Galangal (Lengkuas)

Galangal (Lengkuas), known as Lengkuas in Indonesia and Malaysia, Kha in Thailand, Riềng in Vietnam, and Luyang Lapis in the Philippines, is a popular herb in Southeast Asian cooking. It comes from the ginger family (Zingiberaceae), which also includes ginger, turmeric, and cardamom.

Unlike ginger, galangal has a sharper, citrusy, pine-like flavor that makes it a unique spice in soups, curries, and sauces. In its raw form, it gives off a bright aroma with citrus and woody notes, stronger and spicier than ginger.

Galangal grows in clusters of upright stems with long, pointed green leaves that are slightly wider than ginger leaves. It spreads through underground rhizomes and can form dense patches in gardens and farms.

 

Galangal and torch ginger (HOW TO GROW TORCH GINGER) belong to the same family but are used differently. Galangal is prized for its root (rhizome), while torch ginger is valued for its buds and flowers (TORCH GINGER SALAD).

Galangal Plant
Galangal is a perennial herb that grows from underground rhizomes. It forms clumps of upright stems with smooth, glossy leaves that give off a mild scent. The stems can reach about one meter tall. Over time, the plant spreads and becomes dense, making it easy to grow in gardens or farms.

 

Galangal Flowers

Though uncommon, galangal plants do produce flowers above the leaves. These flowers are usually white to pale yellow, bell-shaped, and grow in upright clusters. They are mildly fragrant and rarely seen in cultivated plants since galangal is mainly grown for its rhizomes.

How to Grow Galangal
Galangal grows from rhizomes, the ginger-like roots used in cooking. You can buy plants from nurseries or online, but it’s just as easy to grow from fresh rhizomes bought at the market.

 

Choose young, fresh rhizomes (not dried out). Dig a deep hole in the soil and plant the rhizome. Over time, stems and leaves will emerge. This method is simple and affordable for home gardeners.

Growing Galangal in Pots
Galangal can be grown in pots, adding a lush, ornamental touch indoors or outdoors. However, the rhizomes spread sideways and quickly fill the pot, limiting growth. Unless repotted into a larger container, galangal thrives better in open ground with enough soil space.

 

Soil and Watering

Galangal grows well in almost any soil, including clay. For clay soil, water deeply so moisture reaches the roots. For other soil types, water when the surface feels nearly dry.

 

Sunlight

Sunlight is essential for healthy growth. Without enough, galangal will be stunted and less lush.

 

Fertilizer

Galangal is low-maintenance and doesn’t need much fertilizer. Adding compost or organic matter every four months can enrich the soil and keep plants strong.

 

Pruning

Though hardy, galangal can dry out in very hot weather, especially under direct sun. Pruning dried stems encourages fresh growth and helps keep the plant healthy.

 

Harvesting Galangal

Harvesting galangal can be tough because the roots grow deep and firm. It takes strength and patience to dig them out, but it’s not impossible. The video below shows how to harvest galangal step by step in your home garden.

Health Benefits of Galangal
Galangal is not only used in cooking but also valued for its health benefits. It may help with digestion, ease nausea, and support the immune system. Some also believe it has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.

 

Its fresh aroma can calm the mind and bring a sense of relaxation, almost like natural aromatherapy. In Thailand, galangal is also used in herbal compresses (luk pra kob) for massage, where its warming properties help relieve muscle aches and improve circulation.

Cooking with Galangal (Lengkuas)
Galangal is a key herb in Southeast Asian cuisine. One way to use it is blending with other herbs and spices to make a paste (MUTTON RENDANG). This paste is fried in oil, then added to meat, seafood, or vegetables, and also used as a base for spicy soups.

 

Galangal can also be smashed, bruised, or sliced before cooking. In soups, it’s simmered to release its strong aroma. From Malaysian and Indonesian dishes to Thai  (TOM YUM FISH) and Filipino recipes, galangal is one of the herbs in Southeast Asian kitchens.

Galangal Leaves for Natural Home Décor

Galangal stems with their leaves bring vibrant indoor greenery and support sustainable living. Wash the stems thoroughly, place them in a vase or container filled with water, and add a natural mosquito repellent. Position the vase where it can get some light sunshine for best results.

 

The video below shows how to use galangal leaves for natural home décor and indoor green living.