Kencur (Lesser Galangal) Explained
Flavor role, buying tips, storage, and substitutions for Balinese cooking
Kencur is one of the most Balinese-specific perfume notes. Small amounts transform pastes and urab seasonings.

Flavor role in Balinese cooking
Kencur is one of the most Balinese-specific perfume notes. Small amounts transform pastes and urab seasonings.
How to buy and store
- Use sparingly — potent
- Fresh or frozen preferred
- Powder exists but fades
Smart substitutions
- Tiny galangal + ginger blend as weak stand-in
Where it shows up
- Base genep
- Urab
- Herbal sides
Want to practice this with your hands on the mortar? Start at the cooking class Bali hub, then book an in-villa session via myCHEF cooking class.
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