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.
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.
The delightful orange fruit and some use the seed for curries.
Does it taste in anyway like durian? Apologies for my ignorance I haven’t tried jackfruit either so am curious.
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.
Thank you I shall have to give it a go.
I’ll look out for it on your blog 🙂
I’ve never eaten fried cempedak before! Do you know where I can find it in Singapore? Or do you have a recipe?
I think you’ll be able to find fried cempedak at any goreng pisang (fried banana) stall in Singapore. Usually at hawker centres. I’ve had them at the Old Airport Road Hawker Centre in Katong and at Chomp Chomp in Serangoon Gardens.
Found pictures and how to make it here.
Ah, Chomp Chomp. I need to make it a point to go there someday. Thanks for your help! 🙂
Anytime 🙂
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.
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.
Yummy, I want one 🙂