Are Alpinia Zerumbet and Kaempferia Galanga in the same botanical family?

Yes — both belong to Zingiberaceae.

Can you substitute Alpinia Zerumbet for Kaempferia Galanga?

They share the Zingiberaceae family, so they can sometimes substitute in recipes — with notable differences in aroma.

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Alpinia Zerumbet vs Kaempferia Galanga

Alpinia zerumbet · Kaempferia galanga

Alpinia Zerumbet

Alpinia zerumbet

D No Clinical Evidence

Family: Zingiberaceae
Genus: Alpinia
Primary use: culinary

Alpinia zerumbet, commonly known as shell ginger among other names, is a perennial species of ginger native to East Asia. The plants can grow up to 2.5 to 3 meters tall and bear colorful funnel-shaped flowers. They are grown as ornamentals and their leaves are used in cuisine and…

Kaempferia Galanga

Kaempferia galanga

D No Clinical Evidence

Family: Zingiberaceae
Genus: Kaempferia
Primary use: culinary

Kaempferia galanga, commonly known as kencur, aromatic ginger, sand ginger, cutcherry, is a monocotyledonous plant in the ginger family, and one of four plants called galangal. It is found primarily in open areas in Indonesia, southern China, Taiwan, Cambodia, and India, but is a…

At a glance

· Both in Zingiberaceae, but different genera (Alpinia vs Kaempferia).
· Both are primarily culinary.
· Evidence tiers — Alpinia Zerumbet: D; Kaempferia Galanga: D.