30 Popular Asian Fruits to Try

Want to go on a sweet adventure? Check out this list of Asian fruits to get your tastebuds tingling.

You may already be familiar with some of the fruits on this list, like pineapple and guava.

But we hope you leave with a few new sugary additions to try.

For instance, did you know there’s a fruit called noni that tastes like cheesy wasabi?

What about the rambutan that has distinctive red hairy skin?

Is your interest piqued? Keep reading this list of Asian fruits to learn more!

1. Breadfruit

The name might not sound appetizing, but you might just fall in love with breadfruit.

You’ll see this fruit called by its other name, the “tree potato.”

That’s because it has a spud-like consistency and a mild potato-like flavor. 

Unlike a potato, this fruit has a high dose of protein and packs many vitamins and nutrients in every bite. 

2. Buddha’s Hand

This fruit might look like the stuff of nightmares but don’t be afraid of the finger-like growths. 

The Buddha’s hand is essentially an unusually-shaped lemon with a small amount of acidic pulp in each digit.

Since there isn’t much juice in this fruit, it’s used more for its ambrosial fragrance.

It’s said to spread a sweet, citrusy aroma throughout any space. 

3. Coconut

You may already know about coconuts, but did you know that they qualify as a drupe, not a nut? 

Coconuts belong to the same family as peaches, plums, and cherries since they all contain a seed surrounded by a hard shell.

You’re probably familiar with all the uses of coconuts, but here’s some food for thought.

Did you know that coconut trees can live to be a hundred years old? 

4. Dragon Fruit

Dragon fruits have so much visual interest.

The outer skin has a pink and green layered look reminiscent of dragon scales.

Inside the fruit, you’ll find a pulpy white flesh with little black seeds interspersed. 

The flavor is halfway between a kiwi and a pear, with a soft texture that melts in your mouth. 

5. Durian

The durian isn’t trying to be liked.

With spiky green skin and an unusual stench, it seems like this fruit has evolved to be off-putting.

Despite this, the durian is actually super healthy.

You’ll find a vast supply of iron, potassium, and vitamin C in each serving. 

Prepare to be taken on a flavor adventure since this fruit tastes like a combination of almonds, caramel, garlic, and cheese.

That is if you can get past the rank smell first. 

6. Guava

The guava is a tropical fruit with bright green skin and a pink fleshy interior. 

The only thing better than the stunning color combination is the sugary sweet flavor.

It tastes halfway between a strawberry and a pear.

Guavas host many health benefits too.

They contain high amounts of potassium and fiber and are linked to lower blood pressure.  

7. Jackfruit

Jackfruit is a fruit that doubles as a meat substitute thanks to its unique stringy texture and bland flavor.

This fruit isn’t much to write about on its own, but using it in cooking is a great way to reap its rewards.

Jackfruit makes a mean vegan pulled pork, stew, pizza, and chili.

Anytime you need some extra bulk to a dish, try adding this unique fruit. 

8. Jujube

The jujube goes by the name “Chinese date” and has a sweet-tart flavor that tastes like apples.

This fruit has only made its way to the U.S. somewhat recently.

But the Chinese have used it in traditional medicine for almost 3000 years.

This red fruit can help aid digestion and has a very high fiber content.

It’s also rich in antioxidants and vitamin C. 

9. Kumquat

Imagine biting into a grape-sized fruit and being met with an explosion of juicy citrus sweetness.

If your mouth is starting to water, let me introduce you to your new favorite fruit: the kumquat.

Also known as the golden orange, this fruit is a member of the citrus family with one bonus.

The peel is sweet and edible, so you can just pop the whole fruit in your mouth. 

10. Langsat

You might be wondering why we included this potato-like species on our list.

Despite its unusual appearance, the langsat is actually a delicious fruit.

To chow down on a langsat, you must take a bite to puncture the skin and then suck the flesh through the hole.

It might not be the most glamorous method, but the payoff is well worth it.

The langsat has a sweet and sour flavor similar to a grapefruit, with an uber-juicy texture. 

11. Loquats

The loquat is a shrub species commonly cultivated for ornamental uses, but the fruit and leaves have many purposes.

The leaves are often used to make herbal tea, and the loquats are a popular addition to jams, baked goods, and juices. 

You can also eat loquats raw since they have a pleasant apricot-like taste with floral overtones. 

12. Lychee

There are so many cool things about the lychee fruit.

First, let’s talk about unique skin. The exterior contains a thick coating that’s red and textured and looks like an alien egg.

After peeling back the skin, you’re met with white flesh that’s sweet and tart. 

Inside this fruit, there’s also a long, dark seed that’s toxic to humans, so be sure to toss it out before consumption.

13. Mango

Who doesn’t love a good mango? The edible stone fruit is bursting with refreshing, tropical flavors that make it uber crave-worthy.

Something you may not know about the popular fruit is that it’s actually super healthy.

Mangos can support healthy immunity and may improve eye health. 

Due to the high antioxidant content, some research associates mangos with potential anticancer effects. 

14. Mangosteen

The mangosteen seems like the mango’s little sister, but this couldn’t be further from the truth.

This fruit has a very thick outer shell that’s brown and inedible.

Inside the fruit, you’ll discover a fragrant edible fresh with fluid-filled sacs, similar to orange pieces.

The flavor is sweet, juicy, and tart with a fibrous texture. It tastes like a hybrid between lychee, strawberry, and pineapple. 

15. Noni

Noni is an evergreen tree in tropical regions like Southeast Asia, Australia, and the Pacific Islands.

It produces yellow-green fruit that looks like a green strawberry on steroids. 

When consumed raw, you can expect a unique flavor best described as “cheesy wasabi.” 

That’s why you’ll often find this fruit in juices and supplements where it’s claimed to be a powerful health elixir.

However, drinking noni juice in excess has been traced to liver and kidney problems. 

16. Papaya

The papaya grows in tropical climates and has a vibrant color to match the lively taste.

This orange fruit has a juicy texture with a super sweet and refreshing flavor.

Not only does it taste amazing, but it also has a stacked list of nutritional benefits.

Aside from having high levels of antioxidants, papayas contain a lot of vitamins A, C, and E. 

18. Pineapple

These days, pineapple is a mainstay in many American diets, but it wasn’t always that way.

For centuries, the yellow fruit was considered a delicacy and only available to the rich.

Sometimes, people would even rent them out to display at dinner parties.

Thank goodness this delicious fruit is now available at a reasonable price because the signature sweetness is hard to go without. 

19. Pitaya

Pitaya refers to the fruit of cactus varieties, including the most popular one, dragon fruit.

Depending on the country you’re in, you’ll commonly see this name used to refer to the spiky red fruit variety.

For instance, in Israel, this fruit is called pitaya, whereas, in Vietnam, it’s called dragon fruit.

No matter the linguistic differences, one thing is sure: this fruit is incredibly delicious.

20. Pomelo

Did you know that the pomelo is the largest fruit in the citrus family?

Think of it like the grapefruit’s mother since it actually gave birth to the latter after crossbreeding with an orange.

The pomelo has a pear-like shape with a thick green rind. The fruit has a sweet, acidic, and slightly bitter flavor. 

21. Rambutan

The rambutan may look otherworldly, but the flavor will remind you of a crossover between a strawberry and a grape.

The most stunning feature of this fruit is its red “hairy” skin. These spines are pliable and fleshy but inedible.

Inside, you’ll find a translucent, white fruit that’s juicy and sweet.

It’s also rich in fiber, vitamin C, and key minerals like calcium, iron, and potassium. 

22. Santol

The santol also goes by the name “cotton fruit” because it has a pillowy white flesh that resembles the plant.

You wouldn’t guess that if you saw the fruit growing on a tree. 

Before cracking it open, the santol looks more like a small pumpkin.

The outer rind is very thick but contains the melt-in-your-mouth fruit inside. 

23. Sapodilla

Many of these fruits listed here will remind you of one you’ve eaten before.

The sapodilla will provide your palate with a whole new tasting experience.

This unique fruit has an even more unique flavor that’s exceptionally sweet. 

If there were a way to describe it, the taste would be a mixture of pear, brown sugar, and sweet potato.

The word “malty” also comes to mind.

24. Snake Fruit

The snake fruit is an oddly-shaped berry with scaly, reptile-like skin.

Don’t be put off by the prickly exterior, this fruit tastes incredibly divine.

The inside flesh is insanely sweet, with a higher sugar content than pineapple.

The intense sweetness is balanced out by a gentle acidity that makes your tongue tingle. 

All in all, the snake fruit is a giant sugar bomb concealed in an off-putting skin. 

25. Soursop

Soursop looks like a deep-sea urchin with spiky green skin that looks, well, uninviting.

It can grow up to 8 inches long and weigh a whopping 10 pounds.

This fruit may be large and in charge, but the flavor is utterly delicious.

It tastes like a marriage between a pineapple and a mango.

If you’re looking for a tasty new way to get your vitamin C, soursop has you covered.

One whole fruit contains 215% of your daily recommended intake. 

26. Star Fruit

This fruit variety almost looks too pretty to eat, with a five-point shape that resembles a star.

Starfruit is coated in a waxy yellow skin that’s also edible. The flesh is the same color and has a mild sour flavor in every bite.

This fruit helps boost your vitamin C intake and contains an impressive dose of antioxidants and fiber. 

27. Sugar Apple

Though they share part of the name, don’t expect the sugar apple to remind you of the shiny red fruit.

Instead, this variety has a green artichoke-like exterior with juicy white sacs inside.

These sacs contain juicy flesh with a super sweet flavor. Each bite is very refreshing with a creamy texture. 

28. Tamarillo

Tamarillos are nicknamed “tree tomatoes” and resemble oval-shaped cherry tomatoes with bright orange-red skin.

If you sink your teeth into this berry, you’ll notice a tangy, tart flavor that’s juicy and complex.

Since this fruit is more sour than sweet, you’ll often see it used in cooking. 

Tamarillos can lend their flavor to sweet dishes like ice cream and baked goods, as well as savory dishes such as sauces and chutneys. 

29. Tamarind

Tamarind is a fruit that breaks all boundaries. 

It looks like an over-ripe pea pod, with brown flaky skin and dry texture. Inside the shell, you’ll find a fibrous pulp that covers small seeds.

The pulp is the edible part of this fruit and has a sweet, sour flavor similar to tart citrus fruit.

You can eat it raw, but you’ll likely have better luck when you use it as a flavoring agent. 

Tamarind is renowned for adding a sweet, tangy taste to marinades, soups, meat, and chutneys. 

30. Wax Apples

Wax apples go by the name “Black Pearls” in Taiwan, thanks to their deep red color and sweet flavor.

While this fruit resembles apples in color and skin texture, it’s actually a member of the berry family. 

The flesh is spongy, with a high water content. It has a slightly crunchy texture with a subtle, sugary taste.