Horn banana, locally known as Pisang Tanduk or cow horn banana, is one of the largest banana varieties commonly grown and consumed in Southeast Asia. It is easily recognizable by its impressive size, typically measuring 25 to 35 centimeters in length and 5 to 8 centimeters in diameter. The fruit has a long, slightly curved cylindrical shape with distinct angular ridges that run from top to bottom, tapering to pointed ends that resemble a cow’s horn—hence its name.
When unripe, the thick, tough peel of the horn banana is bright green, gradually turning yellow as it ripens. Occasionally, dark brown patches may appear on the peel, but these are generally harmless and superficial. Inside, the flesh varies in color from cream to deep yellow and sometimes yellow-brown when fully mature. The texture is dense, starchy, and semi-firm, becoming soft, chewy, and creamy once cooked. Unlike many wild bananas, Pisang Tanduk is mostly seedless, though small black seeds may occasionally be present.
An interesting feature of the plant is its growth pattern known as apical dominance. The numerous suckers or shoots that form around the base of the main plant remain stunted until the parent plant reaches its flowering stage. Only a few—usually two or three—will then continue to grow normally, giving the banana clump a solitary appearance.
Pisang Tanduk is not eaten raw due to its starchy composition and slightly sour taste when unripe. Instead, it is prized for its versatility in cooked dishes. When cooked, its flavor transforms into a delightful balance of sweetness and mild tanginess. It is commonly fried, boiled, or steamed, and a popular way to enjoy it is by making pisang goreng, or banana fritters—crispy on the outside and tender inside. The fruit can also be simmered into compotes, cooked into puddings, or incorporated into sponge cakes and desserts.
With its unique texture, large size, and rich taste when cooked, Pisang Tanduk remains a beloved ingredient in traditional Malaysian and Indonesian cuisines, symbolizing the blend of flavor and versatility that defines tropical fruit cookery.Pisang Tanduk: The Giant Horn Banana of Southeast Asia