One of the things Bangkok is known for, it’s is gastronomy. Especially the exotic fruits you can find all year long thanks to the climate and the fertile land they possess. In Thailand you can find almost any fruit you can think of and the best thing about this delicious delicacy is that is super cheap and incredibly healthy to eat whenever you want. 

When visiting Thailand last summer, one of my favorite culinary experiences was the various exotic fruits at breakfast. We decided to explore and educate ourselves more on the exotic fruits of Thailand and wanted to share what we learned with our MISO Living family. 

Thailand has a wide variety of exotic fruits, including:

1. Durian
2. Mangosteen
3. Rambutan
4. Longan
5. Jackfruit
6. Dragon fruit
7. Pomelo
8. Custard apple
9. Rose apple
10. Snake fruit (salak)

These fruits are not only unique in appearance but also have interesting flavors and textures that make them a popular part of Thai cuisine. Below is a little more information about my favorite fruits I experienced. 

Mango (Ma-Muang)

This is a Thailand favorite. You can find more than 200 types of mangoes between March and June and of course, there are a lot of ways you can enjoy them. From raw to fresh juice to salads. Anything goes with this fruit, even salty and sweet combinations.

Jackfruit - Mango’s cousin 

Jackfruit is the largest tree-borne fruit in the world and can weigh up to 80 pounds (36 kg). Jackfruit has a sweet and fruity flavor that is often compared to a combination of banana, pineapple, and mango, and its texture is often described as similar to pulled pork. The fruit is rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, and is used in a variety of dishes, including curries, stews, and desserts. Jackfruit seeds are also edible and can be roasted, boiled, or ground into flour.

Mangosteen (Mang-Kut)

The national fruit of Thailand. This exotic fruit is distinctive to the country, with its unique shape, purple color on the outside, and soft white flesh on the inside. April to September is the Mangosteen season and you can use it to prepare smoothies, cocktails, ice cream, and any other creation you may think of.

Dragon Fruit (Gao Mung Gorn)

Dragon fruit, also known as pitaya, is a tropical fruit that is native to Central and South America but is now widely grown in many parts of the world, including Thailand. It has a distinctive appearance, with bright pink or red skin and green scales on the outside, and white or pink flesh with small black seeds on the inside. The fruit has a mild, sweet flavor with a slight crunch, and is low in calories but high in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. Dragon fruit is often eaten fresh, but it can also be used in smoothies, salads, and other dishes.

Passion Fruit

Prepare for all the fresh, delicious beverages you can have. Even tho Passion Fruit it’s not native to Thailand, you can find it throughout the year and have fun mixing it in cocktails or desserts while enjoying its sweet and sour flavor.

Durian (Tu-Rian)

Durian is a large, spiky fruit that is native to Southeast Asia, including Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia. It is known for its strong, pungent odor and distinct flavor, which is often described as sweet and creamy with a slightly bitter taste. Durian is highly nutritious, with a high content of fiber, vitamins, and minerals, but it is also high in calories and carbohydrates. Some people love the taste of durian, while others find its smell unpleasant or overwhelming. In many places, including some hotels and public transportation, durian is banned because of its strong odor.

Papaya (Ma-La-Kaw)

Thailand’s favorite salad, Som Tam, is made with Papaya. This fruit can be eaten ripe or unripe, depending on your preferences, and you can find it any time of the year. You can also use it to prepare some fresh juice with a few drops of lemon and enjoy the full flavor. 

And like this, you can find many many more. From Rambutan to Guava to Jackfruit. Fruits are the perfect source of nutrients to include in breakfast or snacks and since you’ll be in Thailand, make sure you’re having them enough to live the full experience.

Be bold enough and dare to try everything until you find the one that wins your heart.

What type of dishes do you use the above fruits in?