10 Must-try Fruits of Malaysia! (Part 1)

Malaysia is home to a treasure trove of fruits, each offering a unique flavour, texture and experience that you won’t find anywhere else. The warm, tropical climate produces a bounty of exotic fruits that are delicious and packed with nutrients. Here’s a list of 10 must-try fruits from Malaysia, with fun facts and health benefits that make them irresistible.

1. Durian: The King of Fruits

Durian is perhaps Malaysia’s most famous fruit, renowned for its potent aroma that you either love or hate. Often referred to as the “King of Fruits,” it has a creamy, custard-like texture and a sweet, slightly savoury flavour. The spikes on its shell make it look as intimidating as its smell. Interestingly, many places including hotels and public transport ban the fruit due to its powerful scent!

Nutrition Facts:

Once you get past the smell, Durian offers a rich, complex flavour that true fruit aficionados crave. It is rich in potassium, vitamin C, and B vitamins. It also contains tryptophan, a natural mood enhancer, and its high fibre content aids digestion.

2. Mangosteen: The Queen of Fruits

While Durian reigns as the king, Mangosteen or Manggis is lovingly called the “Queen of Fruits.” Beneath its thick, purple rind lies juicy, white flesh that is both sweet and tangy. It’s highly revered for its cooling properties, which perfectly balance the heat of tropical climates. The juicy segments are also super refreshing and packed with health benefits.

Nutrition Facts:

Mangosteen not only tastes divine but also offers a high dose of antioxidants known as xanthones, which are anti-inflammatory and can boost your immune system. It’s also low in calories, making it a perfect guilt-free snack.

3. Rambutan: The Hairy Delight

Rambutan’s spiky, hairy exterior makes it one of the most visually exciting fruits in Malaysia. Once peeled, you’ll find sweet, translucent flesh that’s similar in taste to Lychee. Rambutans grow in clusters, and locals often enjoy them fresh or use them in desserts.

Nutrition Facts:

Rambutan is not just fun to eat; it’s packed with vitamins and minerals, making it a perfect snack to refresh yourself after a long, hot day. It is rich in vitamin C, iron and copper as well as a great source of antioxidants that help fight free radicals in the body.

4. Pulasan: Rambutan’s Bold Cousin

Pulasan is often mistaken for Rambutan due to its similar appearance, but it’s sweeter and less acidic. The name “pulasan” comes from the Malay word “pulas,” meaning to twist, referring to how you twist open the fruit. Its flesh is juicy, sweet and simply irresistible.
 

(Source: MBG.com.my)
 

Nutrition Facts:

Pulasan is rich in vitamin C and antioxidants. It’s great for boosting the immune system, promoting healthy skin and improving digestion.

5. Cempedak: The Sweet Jackfruit Twin

Often mistaken for Jackfruit due to its appearance, Cempedak has a uniquely sweet and fragrant flavour all its own. With its spongy, creamy flesh, Cempedak is enjoyed fresh or deep-fried into crispy fritters. Its honeyed aroma and chewy texture make it a tropical treat that’s loved by many locals.

Nutrition Facts:

Cempedak is high in vitamin C, dietary fibre and potassium. It’s also packed with antioxidants, making it not only delicious but also beneficial for your health.
 

6. Langsat: The Tiny Citrus Wonder

Langsat is a small, yellowish fruit with thin skin, growing in clusters like grapes. Once peeled, you’ll discover tart-sweet segments that can vary in sweetness. Malaysians enjoy it as a refreshing snack, especially on hot days due to its cooling effect.

Nutrition Facts:

Why try it? Langsat is not just a tasty treat but also a powerhouse of antioxidants and essential nutrients that support overall health. It is high in fibre, vitamins and iron. It’s great for digestion, improves vision and can help boost your red blood cell count.

7. Starfruit: The Star of Every Fruit Salad

Starfruit or Belimbing earns its name because when sliced, the pieces resemble perfect stars. Its crisp, juicy flesh has a mildly sweet and tangy taste, and it’s a favourite ingredient in fruit salads. Locals also enjoy it in juices or simply on its own with a sprinkle of salt or chilli.

Nutrition Facts:

Starfruit is rich in vitamin C, fibre and antioxidants. It’s also known for having a hydrating effect and can boost your immune system.

8. Banana: The Versatile Superfruit

Bananas may seem common, but Malaysian varieties like the Pisang Tanduk and Pisang Berangan have a unique, rich flavour that locals love. Bananas are a staple snack in Malaysia, often eaten fresh or fried into delicious banana fritters (pisang goreng).

Nutrition Facts:

Bananas are a great source of potassium, vitamin B6 and dietary fibre. They’re known to improve digestion, support heart health and provide a natural energy boost.

9. Papaya: The Tropical Healer

Papaya or Betik is a tropical favourite for its vibrant orange flesh and sweet, musky flavour. Locals often enjoy it fresh or in juices, and the seeds are sometimes used in traditional medicine. Papaya is also known for its powerful digestive enzymes, making it a go-to fruit after heavy meals.

Nutrition Facts:

It’s not only delicious but also fantastic for digestion due to its high enzyme content, specifically papain, which helps break down proteins. It is packed with vitamins A and C, folate, fibre and can boost skin health.

10. Jambu: The Juicy Rose Apple

Also known as Jambu Air, this fruit looks like a tiny bell pepper but tastes like a cross between an apple and a pear, with a hint of floral sweetness. Jambu is extremely hydrating, making it a favourite during Malaysia’s hot and humid days.

Nutrition Facts:

Jambu is high in water content and vitamin C. It’s great for hydration and is low in calories, making it an excellent snack for maintaining healthy skin and promoting weight loss.

All in all, Malaysia’s fruits offer an incredible variety of tastes, textures and health benefits. Whether you are in search of a refreshing snack to cool off on a hot day or eager to dive into the bold, exotic flavours that can only be found in Malaysia, these fruits should be on your must-try list. 

So, as you explore the markets and street stalls, don’t hesitate to try something new. Whether it’s the creamy texture of Cempedak, the zesty zing of Langsat, or the hydrating crunch of Jambu, these fruits provide a taste of Malaysia’s rich tropical bounty. 

For more insights into Malaysian culture, food and travel ideas, head over to www.myrehat.com/cerita, where you’ll find exciting stories and inspiration for your next adventure in this beautiful, fruit-filled country!