In Southeast Asia, what popular fruit is banned in hotels, subways, and airports?

The durian, native to Southeast Asia, has been known to the Western world for about 600 years. Regarded by many people in southeast Asia as the "king of fruits", the durian is distinctive for its large size, strong odor, and formidable thorn-covered husk.

Durio kutej F 070203 ime.jpg

Its odor is best described as pig-poop, turpentine and onions, garnished with a gym sock. It can be smelled from yards away. Despite its great local popularity, the raw fruit is forbidden from some establishments such as hotels, subways and airports, including public transportation in Southeast Asia.

More Info: en.wikipedia.org

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38 Comments

Char

I wouldn't eat something that smells that bad

earlepg

Ran into a simillar question a few months ago. The smell was so bad that I had no problem remembering it (even though my nose wasn't involved, thank goodness).

Tom Strain

Durian ok to eat, smell not half as bad as dried fish cooking !!!!!

Player

I have never smelled it and the description is unappetizing.

Diane Allain

RCKCreatEnt, imagine working in the canning factory…

Christopher J Voce

Don’t ‘alf pen and ink.

Barry Salt

Once smelled never forgotten

David Smith

Living in Thailand for some years now, still can't stand the smell and for me the taste is little better.

David Smith

Deepak Roy, Yes but jackfruit smells and tastes pleasant.

Joris van Pelt

What about the taste?

Treffer 1

Bill Coe, Me too!

ToniP

All those things but oh so yummy.

Kathryn Cavanagh

lived a couple of years in Penang/Butterworth area, could NOT take the stink, it isn't just a smell, of durian fruit. One of my friends tried to eat a piece and ended up washing her mout out with Detol, just to get rid of the taste. said it was as bad as the stink.