Galangal ginger, also called greater galangal, is a rhizome closely related to ginger but with a distinct, sharp, and citrusy flavor. It has pale skin with pinkish-white flesh and a firm, fibrous texture. Widely used in Southeast Asian cuisines, particularly Thai, Indonesian, and Malaysian dishes, galangal adds a warm, aromatic, and slightly peppery note to soups, curries, stir-fries, and pastes.
Unlike regular ginger, galangal has a more pronounced piney, citrusy aroma and is often sliced, crushed, or ground to impart depth and fragrance to both savory and aromatic dishes.