7 Fruits You Must Try in Thailand
When traveling in Thailand, local markets overflow with surprising fruits. Here are 7 exotic flavors you absolutely must try to vary your palate and awaken your taste buds.
Bananas, coconut, watermelon… These fruits we all know well! And even if we never tire of them, it's always pleasant to discover new exotic flavors. Lucky for you, we've prepared the list of fruits you absolutely must taste during a trip to Thailand. Attention all food lovers and fresh fruit enthusiasts, this vitamin-rich article is made for you!
1. The Durian

It's the king of fruits in Thailand! It's characterized by its impressive size (it can weigh up to 9 pounds) and its shell-like husk adorned with sharp spikes. It's a fruit highly prized by locals but not appreciated by travelers due to its pungent odor. Indeed, this peculiar fruit is renowned for its distinctive perfume—to put it mildly—which has made it a fruit banned in many public places (airplanes, hotels, public transportation…)! So, will you dare to taste it?
2. Dragon Fruit

Derived from an epiphytic cactus, dragon fruit is easily recognizable. On the outside, its skin is vibrant magenta and covered with scales. Inside, it offers white flesh studded with black seeds to be savored with a small spoon! Unlike durian, this is a fruit with subtle flavors, with some detecting hints of vanilla…
3. Rambutan

With its spiky appearance and resemblance to sea urchins, the rambutan may seem peculiar. But once opened, this small fruit native to Malaysia proves delightfully indulgent. Its white flesh, formed around a pit, offers a sweet and fragrant aroma. Don't be surprised if it reminds you of lychee—it belongs to the same family!
4. Mangosteen

After the king of fruits (durian), meet the queen of fruits: mangosteen. This round fruit with its purple hue owes its royal nickname to Queen Victoria who, according to legend, promised a reward to anyone who could bring these fruits to England. It's a fruit highly favored by locals for its refreshing qualities. Divided into several segments, the flesh is simultaneously sweet, tangy, and juicy.
5. Jackfruit

It's the largest fruit found in Thailand and even in the world. Some specimens weigh up to 88 pounds, testament to its impressive nature! This explains why, like durian, this fruit is sold by the 'Kheed' (3.5 ounces). Its yellow flesh is full of fiber, its aroma is sweet, and its scent recalls pineapple and mango. It can be enjoyed raw or cooked and appears in both savory and sweet dishes.
6. Longan

Here's another cousin of the lychee! Smaller than rambutan and lychee, the longan is even more delicate and fragrant than these relatives! It comes in the form of clusters of around thirty round fruits with smooth shells whose orange color deepens as it ripens.
7. Rose Apple or Water Apple

This unusual fruit takes the shape of a pear and the appearance of a bell pepper. Green or red in color with a glossy skin, the rose apple is the ideal fruit for refreshing and rehydrating yourself. Rich in water and sugar, the flesh is crisp for our greatest pleasure!
Frequently asked questions
You'll find these fruits in local markets, street food stalls, and supermarkets. Bangkok's Chatuchak market or floating markets are particularly recommended.
Prices vary depending on season and location. Durian costs around 100-200 baht per kilogram, dragon fruit 50-80 baht per kilogram, and smaller fruits like longan 40-60 baht per kilogram.
Most fresh fruits are prohibited from import. It's best to enjoy them on site or opt for dried or processed versions available in duty-free shops.


