Thailand - by Baan Suay Bantai

Thailand is a tropical paradise with so many exotic fruits to discover and enjoy

May 14 2023 | Thailand by Baan Suay Bantai

Whether you are a fruit lover or just looking to try something new, Thailand has a wide range of flavorful fruits that are sure to delight your taste buds. AND all the fruits on this list can be found on #KohSamui in abundance! At Maenam afternoon market for example, just a short 4-minute drive from Baan Suay Bantai! (Or less than 10 minutes by bicycle)

Are you ready? Here are the top 10 fruits to try in Thailand:

Kicking off this list with one for the daredevils, the infamous "king of fruits" himself….. the Durian:

This spiky fruit is known for its polarizing scent and creamy texture. It's been described as everything from a heavenly sweet custard to chicken, or even rotting flesh and stinky gym socks!! But don't let the smell deter you from trying this fruit. Once you get past the pungent odor, you'll be rewarded with a nutty and sweet flavor that's worth the risk.

Or? Check out this funny video on YouTube where 100 people try and react to Durian: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RgzsUWPrf_s
⚠️ TRIGGER WARNING: strong language used.

Dragon fruit: Also known as pitaya, this vibrant fruit is native to Central America but is now widely grown in Thailand.

Its distinctive appearance and juicy, sweet, and slightly earthy flavor make it a popular choice for smoothies and fruit salads. Dragon fruit has many health benefits, including high levels of vitamin C and antioxidants. While white fruit is most common, you’ll also find purple dragon fruit and – rarer still – yellow dragon fruit. I must say that Dragon fruit really is one of my personal favorites, especially the red version.

Jackfruit: Jackfruit is a large, spiky fruit that is a staple in Thai cuisine.

The fruit's flesh is sweet and aromatic, with a texture that resembles pulled pork. This fruit is a game-changer in the world of vegan and vegetarian cuisine. Jackfruit is often used in savory dishes like curries or as a meat substitute in vegan and vegetarian cooking. If you buy yourself some fresh Jackfruit at the local market I recommend storing it in the fridge, inside a bowl of water and ice cubes! It prevents the fruit from drying out and when eaten cold they are somehow the most flavorful.

Rambutan: Rambutan is a small, red fruit with a soft, hairy exterior.

The fruit's sweet and juicy flesh surrounds a small, white seed. Rambutan is typically eaten fresh or used in desserts like fruit salad or ice cream. I personally find that the taste and texture slightly resemble Lychee. These fruits are super common and super affordable, so indulge!

Mangosteen: If you're looking for a burst of tangy flavor, mangosteen is your go-to.

It is soooo delicious! This small, purple fruit has a sweet and tangy taste that's perfect for refreshing drinks and desserts. But that's not all, mangosteen is also loaded with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, making it a superfood in its own right. They can be fairly expensive, especially when out of season. But I’ll tell you.. absolutely worth trying!

Thai bananas: Thailand has many varieties of bananas, including the popular "kluai nam wa" which is sweet and small.

Thai bananas are often used in desserts like banana fritters or eaten as a snack. Do they really taste that different from the bananas most often sold in Europe or the US for instance? Yes, both the taste and the texture are indeed quite different. Give it a try for yourself.

Longan: Longan is a small, white fruit with a translucent, jelly-like texture.

The fruit has a sweet and refreshing flavor and is often used in desserts or eaten fresh. Longan definitely is another fruit worth adding to your tropical fruit repertoire.

Tamarind: Tamarind is a popular fruit in Thai cuisine and is used in a variety of dishes, such as soups, curries, and stir-fries, to add a tangy and slightly sour flavor.

The fruit's pulp can also be used to make refreshing drinks and desserts, and the seeds can be used to make tamarind paste. You’ll even find multiple variations of candy and dried, seasoned tamarind in Seven-Eleven. Tamarind is a great addition to any list of fruits to try in Thailand, and its unique flavor and versatility make it a must-try for any foodie visiting the country. Like Coconuts or coconut water, you may not want to eat too much of it or you’ll find yourself on the 🚽 all day!

Rose apple: Rose apple, also known as jambu, or mountain apple, is a bell-shaped fruit with a crisp, juicy texture.

The fruit has a sweet and slightly tangy flavor, with a mild aroma reminiscent of roses. The texture and “bite” of Rose apples remind me a tiny bit of celery.. Just the texture though, not the taste!

Snake fruit: Snake fruit, also known as salak, is a small, brown fruit with a scaly skin that resembles a snake.

The fruit has a slightly sour and sweet flavor and a crunchy texture that is similar to an apple. This fruit is also a great natural remedy against diarrhea, good to know if all the delicious spicy Thai curries were a little too rough on your sensitive stomach.

What do you think of this list.. Are you ready to embark on a fruity adventure through Thailand?