mao shan wang

Singapore/ˈmaʊ˦ ˈʃan˦ ˈwaŋ˨˦/

noun

A premium variety of durian, characterized by its bright yellow flesh, bittersweet taste and creamy texture.

Similar
cat mountain kingmusang kingcivet kingbutter durianrajah kunyit

Meanings

noun
  1. MalaysiaSingaporeA premium variety of durian, characterized by its bright yellow flesh, bittersweet taste and creamy texture.

    Prized for its bright yellow, bittersweet flesh, Mao Shan Wang was a best-selling durian this year.

    2008, 5 September, Tan Hsueh Yun, PURR-FECTLY YUMMY, The Straits Times, page 21
    5 more examples

    To make sure a seller isn't passing off a lesser durian as a Mao Shan Wang, look for prominent seams radiating from the base of the durian.

    2008, July 13, Rebecca Lynn Tan, How to pick a durian, The Straits Times, page 4

    There are several different types of durian, with names such as Mao Shan Wang (Cat Mountain King), Hong Xia (Red Prawn), Mon Thong (Golden Pillow), or simple numbers such as D24, D1, D13 and D100.

    2009, Marianne Rogerson, In Singapore: 60 Fabulous Adventures in the City, Times Printers Pte Ltd, page 157

    The coveted Mao Shan Wang, or Cat Mountain King, is a premium breed known for its creamy and sticky texture and bittersweet taste.

    2010, 1 August, Kelvin Lim, The Durian Express, The Sunday Times, page 10

    A popular variety like Mao Shan Wang (Musang King), which sold for as little as $12 per kg earlier this month, now costs at least $16 a kg.

    2016, 30 August, Melissa Lin, Durian prices up as harvest peak ends, The Straits Times, page B4

    Mr Shui, who has been in the business for more than 30 years, brings in about 10 durian varieties from both Johor and Penang – including the highly sought-after Mao Shan Wang.

    2017, 9 July, Lee Si Xuan, Durian Doldrums, The Sunday Times, page A4

    Synonyms: cat mountain king, musang king, civet king, butter durian, rajah kunyit

Synonyms & antonyms

nounA premium variety of durian, characterized by its bright yellow flesh, bittersweet taste and creamy texture.

Similar
cat mountain kingmusang kingcivet kingbutter durianrajah kunyit
Also see

Origin

  1. Mandarin貓山王 /猫山王
  2. Malaymusang“civet cat”
  3. Englishmao shan wang

From Malay musang (“civet cat”), via Mandarin 貓山王 /猫山王 (māo shān wáng).

Full word history & related roots →

Translations

Chinese Mandarin 貓山王 /猫山王
  • 貓山王 /猫山王 (māoshānwáng)Translations
Cite this entry
APA

mao shan wang. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 5, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/mao%20shan%20wang

MLA

“mao shan wang.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/mao%20shan%20wang. Accessed November 5, 2026.

Chicago

WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “mao shan wang,” accessed November 5, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/mao%20shan%20wang.

Source: mao shan wang on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.