Top 10 Exotic Asian Fruits You Must Try

Are you travelling through Asia? Then be prepared for a holistic experience for your taste buds with a variety of exotic fruits. We’ve got a friendly guide on a number of must-try fruits from Asia, where to try them, and how to enjoy the unique flavor of each from the countries of Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, Thailand, China, Cambodia and more!

Durian: King of Fruits

The king of fruits is famous for its pungent odor and distinct taste. Its spiky outside houses creamy, custard-like flesh that enthusiasts describe as a sweet-savory mix. Be prepared for its strong smell, as it has been banned in certain public areas. It counts among the top fruits of Vietnam!

Place to find: Predominantly Southeast Asia (Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia)

Best time to try: June to August (by region)

Tips: Come to it with a free mind; the taste is unique and often an acquired one. It's either love at first sight (err taste) or it's going to be the last time you try it!

Mangosteen: The Queen of Fruits

Mangosteen is a purple fruit with a thick rind that guards luscious, sweet-tart segments inside. Commonly described, its flavor is refreshing and a mix between peaches and pineapple.

Place to find: Mainly found in tropical Asian countries (Indonesia and Malaysia).

Best time to try: Available from late spring through summer, usually

Tips: Choose fruits with a skin that is firm but yields slightly to pressure; it will be ripe.

Rambutan: A Hair-raising Delight

The hairy red-and-green shell of rambutan makes the fruit look rather interesting, but inside, its see-through flesh is juicy and sweet, just like its distant cousin, the lychee.

Where to find: Found throughout tropical Asia especially Indonesia where it has more than 20 varieties.

Best time to try: Fruits of rambutan are picked twice in a year during hot parts of the year

Tips: Squeeze and twist the rind to open and reveal the edible fruit inside

Lychee: A Juicy Jewel

Beneath the thick, red skin, lychee has a very juicy, very fragrant fruit with a sweet and slightly floral taste.
Where to find: Grown mainly throughout Asian countries (Juiciest Lychees are the ones found in China, Malaysia, Vietnam and India)

Best time to try: It can be found between late spring and early summer seasons

Tips: Skin the fruit and note the seed inside, which is inedible

Dragon Fruit-Pitaya: A Colorful Snack

Skin strikingly bright pink and yellow with dotted flesh inside that may be white or red, respectively. The inside flavor is mildly sweet, while the juicy seeds are refreshing.

Where to find: Grown over tropical Asia.

Best time to try: All-year-round, but peaks vary throughout the year.

Tips: Slice open, scoop the flesh out, and enjoy it cold.

Jackfruit: The Versatile Giant

Being the largest tree-borne fruit in the world, the jackfruit has a spiky green exterior and sweet, fibrous yellow pods inside, tasting kind of like the intersection between banana and pineapple.

Where to find: Common in South and Southeast Asia (India and Vietnam)

Best time to try: Generally picked during the first six months of the year

Tips: Given its size, it is very common to find it in pieces at local markets.

Starfruit: A Starry Snack

Starfruit - star-shaped cross-sections and a sour-sweet taste, a pretty sight and yummy at the same time. It is our favorite fruit from Asia and we highly recommend it if you are ever travelling to Vietnam or any other southeast asian country, then try it!

Where to find: Grown in the tropics of Asia. (Famous in Vietnam, Indonesian and Malaysia)

Best time to try: In the autumn after its harvest.
Tips: Can be eaten whole, just wash and slice up.

Mangos: A Tropical Staple

Mangos are loved for their succulent sweet flesh and form a staple fruit in most Asian countries, but differ in varieties and flavors from region to region. Since ancient times mangoes have been cultivated and are known mainly by two main types: the "Indian type" and the "Southeast Asian type". Mangoes are so popular in some countries that they have been declared as the national fruits in countries like India and Philippines.

Where to Find: Very common in tropical Asia (Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, India, Vietnam).
Best Time to Try: Generally at its peak season in the hotter months.

Tips: Enjoy as it is, in smoothies, or as a dry snack.

Longan: The Dragon’s Eye

Longan, which also means "dragon’s eye," is a small, translucent fruit covered in a light brown shell, with a sweet, musky taste.
Where to Find: Very popular in subtropical Asia (Vietnam and Thailand).

Best Time to Try: This is a late summer in-season fruit.

Tips: Peel open the shell, remove the seed, and enjoy.

Pomelo: The Giant Citrus

Pomelo is the largest citrus in the world, bearing a thick rind with mildly tangy sweet flesh. Less acidic than grapefruit, it's a treat to have. Did you know it's native to southeast asia?
Where to Find: Pomelo is grown in the tropical parts of Asia.

Best Time to Try: Pomelo is usually harvested during late summer and autumn.

Tips: Remove the thick rind and membrane to enjoy the juicy segments of this fruit.

Travel Tips for Fruit Lovers:

• Local Markets: The best thing about having fruits in season is going to the local markets. Many times, speaking to the vendors proves helpful and enlightening on preparation tips.

• Seasonality Awareness: Find out which fruits are in season during your visit and make the most of it.

• Food Safety: Wash the fruits well, and when in doubt, go for ones that are peels-on.

• Budget: Prices in many tourist destinations vary considerably depending on markets or areas, with the best bargains usually at local stalls.

From the noisiest marketplaces to the quiet corners of countryside resorts, the fruits of Asia beckon one to enter a world of sense delight. Do look for them, and savor—you just might find your next favorite fruit!

Pro Tip: If you try fruits from street vendors, always ensure they are not pre cut. If you like, you can ask them to cut the fruits in front of you.