Overview

Kencur (Kaempferia galanga — lesser galangal, aromatic ginger) is the Indonesian aromatic that has no substitute. It is NOT regular galangal (Alpinia galanga, which is *lengkuas* in Indonesian). Kencur is smaller, paler, and has a completely different flavour profile — sharp, slightly medicinal, camphor-like, with a bright, almost pepperminty bite. It is essential in base genep (Balinese spice paste), pecel sauce, jamu (herbal medicine), and numerous Javanese bumbu formulations.

Source

INDONESIAN CUISINE — DEEP EXTRACTION BATCH 6

Cross-Cuisine Parallels

No direct substitute Sometimes called "sand ginger" in English Used in some Thai and Chinese preparations but is nowhere near as central as it is in Indonesian cooking

Kencur: Lesser Galangal (Indonesia's Secret Aromatic)