TheJakartaPost
Please Update your browser
Your browser is out of date, and may not be compatible with our website. A list of the most popular web browsers can be found below.
Just click on the icons to get to the download page.
24-hour Palembang market satisfies cravings for prickly, pungent durian
Change Size
Durian lovers, rejoice! Kuto Market in Palembang is the place to go to get your durian fix, 24-7. (Shutterstock/-)
T
he South Sumatran capital of Palembang is known not only for its pempek (fish cakes); it also has a 24-hour market that specializes in durian, Pasar Kuto (Kuto Market).
Located in Ilir Timur II district, the market can be reached by motorbike in about 15 minutes from Ampera Bridge. Taking an ojek (motorcycle taxi) costs from Rp 7,000 (less than 50 US cents) and up. According to tempo.com, once visitors arrive at the market, they will see (and smell) the king of fruits hanging above the storefronts or piled on plastic mats.
One of the stalls is owned by Fikri. Positioned under a tree, he also provides chairs and tables for visitors who want to eat the fruits on the spot. Upon his customers' arrival, Fikri’s staffers quickly serve them the tastiest durian, judging the quality based on the sound the fruit makes when they tap it.
Read also: Korean professor devotes book to durian in 'Happy Yummy Journey'
There are different varieties of durians on offer at the market, such as the Lahat, Tanjung, Padang and the Medan. “It depends on the season. Right now, the Lahat durian is in season,” Fikri said. The Lahat variety has a sweet flavor, and the fruit has thick flesh with large seeds.
Generally, the best among them all is the Tanjung, which has sweet-sour flavor. This durian variety also has thick flesh, but with smaller seeds and an intense yellow color.
The price for one durian starts at Rp 20,000, with the most expensive fruit reaching Rp 50,000 per fruit (wir/asw)
