12 Popular Exotic Asian Fruits That Are Simply Delicious

Asia is filled with exotic and delicious fruits that you can only dream of in colder climates. Some Asian fruits resemble alien eggs, while just by looking at others you can tell they will be delicious. So, what are some of the most popular Asian fruits?

Some of the best Asian fruits for foreigners to try are pomelo, kyoho grapes, durian, lychee, wax apples, umeboshi plums, mangosteen, kumquats, rambutans, breadfruit, buddha’s hand, and lotus fruit.

Each of these fruits has a unique and delicious taste and is worth trying if you are in Asia. Or maybe there is an International Food Market in your town.

In this guide to Asian fruit, we will discuss 12 of the best Asian fruits foreigners should try. We also include each fruit's country of origin and potential health benefits.

Must Try Asian Fruits

Each fruit has a unique taste, and you'll love some of them and hate others, but you must try these fruits.

1. Pomelo

Pomelos originate in Southeast Asia and Malaysia. They have a similar appearance to grapefruit but are much larger and have thicker pith and peel. Pomelos can grow as big as a basketball. Their pith makes it hard to peel them, but the result is worth the effort.

Pomelos are paler than grapefruit on the inside and have a slightly sweet flavor, as opposed to the bitter taste of grapefruit. Pomelos are high in fiber and vitamin C. You can find pomelos in most parts of Asia, which are also exported worldwide.

2. Kyoho Grapes

Kyoho grapes are a large grape variety originally from Japan. These grapes have a deep purple (almost black) color, and each grape is huge. Kyoho grapes are sweet and have a jelly-like consistency. They are eaten as is or used to make jellies or fruit parfaits.

Kyoho grapes are bursting with antioxidants and vitamin C that help you build and maintain a strong immune system.

3. Durian

Durian is a well-known Asian fruit. It is also called Jackfruit and is known as the fruit that smells like feet. Durian fruit comes from Indonesia, but you can now find them across Asia. This is a large green fruit with many segments inside for eating.

Durian has a peculiar taste, and not everyone likes the consistency, which is soft and custard-like. However, as durian is such an infamous Asian fruit, you cannot leave the continent without trying one.

4. Lychee fruit

Lychees are delicious little fruits originating in Guangdong province, China. These fruits have a hard, pink, or red shell and white translucent flesh. Lychees are deliciously sweet. They have a unique, almost jelly-like consistency.

Lychees are high in antioxidants and copper. They also contain more than twice the recommended daily dose of vitamin C.

5. Wax apples

Wax apples are one of the more unique fruits on our list. They are red and slightly bell-shaped. While they are called apples, wax apples are crunchy and somewhat spongy, like a pear. Wax apples originally come from Malaysia.

Wax apples are also known as rose apples because of their sweet, rosy scent. The flesh is also sweet and refreshing. However, don’t eat the seeds as they are poisonous. Wax apples contain high dosages of vitamin A and C.

6. Umeboshi plums

Umeboshi plums originated in Japan and are small, wrinkled, and orange. They are related to apricots and are also called sour plums. Umeboshi plums have an extremely sour and tart taste. Therefore, you often find umeboshi plums in rice balls, which is how we recommend you try them.

Umeboshi plums are high in antioxidants. They also protect your liver and stabilize your blood sugar, which is why they are known to cure a hangover instantly.

7. Mangosteen

Mangosteens almost look like passionfruit but have a much rounder shape. These purple fruits have thick skin and soft, white flesh. Mangosteens originated in Indonesia but are now available across Asia. The white flesh of mangosteen has a sweet and slightly tart taste.

Mangosteens are high in antioxidants and may help fight and prevent skin cancer. However, further research is needed to confirm this.

8. Kumquats

Kumquats are small, oval-shaped fruits. They have the shape of a grape but look like tiny oranges. Kumquats originated in China and are believed to bring good luck when gifted to someone. Kumquats have a slightly sweet but very tart taste, and the skin is eaten with the fruit.

Kumquats are tropical fruits high in vitamin C. While often used as ornamental plants, kumquat jam, and candied kumquats are also popular.

9. Rambutan

Rambutans originated in Singapore and reminds one of lychee but with more flare. Rambutans are rounder than lychees, and their skins are covered with soft, hairlike spines. Rambutans have a similar texture to lychees. However, they have a more floral scent and taste.

Rambutans are also high in vitamin C and antioxidants. They assist with liver, kidney, and heart function and are often consumed as a snack.

10. Breadfruit

Breadfruit is a green fruit with a white fleshy center. The fruit originally comes from Malaysia and is often cooked before it is eaten. Unripe breadfruit has a similar taste and texture to potato. Ripe breadfruit is sweet and soft. It is often eaten fresh or dried for later use.

Breadfruit is high in potassium and can help control your blood sugar levels. This is a lesser-known Asian fruit, so you shouldn't miss the opportunity to try it.

11. Buddha’s hand

Another interesting fruit to try in Asia is Buddha’s hand. These yellow fruits have long, fingerlike points that resemble a hand. Buddha’s hand has a similar taste to lemon. However, the fruit has no flesh or seeds, only pith. Buddha’s hand originated in India.

You don’t eat buddha's hand as a fruit. Instead, the rind is used for zesting or making candied citrus. Buddha’s hand is high in antioxidants and vitamin C. It is also said to help alleviate migraines.

12. Lotus fruit

The final must-try Asian fruit is the Lotus fruit. Lotus roots are a popular food in Asia, but did you know that the fruit is also edible? The lotus fruit is the flower pod located at the base of the flower. Lotus fruit is green and has edible segments in the pod.

Lotus fruit is high in micronutrients and antioxidants. The fruits taste similar to the root and have a sweet and crunchy texture.

More Exotic Asian Fruits

• Asian pears
• dragon fruit
• citrus fruit (Meyer lemons, sweet lime)
• passion fruit
• snake fruit
• star fruit
• goji berries
• custard apple
• Chinese pear
• Chinese bayberry

Asia is full of wonderful fruits to try, each with its unique flavor, texture, and scent. We've discussed 12 must-try fruits in Asia, including lotus fruit, pomelo, mangosteen, and lychee. While you might not like all these fruits, you should try them next time you're in Asia.

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