Durian is famous for having a weird smell, and for good reason. Some people swear the odor is awful, while others love the flavor. If the smell keeps putting you off, there are simple ways to handle durian to make it more approachable.
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The main thing about enjoying durian is dealing with the smell. Once you get past that, the creamy texture and sweet flavor can be satisfying. Here’s how to handle the odor, what to pair it with and simple ways to try durian without feeling overwhelmed.
What’s the deal with durian?
People describe durian’s stench as strong, unusual and sometimes even awful. However, it’s also popular, especially across Southeast Asia, because underneath that bold aroma is a creamy, sweet fruit that many people genuinely enjoy.
If you’ve never tried durian before, you’re probably wondering why anyone would want to eat something with a powerful odor. It’s similar to other pungent foods like pickled herring. Once you’re past the initial smell, durian can actually be surprisingly good.
How to handle durian and manage the smell
Durian’s smell is strongest when it’s fresh, so handle it outside or next to an open window. Wearing gloves helps keep the smell from sticking to your skin, making cleanup simpler. If you’re buying fresh durian, pick fruits without cracks or splits and press gently; they should feel slightly soft but never mushy.
After cutting into durian, its odor often sticks to hands, knives and cutting boards. Regular soap usually isn’t strong enough. Try using baking soda or lemon juice instead, or rub your hands on stainless steel items like spoons or sink faucets, which neutralize odors surprisingly fast.
Leftover durian should be wrapped tightly or sealed in airtight containers before refrigerating or freezing. Double-wrapping is even better. To keep your fridge smelling fresh, place an open box of baking soda or activated charcoal inside because these absorb unwanted smells effectively. If your kitchen still smells afterward, boil some water with vinegar or lemon slices, open a window or run a fan to clear the stench.
Pairing durian with mild ingredients like rice, dairy or coconut milk is a good idea if you’re new to it. These foods naturally tone down durian’s strong flavor, making it feel much less intimidating.
What durian actually tastes like
Durian has a sweet, custardy flavor, similar to banana pudding mixed with almond and hints of caramelized onions. The texture is thick and creamy, similar to soft cheese or avocado. If the smell is throwing you off, know the taste isn’t nearly as strong or intense.
To get a real sense of durian’s flavor without being overwhelmed, try it cold from the fridge or freezer. Cold durian tastes milder, and the sweetness stands out more clearly. Another tip is to pair durian with something simple, like rice or vanilla ice cream, to balance out the flavor while you get used to it.
Durian desserts you can start with
Sweet things are the easiest way to try durian. Durian ice cream is popular because freezing it reduces the smell, and the sweetness hides the strong taste. Just blend durian pulp into your favorite ice cream base and freeze.
Another easy dessert is durian pancakes. Mix durian pulp with whipped cream or mascarpone cheese, wrap it in a thin pancake and add some fruit if you want. This combo is mild enough even if you’re new to durian.
Durian smoothies are also easy. Blend durian pulp, milk, sugar and ice together. The milk and ice tone down the smell, giving you a creamy drink without the full strength of fresh durian.
Easy durian snacks to try
If fresh durian is too much, try durian chips instead. They’re crunchy, mild and the smell is way less noticeable. You can find them at Asian grocery stores pretty easily.
Pastries like durian puffs or mooncakes are another good option. The pastry and added sugar balance out the durian’s strong flavor. These are easy snacks to grab without being overwhelmed by the smell.
Steamed buns filled with durian paste are mild and easy to eat, too. Asian bakeries usually have them, and they’re perfect if you’re curious but not ready for a full-on, fresh durian.
Simple ways to add durian to your meals
Durian works best when you pair it with ingredients that help balance its strong flavor. One popular choice is durian sticky rice. The sticky rice and sweet coconut milk soften the intensity, making the fruit easier to try if you’re new to it. If you already know you like coconut milk in bold dishes, savory meals such as curry salmon with coconut milk and bok choy are another good way to explore strong flavors.
If the texture of durian seems intimidating, start with smoothies or milkshakes. Blending durian pulp into cold drinks helps mellow the smell and taste. You could also mix durian into cheesecake batter or pudding. Dairy naturally reduces durian’s intensity, creating a smooth, balanced dessert that’s beginner-friendly.
Another easy way to start with durian is to turn it into a sauce. Blend durian pulp, coconut milk, sugar and a pinch of salt until smooth, then drizzle over pancakes, waffles or even a plain cake. This sauce takes the edge off durian’s strong flavor and lets you control how much you use.
If you’re ready to experiment more, try adding durian to fried rice. Stir-fry cooked rice with eggs, vegetables, garlic and onions, then gently mix in small amounts of durian pulp toward the end. Cooking it lightly preserves its sweetness, while spices and other flavors in the dish keep it mild and manageable.
Don’t let the smell put you off
Durian does have a strong smell, but managing it isn’t complicated. With the right approach, the scent becomes less of an obstacle. Try starting with smaller portions or mixing durian into foods you already like. Once you’re familiar with handling and preparing durian, its smell and taste will become easier to manage. Give these ideas a chance, and you may find that durian grows on you faster than you’d expect.
Sara Nelson is the creator of Real Balanced, a food blog that showcases easy and balanced recipes. Since 2017, she has shared these recipes with thousands of blog readers and social media followers. Sara lives in Wisconsin with her family.