r/oddlysatisfying • u/SinjiOnO • 2d ago
A skilled Durian cutter at work
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u/bradydcallahan 2d ago
What’s the purpose of that quick, small horizontal cut before throwing the exterior in the bin?
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u/Killshot91 2d ago
Hi, Fellow Malaysian here. The durian grows like garlic cloves , and the line indicates opening within. We cut the shell open to inspect if there are yellow flesh inside, as some sneaky small flesh might hide within.
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u/Heads_Or_Tayls 2d ago
You can see at around 1:06 this exact thing happens. There's a small piece hiding!
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u/kernowgringo 2d ago edited 1d ago
I don't think that's what the OP question is regarding, after the little bit you're referring to at 1.06 you see them take that segment out and then do a little horizontal cut on the pith before throwing it away
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u/TheHomieAbides 1d ago
Just a guess: cleaning the blade? Every time the blade touches the outside he cuts into the inside rind.
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u/MyPasswordIsMyCat 2d ago
And he calls it a "fantastic durian" because it has more fruit inside than usual.
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u/Orgasm_Add_It 2d ago
I like how it's orangeish. What's the flavor comparison between yours and the Thai durian?
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u/dezzalzik 2d ago
IIRC from comments elsewhere, Thailand durian farmers cut the fruits off the tree a week before it falls to the ground naturally. So they have an optimal balance of ripeness and sweetness.
While in Malaysia, durians are allowed to fall naturally from the tree when they're fully ripe. Natural fermentation process will occur right away at this point, leading to the distinct richness in taste, plus extra smelly too (both from the fruit and the gas from your ass) 😆
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u/MiniMeowl 2d ago
As a Malaysian, we think Thailand's durian is weak and flavourless because they cut it before the fruit is truly ready. But because they harvest in that manner, Thai durians are able to be last longer in shell and can be exported longer distances.
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u/random_avocado 1d ago
As a Singaporean, most of us think Malaysian durian is better. I doubt anyone would go out of their way to sample Thai durians. I personally love ‘red prawn’ variety.
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u/MiniMeowl 2d ago
If you are new to durian and want an easy gateway, go for Thai durians. Since they are cut from the tree, they are less ripe, meaning mild, sweet, and less offensive. If you see a durian overseas, it is 99% a thai durian, because only less ripe durians can survive the export timeline.
If you love durian and want to be slapped across the face with many different flavour profiles, go for Malaysian durian. Bitter, sour, sweet, alcoholic - Malaysia takes durians seriously and theres a specialty durian for everyone. You can't get the true durian experience outside of Malaysia (and neighbouring countries) due to the ripeness.
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u/idiot_of_all_morons 2d ago
Check out malaysia’s subreddit we have a guide for all durians across the peninsula.
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u/TheHeartAndTheFist 2d ago
My guess is that it makes the durian exteriors much more likely to flatten under the weight of others, so that you don’t have to empty the bin too often (as would be the case if you let them keep their shape)
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u/Certain_Passion1630 2d ago
I’ve always wanted to try one, just because people always say how horrible they smell. This makes me want to try one even more
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u/SpyAmongUs 2d ago edited 2d ago
Malaysian here, currently enjoying the durian season. Depends on what durians you got, some tastes like sweet custard, others taste like fermented garlic, without the spiciness. The ones in the video seems to be the former.
The texture is amazing, you can "peel" the flesh from its seed with your tongue, like meat off a bone from a stew.
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u/KamikazeMizZ 2d ago
To me the texture is almost like ice-cream. It's melt-in-your-mouth-delicious. I'm envious of you right now. I'm in California now (we moved here from Singapore when I was 13) and it's more difficult to find fresh durian here. Enjoy some on my behalf pls!
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u/Shlant- 2d ago
not Malaysian but living in Penang - so much good durian around right now!
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u/uncoolcentral 2d ago
It tastes okay. I don’t think it smells like death. Doesn’t smell great though.
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u/Inferno317 2d ago
It smells like a natural gas leak to me. I still like eating them though.
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u/GodlessCyborg 2d ago
I always thought durian is where they got the smell for propane. They smell the same to me as well
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u/kamilayao_0 2d ago
So like stale boiled eggs?
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u/MatiKatakRempit 2d ago
It's more like a light hint of sulphur and onions, but I don't think you can describe it accurately. There's no specific smell, it's unique in it's own..
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u/-Badger3- 2d ago
No, like a dead body.
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u/KamikazeMizZ 2d ago
Smells nothing like a dead body. Not only was I raised in a country where durian is common, I had a career where I assisted in autopsies before I had to medically retire. They smell nothing alike.
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u/awful_circumstances 2d ago
I've also had the misfortune to learn what rotting corpse smells like, but I've also found there's an overlap with the scent of mangos. I've never smelled actual durian but is it anything like that?
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u/kamilayao_0 2d ago
Have you ever smelled one before? If yes, give us details 🧐🧑⚖️
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u/nooyermar 2d ago
Actually, natural gas is mostly odorless. The scent is added for safety concerns. But yeah, it stinks!
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u/IReallyLikeAvocadoes 2d ago
The flesh is very soft and creamy once you bite into it, and I would describe the taste like sweet garlic. I kept thinking of garlic while I was eating it and that was enough to make me stop. Definitely an acquired taste.
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u/Overly_Long_Reviews 2d ago
I remember finding the creamy texture to be more disconcerting than the smell when I first tried it. I like the sweet garlic description. One person I was with described it as a very expensive French cheese that is also somehow sweet.
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u/Forumites000 2d ago
I really love durian holy shit.
It really must be a genetic thing, just like how some people love or hate coriander.
So I don't force people to like durian or judge if they don't like it. But for me, I'm willing to pay top dollar (like 50 USD) for good durian. Great fragrance, great taste, great texture. Those of us blessed (or cursed cus durian is expensive lol) with a love of durian understand why it's called the king of fruits.
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u/tenkokuugen 2d ago
People have never tried the really good Durian it seems. The perfectly ripe one is just no words. My favorite is rambutan but durian is very close to it
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u/just_another_jabroni 1d ago
Rambutan is basically seeded lychee but the process of chewing the flesh off the seed is part of the experience imo.
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u/band-of-horses 2d ago
I bought some freeze dried durian off amazon and put it out at work in a candy dish with a sign inviting people to try an exotic southeast asian fruit. I made some enemies that day. Luckily the freeze dried ones are not that smelly.
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u/Reddit_Account2025 2d ago
It's durian season(June to September) in Malaysia, come and have a taste.
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u/Overly_Long_Reviews 2d ago edited 2d ago
If you can get over the smell (which is easier said than done) and to a lesser extent, the texture they really aren't that bad. I'm not really quite sure how to describe it, the flavor is completely unique. I've never tried anything like it before or since. I've eaten it on several different occasions when I was in Singapore and each time the flavor has been different to the point where it resists characterization.
The problem is the smell can be so overwhelming that it overrides your sense of taste. Which is why you have so many completely different descriptions of the flavor.
I wouldn't call it my favorite flavor in the world but I had a lot of fun traveling to different stands and trying it. I've since had durian flavored candies and drinks (I came across a place selling durian flavored bubble tea stateside a few years back which was pretty bizarre) since and I have enjoyed those too.
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u/ShahinGalandar 2d ago
I read "durian flavored candles" and thought that the manufacturer of those must really hate people
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u/Natasya95 2d ago edited 2d ago
Theres different types but if you want to try one try find Musang King one while a bit expensive its one of the best. Not all durian tastes the same.
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i show my dad and he said that the one in the video is called Udang Merah durian, taste sweeter.Theres a lot variety, you must try ioi too 😋→ More replies (4)5
u/NihongoThrow 2d ago
I feel like I'm an anomaly when it comes to Durian in that I really like the smell but absolutely detest the taste. I have never eaten anything worse I don't know why I dislike it so much.
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u/bigblackcouch 2d ago
This lady trying it is what always comes to mind when I see durian being discussed. Doesn't really sell itself very well.
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u/lxcid 2d ago
one of the few fruits that have a creamy texture by nature.
the variant of taste between a good batch vs a normal batch is quite wide.
definitely one of a kind of fruit.
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u/newbatthis 2d ago
Not all durians are made the same. Musang King durians are the creme de la creme of durians. Tastes like sweet creamy heaven.
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u/Primary_Flatworm483 2d ago
Why does he cut across the inside of the husk once the fruit is gone? He does it so fast it's hard to see, but after he removes the fruit he slices the inside white portion sometimes.
I thought it was quickly checking to see if there was more, but he's not even looking at it, so that can't be it. Anyone know?
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u/scienceworksbitches 2d ago
but he's not even looking at it, so that can't be it
I bet he can feel the difference.
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u/one1002 2d ago
In Malaysia, when it's Durian Season, people from other neighboring countries will come and have a feast here.
There are also durian orchard owners who will do "open houses" at their orchards, like having durian party.
I have friends from indonesia who will take a flight to malaysia just to eat durian..
I love durian!!
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u/Natasya95 2d ago
Samee!!! I love durian and i wont take any slander towards durian! My dad also do open house at his orchard but only with his friends
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u/FreeUsQwety1 2d ago
only part that sucks when eating durian is that it gets me sick when I eat too much of it :(
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u/Ok_Flan4935 2d ago
Where in Malaysia?
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u/random_avocado 1d ago
Singaporean here. There are a few places in Johor Bahru that opens till late night, every Singaporean have their go-to durian places but my family love going to this one.
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u/Ok_Flan4935 1d ago
Thanks. So the season lasts all summer or are there specific dates for the event?
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u/lalalibraaa 2d ago
I was just in Vietnam and saw signs all over that prohibited people from bringing durian inside hotels bc of the smell. So it made me hesitant to eat it. What does it taste like? I’m planning to be back in SEA next year so maybe I’ll try it then!
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u/HushTheBlues 2d ago
Im from a country that has them so i might be biased or had the freshest ones,but its supposed to be very sweet and creamy custardlike,i think of it as the sweet cousin to cheese,they both smell a certain way but taste good int their own way
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u/HolidayInvestigator9 2d ago
never thought about it being like cheesy i can see it that way. ive always looked it sort of like a slimy, gooey mango, if i could compare it to any other fruit. the only thing i personally dont like is sometimes the smell hits the back of my throat sometimes if im about to take a big bite, its like a very powerful zesty tanginess to it.
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u/Shlant- 2d ago edited 2d ago
Do not let the smell turn you off - "Don't judge a book by it's cover". Once you eat it a couple times (I always recommend people try it 3 times before judging), if you like it, the smell just fades into the background or becomes pleasant. The smell comes from the sulfur content. I feel bad for anyone who forgoes one the most unique fruit experiences just because of the smell.
Eat it in Malaysia or Singapore. If you can, Penang during the season (mid May to August) - best durian in the world. Thailand cuts their durian before they ripen so expect it to be much more fibrous and the flavors to be very simple and sweet. Tree-fallen durian (like they do in Malaysia) is a whole other fruit in terms of taste + texture.
The taste is hard to describe and can vary widely between varieties and species. There are the underlying notes of marzipan-y almond-y custard and onion/garlic (again, sulfur content) with the latter being less prevalent in fresh fruits. Other than that, within the Durio Zibethinus species (which is almost all durian outside Borneo) these are some tasting notes you can experience:
- Dark, dark chocolate
- Caramel
- Vanilla
- Floral
- Marshmallow
- Banana liqueur
- Gasoline
- Whiskey
- Grape
- Maple syrup
- Old pennies
- Cherry
- Coffee
If you are ever in Penang, hit me up. I keep a spreadsheet of the best durian on the island :) Also home to the best cempedak - my second favorite fruit which I am eating as I type this.
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u/slimwillendorf 2d ago edited 1d ago
The best is freezing Durian and eating it like ice cream. It smells less and offsets its dense heat. This fruit is said to be internally-heated in Thai, meaning that you’re supposed to eat only a few and avoid drinking alcohol. It’s very calorific as well. My mother had a craving for durian whilst she was pregnant with me. I turned out to be a giant baby and the tallest in my entire family. I ended up being a six foot tall Korean chick. My dad called me radioactive. 🤣
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u/Dry_Salamander_9437 2d ago
Looks like uni, smells like death
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u/Hungry-Space-1829 2d ago
Lived in SE Asia a handful of years. The smell killed me at first then after I ate it the smell wasn’t nearly as offensive and sometimes even good. Hard to explain but eating it was the best thing I did
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u/waferselamat 2d ago
No, the inside skin of the durian is useful. After eating durian, you can wash your hands with the inside of the skin. Just put some water on it and use it to wash/rinse your hands; the durian smell will disappear. You can also gargle with it to reduce the durian smell in your mouth.
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u/charliesk9unit 2d ago
You can also boil the seeds and they taste like chestnuts.
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u/openterminal 2d ago
Wat? I like durian and this is the first time I heard someone says you can actually eat the durian seed. Is it only applied to certain durian or to all durians?
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u/charliesk9unit 2d ago
All durians. You can do the same with the jackfruit seeds. You wash them and then boil them in lightly salted water. After they are cooked, you need to break through the harder shell to get at the inside.
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u/SirSignificant6576 2d ago
They really don't smell that bad. I have a fruit lab every semester for my botany class, and bring durian in. It's always...fine. Everyone seems to enjoy it.
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u/MithranArkanere 2d ago
Why does it smell like that and why am I smelling it through a freaking video?
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u/HolidayInvestigator9 2d ago
i can smell it through the screen. haha weird ass fruit. i love it. i feel like im doing drugs everytime i eat one since nobody likes the smell and i have to hide and eat it.
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u/Fireinred77 2d ago
That’s insane! I would definitely have lost some fingers in learning how to do that. 🤯
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u/docArriveYo 2d ago
I’ve had a durian that smelled like rotting nest, but the flavor was so damn sweet. Would eat again.
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u/ConversationCalm2622 2d ago
Durian….the stink only hits you at the beginning. You get used to the smell it becomes unoticable. Eating the fruit is a delight.
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u/AshyWhiteGuy 2d ago
Honestly, how sharp is that thing? Mild annoyance, ruin your day or hospital trip?
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u/Medium-Impression190 2d ago
Mild annoyance. Kinda like bed of nails trick. The thorns are a lot but if you know how to hold it properly, then it would not hurt as much. Safety gloves helped a lot.
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u/Cjgraham3589 2d ago
I’ve never had durian. Does the orange fruit inside smell or is it just the outer layer?
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u/Vietfunk 2d ago
The whole thing, but mostly inside. So like you only smell 10% of its full capacity before you open it
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u/CaramelDrippin504 2d ago
Looks like mango. What does it taste and smell like?
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u/The_Adeptest_Astarte 2d ago
The smell is very strong and has been described as a combination of sulfur, sewage, fruit, honey, and roasted and rotting onions. A study on the aromatic compounds in durian found 44 active compounds, including some that contribute to scents of skunk, caramel, rotten egg, fruit, and soup seasoning
I hope like fuck it tastes better than it smells
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u/Logical_Engineer_420 2d ago
Total propaganda/rant by someone who ate shit durian. It smells nothing like that man
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u/TastyTadpolePizza 2d ago
Well the guy from “Man vs Food” couldn’t eat it.
Most people are either in the love it or hate it camp.
It’s like a cross between a mango, ripe banana, and custard. The smell can be strong and to some it smells like rotting trash. To others it’s distinctive but not horrible.
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u/LazyOldCat 2d ago
I’ve come to love the ‘Durian and sticky rice in sweet cream’ dessert from the Asian store, haven’t graduated above that yet. Way better than Uni for sure.
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u/fkmeamaraight 2d ago
Important note : this video does not have annoying music. Please feel free to listen with sound on
(and hear how many actually super rapid cuts he makes to work the durians)
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u/sbtvreddit 2d ago
I remember someone talking about durian fruits being smelly at work once and someone piped up and got super defensive and upset and triggered and said it’s racist to say durian fruits are smelly. Uh….. ok?
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u/SelimNoKashi 2d ago
Growing up in the Philippines everyone in my family loves this fruit. As in they can eat entire scores of it in 1 sitting. But I never inherited their passion for it. Like what everyone says its the smell. Even the ice cream version. Lol It makes me wanna vomit. But there's a candy version of it with condensed milk that one I can take. 😅
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u/PsychologicalTough43 1d ago
He's skilled cause he's not throwing up as soon as he makes the first cut!
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u/BreakfastOk9902 1d ago
Clearly this man had skills, but this still doesn’t solve the biggest problem. Why in the fuck does anyone want durian?
Did your home just smell too good and you needed to dial that back? Did you accidentally put on deodorant right before the Motörhead concert? Worried the other line cooks will think you’re soft because you use dryer sheets?
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u/woodrax 2d ago
I remember when we visited Vietnam, they had No Durian signs all over. Businesses like Hotels and “Tourist” places like Museums knew people who were not used to the smell would gag.
My mother loved the fruit. I tasted it, and it tasted okay, but I could not detach the taste from the smell.