Rambutan, also known as "hairy lychee," is a tropical fruit native to Southeast Asia. Its scientific name is Nephelium lappaceum, but it's commonly referred to by its Malaysian name "rambutan," which refers to its hairy exterior. Other synonyms for rambutan include "chom chom" in Vietnam, "mamón chino" in Spanish-speaking countries, and "ngoh" in Cantonese. The fruit is about the size of a golf ball and has a sweet, juicy flesh inside its hairy outer layer. It's commonly eaten fresh, but can also be used in jams and desserts.