Golden Pillow aka Montong (in Thailand)

As the Malaysia durian season tappers towards the end, I had the chance to try Thai durian when I visited Betong (South Thailand) with a friend in the durian trade (since he has taken a break from the hard work).

We were heading to a Thai Buddhist temple in the rural area when we chanced upon a durian shop, with the supply (lorry) right at its door step.  Excitement gotten me and I shouted "U-TURN U-TURN"!  I've to try it at source isn't it?

We saw, among the pile of durian on the truck, Pamani, Cheng Nee, Ganja (known as Ganyao in Thailand) and Montong.  First instinct, I told my friend I want Ganja as the best Thai durian I had was definitely the Ganja.  

As he rampage through the durians, he picked out a Cheng Nee and handed to me.  Oh my, it smells heavenly!  Next came Ganja, I'm astonished!  Than Montong, it smells just as great!  I'm floating!

All these years, I have only tried a few Thai durians, leaving out Montong as I've not had any nice ones before.  But my friend told me, in Thailand, must try Montong.  But it has to be near ripe (I just rate it, 90% ripeness) when harvested.  "Really meh?  Don't bluf me hor", was my response.  But how can I doubt a durian seller?  

The Montong weighs in excess of 3kg!

Ok let's do a Full Monty!

(it's forgiveable if anyone mistaken this durian as D24.  Afterall, the 'bump', the 2 large seeds, the color, all seems so familar with D24 isn't it?)

The color looks decent, like Malaysia's D24 doesn't it?  How about taste test?  It's subtle, not overwhelming like Malaysia durians.  But it's got such a smooth texture, non too imposing aroma but pleasant to hit a note in the nose and the taste isn't over sweet but just nice, with a hint of bitterness.

My friend only had 2 seeds while I finished the whole fruit!  I eat my words, MONTONG in Thailand is NICE!

P/S : I want to sleep on a Golden Pillow like the Royals.