#86. Cempedak – A Sticker Yummier Jackfruit

I love Durian and I like Jackfruit so this sort of combination is something out of this world. This is a hybrid that occured in nature. Officially Cempedak (Malay name since it originates in Malaysia) is a cousin of the Jackfruit. You have the sticky texture of the durian added to the taste of the jackfruit. The fruit has no thorns and looks more like the jackfruit. So good and abuandant in neighbouring Malaysia which means you can get it quite easily in Singapore.

And fried cempedak in batter is divine (similar to goreng pisang where banana is used).

I think the fruit is rather pretty and turns from green to brown when ripe.

photo by bookjunkie

It’s easier to slice open than a durian and this is what it looks like inside. Just be careful of the pulp or milk surrounding the fruit as it can be very sticky like glue. Best to use gloves when handling.

photo by bookjunkie

The delightful orange fruit and some use the seed for curries.

photo by bookjunkie

About bookjunkie

Blogging about life in Singapore & recently cancer too.
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11 Responses to #86. Cempedak – A Sticker Yummier Jackfruit

  1. Laura says:

    Does it taste in anyway like durian? Apologies for my ignorance I haven’t tried jackfruit either so am curious.

    • bookjunkie says:

      It’s a totally different taste but it has a strong scent as well though not like the durian. It tastes very close to jackfruit, but with a chewy sticker texture ( I can’t think of an equivalent – but perhaps – a custard like sweetness? – closest I can think of is mango and banana in terms of taste?? it doesn’t taste anything like an apple. Don’t think my descriptions are helping much. No sourness though….just sweet).

      But it might be an acquired taste.

  2. bittersweet says:

    I’ve never eaten fried cempedak before! Do you know where I can find it in Singapore? Or do you have a recipe?

  3. 365days2play says:

    Now I feel like getting my hands on some! I dont think I know how to differentiate cempedak with jackfruit, but I’m sure I love both. Never tried cempedak fritters before but it sure sounds good.

    • bookjunkie says:

      you can get them at Old Airport Road hawker centre at the goreng pisang stall. just ask for cempedak. Would love to find out whether you like it or not. Yeah but it’s hard to tell whether the fruit is a jackfruit or cempedek and if you’re buying fresh you need to ask them. But I find cempedek has a much stronger scent.

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