruit’s interior is similar to kiwi fruit with many tiny chewable seeds. The inside fruit comes in a white or red color, making them quite decorative as well as tasty.

#Dragon #Fruit at the #wetmarket in #Langkawi. #Kedah #Malaysia #Geopark #UNESCO #travel #culture #cuisine #food #backpacking #sailing #vegetarian

A post shared by Vanessa Workman (@theislanddrum) on Mar 8, 2014 at 8:45pm PST

Dragon fruit belongs to the cactus family!

This is how #dragonfruit grow! #Langkawi #Malaysia #nature #fruit #cactus

A post shared by Vanessa Workman (@theislanddrum) on Dec 8, 2013 at 12:29am PST

 

DURIAN

Durian is for sure an acquired taste, but I have never met a Malaysian who didn’t absolutely love their precious, ‘King of Fruit’. The name durian is derived from the Malay word for ‘spike’, which of course is in reference to the durians medieval looking spiked husk. The inner fruit is a yellow color with a creamy texture. Unfortunately, it has an unpopular aroma, which has it banned from most hotels and resorts. There are at least nine different edible varieties and the quality will definitely be a consideration in their prices. The Musang King is the Rolls Royce of durians with prices in the 60ringgit per kilo range and higher.

Certain times of the year you’ll have no difficulties finding a late night durian vendor along Jalan Macalister! You can find this vendor just down the street from @HotelJenPenang. Unfortunately this one only offered the selling of the entire fruit and not just a few pieces. Anyone know what months durian is usually available? ? #LeaveBoringBehind #NightLight #HotelJenPenang #kingoffruits #malaysiatrulyasia #touristforaday

A post shared by Vanessa Workman (@theislanddrum) on Feb 18, 2017 at 11:12pm PST

Durian are seasonal so don’t expect to always find them available.
And do remember, that the higher the quality the higher the price. 

Musang King Durians for sale along the roadway somewhere in Pahang, Malaysia. #kingoffruits #musangking #malaysiatrulyasia #roadtrip #fruits #igtravel #backpacking #vegetarian #igmalaysia #tropical #malaysiaboleh

A post shared by Vanessa Workman (@theislanddrum) on Aug 3, 2015 at 4:49am PDT

 

JACKFRUIT ( Nangka )

Jackfruit appear to defy gravity as their massive size grows directly from the tree and is secured by its own mini branch. Jackfruit has a unique flavor and are often used in various curry dishes as well as fried. Nangka looks very similar to Cempedak, except the Cempedak is more cylindrical in shape and has a smoother outer surface.

The secret to cutting Jackfruit is revealed at Langkawi’s Sunday night market in Padang Matsirat! I have never seen this technique before, so exciting to see. Jackfruit is also called #nangka or #cempedak in Malay language. ?? #langkawiisland #malaysiancuisine #fruitporn #theroadlesstraveled

A post shared by Vanessa Workman (@theislanddrum) on Jan 8, 2017 at 6:29pm PST


Nangka and Cempedak are different in size and taste as well as inside color.

I was surprised to see this suddenly pop up on my tree. I think it’s a #Jackfruit but I’ve never seen them grow in bunches before. Anyone know? #agriculture #Kedah #Malaysia #travel #Langkawi #Islands #f4f #fruit #trees #igdaily

A post shared by Vanessa Workman (@theislanddrum) on Feb 22, 2015 at 7:25pm PST

Jackfruit seeds are edible if boiled. They’re a special ingredient for curries too.

A piece of fresh Jackfruit and its stone-like seed purchased from the Sunday Night Market in Padang Matsirat. I’ve heard that the seeds are edible but they’re so pretty I think they would be better for making nice jewelry. Anyone eat Jackfruit seeds before? Are they tasty? ? #langkawiisland #fruitporn #discoverkedah #healthychoices #malaysiancuisine

A post shared by Vanessa Workman (@theislanddrum) on Dec 16, 2016 at 12:33am PST

 

LONGAN (Dukong or Mata Kuching ‘Cat Eye)

You will find this fruit, of many names, being sold in abundance during its fruiting season. They’re easy to peel and the inner fruit looks similar to peeled grapes or a ‘cat eye’ (mata kuching). How it got that particular local nickname is anybody’s guess. Perhaps the dukong (eye ball) made its scary appearance at a few Halloween parties and the cat eye nickname stuck?

Mata Kuching ‘Cats Eye’, Malaysia’s version of the Longan fruit. The fleshy white pulp inside looks like a yummy eye ball! ? #langkawiisland #passporttoasia #fruitpornshare #discoverkedah #malaysianfruits #travelmalaysia

A post shared by Vanessa Workman (@theislanddrum) on Mar 27, 2017 at 12:40am PDT

 

MANGO (Mangga)

Mangoes are generally easy to spot at market places, but they do come in a variety of colors which can sometimes be confusing. Some say the darker the color the sweeter the fruit. Yet in some cases you may find a green mango which may be fully ripe on the inside or ‘green’ and unripe. The word Mango originated from the Malayam word manna (māṅṅa) during the Portuguese-Kerala spice trade days in the late 1400s.

Mangos!! But what kind? Thai? Malaysian? These beauties were side by side at the night market, but the green look greener and the yellow a bit pale. I didn’t buy because I already had from another vendor, so didn’t try. ? #langkawiisland #mangos #passporttoasia #discoverkedah #tourismmalaysia

A post shared by Vanessa Workman (@theislanddrum) on Mar 23, 2017 at 5:27am PDT

 

MANGOSTEEN (Manggis)

Often called the ‘Queen of Fruits’ due to ancient tales of Queen Victoria’s attempts at having one brought to her. Her promise to bestow knighthood to anyone who could accomplish this was only met with failure, as the journey from Southeast Asia to England took months. Unfortunately, no fruit could survive the lengthy journey. The number of petals at the bottom of the mangosteen correlates with the number of delicious fruit sections inside. So, when buying a mangosteen look for more petals and you will be rewarded with more tasty fruit.

#Mangosteen.. a close second to #Rambutan. #purple #fruit #backpacking #Langkawi #Malaysia #agriculture #vegetarian #farming #sweets #Philippines #Satun #KoLipe

A post shared by Vanessa Workman (@theislanddrum) on Jun 30, 2014 at 5:34pm PDT

The rich red color of the Mangosteen has had it banned from some hotels for fear of staining.
Mangosteen photo credit:  An Epic Education

The mangosteen: my son’s favorite fruit. Its exterior looks like a cartoon tomato that’s been turned into a brick. Its interior has the look of insect larvae. The flavor? Somewhere between banana, strawberry, mango and vanilla. If the seeds weren’t so hard and prominent in the larger sections, it would be one of my favorute fruits, too. In many Southeast Asian hotels, I saw signs saying “NO DURIAN / NO MANGOSTEENS.” Years ago, I had just assumed that mangosteens were smelly like the durian, but now I think it’s because the deep-scarlet exterior leaves a red stain on any white surface it touches. have you had a mangosteen before?

A post shared by Family Travel Blog/Podcast (@anepicedu) on Oct 15, 2016 at 1:34pm PDT

 

PAPAYA (Betik)

Another universally known tropical fruit, the papaya is called ‘betik’ in Malay language. There are two types of papaya, one with a yellow inside and another, sweeter version is a darker orange hue. Any papaya with a green husk is considered a ‘green (unripe) papaya’ and a very popular ingredient for Green Papaya Salad. These delicious fruits seem to flourish in some of the oddest places, but do remember that even if it looks wild, it isn’t free for the taking unless a local’s permission is given.

Top Picks of Malaysian Fruit for First Time Visitors

Sample size, fresh sliced fruit is a hit with tourists.

Behind the scenes fruit cutting selfie. ? #smilesformiles #langkawi

A post shared by Vanessa Workman (@theislanddrum) on Nov 19, 2015 at 9:24am PST

 

PINEAPPLE (Nanas)

This may come as a big surprise, but pineapples have been growing in Malaysia since 1921! Believed to be of South American origins, the pineapple was introduced to Malaya by the Portuguese in the 16th century. You’ll find plenty of Malaysian pineapples at the various markets because they are cultivated throughout Malaysia and nearby Thailand.

#Pineapple growing at #MardiAgroPark in #Langkawi, #Malaysia. Saw my first real Pineapple in #Hawaii. #agriculture #agrotourism #fruit #families #tropical #travel

A post shared by Vanessa Workman (@theislanddrum) on Apr 9, 2014 at 1:58pm PDT

Malaysian pineapples are smaller than Hawaii grown pineapples, but they taste much better (in my opinion).

Fresh #Pineapples for sale at #Matsirat #wetmarket in #Langkawi. .yum! #backpacking #travel #Thailand #Malaysia #vegetarian #food #culture

A post shared by Vanessa Workman (@theislanddrum) on Jan 11, 2014 at 10:42pm PST

 

POMELO or GRAPEFRUIT  (Limau Bali)

If you love grapefruit you will love the Malaysian version. Commonly known as pomelo in many regions it’s often referred to as ‘limau bali’ in Malaysia. Once past the thick rind the inside fruit sections are easy to separate and juicy enough to quench your thirst as well as provide an easy finger food. You will often find vendors selling pre-packaged fruit sections, which are much easier to carry than the softball-sized whole fruit itself.

Malaysian Grapefruits are huge! Often called Pomelo or Limau Bali in Malaysia, the inner fruit tastes sweeter than the more common yellow colored Grapefruit. Delicious! ? #travelmalaysia #grapefruit #langkawiisland #fruitpornshare #shoplocal #freshlocalproduce

A post shared by Vanessa Workman (@theislanddrum) on Apr 5, 2017 at 9:41pm PDT

 

RAMBUTAN

Rambutan are native to Malaysia. Rambut is the Indonesian and Malay word for hair, so quite fitting a name for the hairy little fruit. The inner fruit tastes similar to a lychee or longan, but there is no mistaking its unique outward appearance.

#Rambutan! Scored these in along the roadside in #AyerHangat, #Langkawi. Love chatting with the locals, so this gives me an #icebreaker. #travel #agriculture #vegetarian #agrotourism #Kedah #Malaysia #fruit #hair #ecotourism

A post shared by Vanessa Workman (@theislanddrum) on Jun 30, 2014 at 4:08am PDT

 

ROSE APPLE (Jambu Merah)

Called rose apple, water guava, wax apple or rose pear, this local fruit tastes like a mix of apple, pear and guava, so it’s easy to see how it got so many monikers. I personally prefer to call them ‘Rose Apple’ because they taste like apples to me. Rose apples are also a popular fruit used in rojak buah, a Malaysian Fruit Salad.

Padang Matsirat’s Sunday night market in #Langkawi, has some great deals on #fruit. Water #guava 1 kilo for RM12, not too shabby! #travelgram #traveltip #Malaysia #agriculture #PadangMatsirat #vmy2015 #fruity #foodie #travelpics #ttot #islands #tropical #red

A post shared by Vanessa Workman (@theislanddrum) on Mar 2, 2015 at 7:01am PST

The inside texture of rose apples closely resembles that of their western relatives.
Rose apple photo credit:  An Epic Education

Sometimes called a wax apple, sometimes a rose pear, this is one of many types of #fruit that I’ll miss when we leave #SouthEastAsia

A post shared by Family Travel Blog/Podcast (@anepicedu) on Jan 23, 2015 at 4:22pm PST

 

SALAK (Snake Fruit)

The fig-shaped salak is unmistakable for its scaly-looking, snakelike skin. Thus, the nick name snake fruit. It’s a species of palm tree which is native to Indonesia, Brunei and Malaysia. One of its more unique medicinal properties is that it can be a natural remedy for diarrhea.

“#Banana in the #Snake Skin” Part 2.. @sheerinireehs The owner of this #pantaicenang #fruit market told me they saw the name on the internet and thought it was funny, so used it. I found the source at www.malaysiabest.net.. @anniebirdcakes is that where you got, “minus the mush”? :D It’s an interesting #blog and website.#salak #Langkawi #Malaysia #vmy2014

A post shared by Vanessa Workman (@theislanddrum) on Mar 28, 2014 at 3:03am PDT

Salak is sometimes called ‘Banana in Snake Skin’.

I never heard of “Banana in the Snake Skin” before. The vendor told me his boss found the ‘english’ name on the internet. This was found at a fruit market in Pantai Cenang, Langkawi. ? #travel_captures #foodporn #mytinyatlas

A post shared by Vanessa Workman (@theislanddrum) on Mar 5, 2014 at 6:43am PST

 

SAPODILLA (Buah Ciku)

Ciku might be the closest thing to a pear that you’ll find in Malaysia. Although its international name is sapodilla, ciku (pronounced with a ‘ch’) is easier to remember. The grenade shaped fruit doesn’t win any beauty contests, but it does win in the flavor category.

Mystery fruit. Forgot the name… Anyone know? ❓

A post shared by Vanessa Workman (@theislanddrum) on Apr 6, 2016 at 1:21am PDT

 

SETAQ or PLUM MANGO ( Buah Kundang or Setar)

Another Malaysian fruit with lots of names, the kundang looks like a miniature mango. The leaves and the entire fruit are edible (including the seed) and I’ve been told they are a secret ingredient for some extra tasty sambal.

First time to see ‘mini mangoes’.. at the Padang Matsirat Sunday night market in #Langkawi. I was told they are called ‘setar’ because they come from #AlorSetar? Dunno, sounds suspicious. Tastes delicious though! #traveltip #Malaysia #igkedah #fruit #mangoeverything #nightmarket #ttot

A post shared by Vanessa Workman (@theislanddrum) on Mar 15, 2015 at 7:48am PDT

Small enough to fit in your hand.

A handful of Buah Setaq (aka ‘Setar’ mini mango) :D from the Sunday night market at Padang Matsirat, Langkawi, #Malaysia. #fruit #buahsetaq #AlorSetar #gardentips #sweets #hand #agriculture #Langkawi

A post shared by Vanessa Workman (@theislanddrum) on Mar 15, 2015 at 11:48pm PDT

 

STARFRUIT (Belimbing)

Starfruit may not look especially appealing as a whole fruit, but slice them across and they become fruit magic. Their slices are shaped like a perfect star. Starfruit comes in two flavors; a small, light green, sour version and a larger, pale-yellow sweeter version. It’s been said that the juice from the green fruit can help remove rust stains. Of course, that isn’t much incentive to want to eat one, so it’s probably better to just stick to the sweeter version.

#Starfruit snack at #MardiAgroPark in #Langkawi, #Malaysia #travel #kids #food #vegetarian #agrotourism #Kedah

A post shared by Vanessa Workman (@theislanddrum) on Apr 9, 2014 at 3:00pm PDT

Starfruit can also make great props for trick photography!

The Mardi Agro Park in #Langkawi has a few interesting things to try…its just 20Rm entry fee (non-local). Worth a visit if you’re in the area.

A post shared by Vanessa Workman (@theislanddrum) on Apr 10, 2014 at 5:02pm PDT

 

Although this is a very basic Malaysian fruit guide, I do hope you find it useful. If a particular fruit interests you, do follow the photos back to Instagram and connect with the local Malaysian experts who left comments on the #bestmalaysianfruit posts. You’ll learn a lot about Malaysia and Malaysian fruit through them.

Big thanks also to An Epic Education Family Travel Website for filling in some of my missing fruit photo gaps. An Epic Education has spent extensive time traveling through Malaysia and they have some great blog posts about their Malaysian adventures.

Have you tried Malaysian fruit before? Do you have a favorite?

Filed Under: Malaysia Travel Tagged With: Asian Food

Comments

  1. Raul (@ilivetotravel) says

    November 10, 2017 at 9:17 pm

    Wow, what a diverse universe of goodness! I grew up in the tropics but some of these fruits are unfamiliar to me!

    Reply
    • Vanessa Workman says

      November 10, 2017 at 10:45 pm

      Hey Raul! Yes Malaysia has quite a few interesting fruits. Jackfruit and Rambutan are my favorites.

      Reply
  2. Rhonda Albom says

    August 1, 2019 at 4:40 pm

    I have tried a number of these but not all. Durian gets a big ‘yes’ from my family.

    Reply

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