Are you planning a trip to Thailand and want to tantalize your taste buds with all of the exotic Thailand fruit? Thailand is well known as a paradise for tropical fruit lovers and as someone who lives in Malaysia, I can confidently fill you in on all of the fruits that you should try whilst there. From the vibrant colors to the sensational tastes, Thailand's famous tropical fruits are sure to leave you craving for more.
I love tropical fruits and as someone who has lived in South East Asia since 2017, I have tried my fair share! Tropical fruits are something I love to share. Check out my all time favourite 13 asian fruits to try as well as my guide on how to eat a papaya! Or if you are really game then why not try durian?!
I also love to create fruit recipes such as this papaya smoothie, 3 ingredient dragonfruit jelly, dragonfruit popsicles, jackfruit ice cream, and this jackfruit popcorn chicken recipe.
Thailand Fruit
In this list, I will advise you on Thailand's exotic fruits that shouldn't be missed, but don't worry, all of the fruits I list are readily available and easily found in fruit stalls or night markets in tourist areas. Here is a TikTok video of me trying the first 8 fruits on this list during my recent trip to Thailand in 2023.
@simplegreensoul Make sure to try these 8 tropical fruits at least once in your life! All of these are highly rated from me 👌🥰 #tropicalfruitslover #exoticfruitslover #tropicalfruits #ratingfruits ♬ How`s Your Day - aAp Vision
Get ready for a juicy adventure as we delve into the delicious world of Thailand fruit!
Where To Buy Tropical Fruit in Thailand
All of the Asian fruit listed from 1 to 8 I have just recently tried (December 2023) and they were available everywhere! To be more specific, I recently travelled to the Island of Phuket and stayed at Kata Noi beach. A short walk from Kata Noi is Kata beach, where there are many roadside fruit sellers. For more fruit options, such as the fruits listed from 9 to 13, you may try a larger night market such as Kata night markets (me pictured below at Kata night markets).
1. Snake Fruit. Also Known As Salak
First on the list is the intriguing snake fruit, also known as salak. With its reddish-brown scaly skin, this fruit gets its name from its resemblance to a snake's skin. Native to Indonesia but widely cultivated in Thailand, the snake fruit is a must-try for fruit enthusiasts. Its taste is both sweet and slightly tangy, with a texture similar to an apple. The unique combination of flavors and textures makes it a delightful treat.
Not only is the snake fruit delicious, but it also packs a nutritional punch. It is high in fiber and contains essential vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C, potassium, and iron. Its high antioxidant content may also provide several health benefits, including boosting immunity and promoting healthy digestion. So, don't be afraid to sink your teeth into this exotic fruit!
During my recent trip to Thailand, I bought snake fruit but unfortunately it was rotten. To ensure that yours is not rotten, make sure the skin is smooth and darker in colour. You may refer to this TikTok video I have made in Malaysia, where I live. Salak is also widely available in Malaysia. You can clearly see the difference in color and texture from the snake fruit I bought in Malaysia vs the rotten one I bought in Thailand.
@simplegreensoul Have you heard of snake fruit before? #snakefruit #buahsalak #malaysianfruit #tropicalfruitbox ♬ Aesthetic - Tollan Kim
2. Mangosteen
Next up on our list is the mangosteen, often referred to as the "queen of fruits." This small, round fruit is renowned for its vibrant purple exterior and sweet, juicy flesh. When you bite into a ripe mangosteen, you'll be greeted with a burst of refreshing flavor that has hints of citrus and peach. It's like tasting a piece of heaven! Mangosteen is my favourite fruit so make sure to include this one on your list when visiting Thailand!
Aside from its delicious taste, mangosteen is packed with essential nutrients. It is a rich source of antioxidants, which help protect your body against harmful free radicals. Additionally, it contains vitamins, minerals, and fiber, making it a healthy choice for snacking. If you're lucky enough to visit Thailand during the mangosteen season, make sure to indulge in this tropical delight!
3. Papaya
No trip to Thailand would be complete without trying the famous papaya. This vibrant orange fruit is known for its mildly sweet, tropical flavor and smooth buttery texture. Whether you enjoy it on its own or in a refreshing salad, papaya is a versatile fruit that can be enjoyed in various ways. However, some people claim that papaya "tastes like nothing". I personally love papaya but I can understand how someone could think this.
One way to seriously elevate the flavour of papaya is to squeeze some lime juice on top and sprinkle with a little bit of salt. Trust me, you must try it! You can thank me in the comments below. I have also previously written about how to cut open a papaya or how to eat a papaya.
Aside from its delicious taste, papaya is also packed with nutrients. It is an excellent source of vitamin C, which helps boost your immune system and promotes healthy skin. Additionally, papaya contains an enzyme called papain, which aids in digestion. So, not only does it taste great, but it's also good for your health!
4. Water Apple
Moving on to the water apple, also known as rose apple or jambu air. This fruit is shaped like a bell and comes in various colors, including green, red, and pink. With its crisp and juicy flesh, the water apple offers a refreshing and mildly sweet taste that is reminiscent of a combination of a nashi pear and watermelon.
Apart from its delightful taste, the water apple is low in calories and high in fiber, making it a healthy choice for weight-conscious individuals. It also contains vitamins A and C, which are beneficial for maintaining healthy skin and boosting immunity. So, if you're in Thailand, don't miss out on the opportunity to try this unique and refreshing fruit!
I recently got to try the water apple in Thailand. At the time I didn't know the name of it. You can watch me learn about this tropical fruit in the TikTok Video below
@simplegreensoul Trying tropical fruit in Thailand. I love finding fruits that I have never seen or tasted before! #thaiapple #thaifruit #thaifruits #tropicalfruitslover #tropicalfruit #tryingfruits #tryingfruit #ratingfruit ♬ GRWM / Routine / Cooking / TikTok(1245023) - Kaori Tani
5. Langsat
Langsat is a small, round fruit with a thin, yellowish-brown skin. When you peel back the skin, you'll find several juicy segments that have a sweet and slightly tangy flavor. Langsat is often compared to a combination of lychee and grape, making it a delightful treat for your taste buds.
Langsat is a very sweet and delicious fruit but be careful of the seeds! If you bite the seed there will be a sudden sourness to this fruit, which is not pleasant. This fruit is also available in Malaysia. It is in Malaysia where I first tried this fruit.
Not only is langsat delicious, but it also offers several health benefits. It is rich in vitamin C, which can help boost your immune system and protect against common illnesses. Additionally, langsat contains antioxidants that may help reduce the risk of chronic diseases. So, if you're looking for a flavorful and nutritious snack, be sure to give langsat a try!
6. Dragonfruit
Next on the list is the vibrant and visually stunning dragonfruit. With its bright pink or yellow skin and white or red flesh speckled with black seeds, this fruit is a feast for the eyes. Dragonfruit has a mild, subtly sweet taste that is often compared to a combination of kiwi and pear.
Thailand has plenty of the white, red, and yellow type! The yellow or red types are often more sweet than the white. The yellow type is also extremely rare in most countries (even tropical ones like Malaysia!) Therefore, I highly recommend that you try the yellow dragonfruit whilst in Thailand. The Thailand dragonfruits are among the best in the world.
Aside from being visually appealing, dragonfruit is also packed with nutrients. It is rich in vitamin C, which is essential for a healthy immune system. It also contains antioxidants that help protect your cells from damage. So, if you're looking to add a pop of color and nutrition to your diet, dragonfruit is a fantastic choice!
The dragon fruit pictured above is the yellow kind, which you can tell by the yellow exterior. The white kind has the same red colour exterior as the red or purple dragon fruit but it is easy to tell them apart once you know how. You can watch my TikTok here on how to tell the difference.
7. Mandarin
Another delightful fruit to try in Thailand is the mandarin. This small citrus fruit is easy to peel and is bursting with sweet and tangy flavors. Each segment is full of juicy goodness that is both refreshing and satisfying.
Mandarins are not only delicious but also incredibly nutritious. They are an excellent source of vitamin C, which is crucial for maintaining a healthy immune system. Additionally, mandarins contain dietary fiber, which aids in digestion and helps keep you feeling full for longer. So, the next time you're in Thailand, be sure to grab a handful of mandarins for a healthy and tasty snack!
8. Passionfruit
Passionfruit is a tropical fruit that is known for its vibrant yellow centre and its unique, tangy flavor. When you cut open a passionfruit, you'll find a jelly-like pulp filled with black seeds. The taste is both sweet and tart, with a tropical twist that is truly unforgettable. Passionfruit is delicious when its a good one and quite disgusting if its gone bad or is not so fresh. Therefore, I highly recommend trying the passionfruit in Thailand because they really are the best I've ever tasted!
Not only is passionfruit delicious, but it is also packed with nutrients. It is an excellent source of vitamin C and dietary fiber, which can support a healthy immune system and aid in digestion. Additionally, passionfruit contains antioxidants that help protect your body against oxidative stress. So, if you're looking for a tropical and nutritious treat, don't miss out on passionfruit!
9. Pineapple
Thailand is famous for its sweet and juicy pineapples. Whether you enjoy it fresh or in a refreshing fruit juice, pineapple is a tropical delight that is loved by many. With its golden-yellow flesh and a perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess, it's no wonder why this fruit is a crowd favorite.
Aside from its delicious taste, pineapple is also a nutritional powerhouse. It is an excellent source of vitamin C, manganese, and dietary fiber. Vitamin C is essential for a healthy immune system, while manganese plays a crucial role in various bodily functions. So, the next time you're in Thailand, make sure to indulge in some fresh, juicy pineapple!
10. Durian
Next on the list we have the infamous durian. Known as the "king of fruits," durian is a unique fruit with a strong odor and a creamy, custard-like flesh. People either love it or hate it, but one thing is for sure – durian is an experience you won't forget.
There was durian for sale at the night markets when I was there but I did not try it. It looked like what we would call "kampung durian" in Malaysia. If you want to have the best durian tasting experience then I highly recommend that you visit Malaysia! This where I learnt to love durian.
Despite its strong smell, durian is incredibly delicious. Its rich and creamy flesh has a sweet and slightly savory taste that is often described as a combination of custard, almonds, and onions. Durian is also packed with nutrients, including dietary fiber, vitamin C, and potassium. So, if you're feeling adventurous, give durian a try and see if you're a fan of this divisive fruit!
11. Rambutan
The rambutan is a small, round fruit with a vibrant red exterior covered in soft, hair-like spines. This unique appearance gives it the nickname "hairy fruit." Once you peel away the spiky skin, you'll find a juicy and translucent flesh that resembles lychee. The flavor is sweet and slightly acidic, making it a refreshing treat on hot summer days.
Besides being a delicious snack, rambutan is also rich in essential vitamins and minerals. It contains high levels of vitamin C, which can boost your immune system and promote healthy skin. Rambutan also provides a good amount of dietary fiber, which aids in digestion and helps maintain a healthy weight.
When selecting rambutan, look for fruits that have bright red skin with no signs of browning or shriveling. They should feel firm but not too hard. To store rambutan, keep them at room temperature for a few days or store them in the refrigerator to prolong their shelf life. Enjoy this tropical delight as a standalone snack or use it in fruit salads and desserts for an extra burst of flavor.
12. Ciku
Ciku, also known as sapodilla, is a small round fruit with a brown, rough skin. The flesh of the fruit is soft and sweet, with a texture similar to that of a pear. It has a rich caramel-like flavor with hints of brown sugar and vanilla, making it a popular choice for desserts and smoothies.
In addition to its delicious taste, ciku contains several health benefits. It is a good source of dietary fiber, which aids in digestion and helps regulate blood sugar levels. Ciku also contains antioxidants that can help protect against chronic diseases and promote overall well-being.
When choosing ciku, look for fruits that are slightly soft to the touch. Avoid fruits with bruising or browning. To store ciku, keep it at room temperature until it ripens, which can take a few days. Once ripe, you can refrigerate it to extend its shelf life. Choosing a ripe Ciku can be a challenging process so you either want a trustworthy fruit seller to choose one for you to try or go with a buddy who knows this fruit well!
13. Jackfruit
Jackfruit is a tropical fruit native to Thailand and is also the largest fruit in the world that can reach up to 90 pounds! It is known for its very distinct aroma, which is sweet and also mildly smelly in the same way that the durian is smelly. For this reason, the jackfruit is a good gateway fruit to the durian. I initially learnt to love jackfruit before I graduated to durian!
You may have heard of jackfruit in vegan dishes as a meat replacement. The jackfruit in such dishes is actually young jackfruit and tastes and looks very differently to the ripe jackfruit (as pictured above). I make a delicious jackfruit chicken popcorn recipe, which clearly shows what young jackfruit looks like.
I also make a delicious jackfruit ice cream that clearly shows the ripe yellow flesh of jackfruit.
Seasonal availability of Thailand fruit
Thai fruit availability varies throughout the year, with different fruits reaching their peak season at different times. Here's a general guide to the seasonal availability of Thai fruit:
- Mango: Peak season from March to June, with some varieties available year-round.
- Durian: Peak season from May to August, known as the "king of fruits" in Thailand.
- Rambutan: Peak season from June to September, with some varieties available year-round.
- Dragon Fruit: Available year-round, but peak season from May to October.
- Longan: Peak season from June to August.
- Mangosteen: Peak season from May to September.
It's important to note that these are general guidelines, and availability may vary depending on the region and specific fruit variety. When planning your trip to Thailand, consider the fruit season to ensure you can savor the freshest and most flavorful fruits.
Conclusion: Exploring diverse and delicious Thailand fruit
Thailand's exotic tropical fruits are a treasure trove of flavors, textures, and colors that will leave you in awe. From the creamy and aromatic jackfruit to the spiky and juicy rambutan, each fruit offers a unique experience that is both exciting and delicious.
Trying tropical fruits in South East Asia has become a passion and hobby of mine that I find so much joy sharing. I share most of my fruit experiences on my TikTok and Instagram account, which also share more plantbased recipes and my lifestyle here in South East Asia. Why not slide into my DMs and say hi. I'd love to hear from you!
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