Krachai or Finger Root

“Krachai”, “Chinese keys” or “Finger Root” (Boesenbergia rotunda) is also known as “Chinese Ginger”, “Thai Ginger” or “Wild Ginger”, which reflects its relationship to ginger.

It is used primarily as a spice in Southeast Asia. In Thailand the root is called “Krachai” ( กระชาย ), which has become the universally accepted name for this root. In Vietnam it is known as “Ngải Bún” or “Nga Truật” and in Cambodia as “Kcheay” (ខ្ជាយ).

In Asian grocery stores it can be found in the fresh produce section or in the freezer, sometimes with the curious label “Kaempfer”, which may derive from its relationship to Aromatic Ginger (Kaempferia galanga). In the freezer you will often find it already cut into strips, which is fine since it is usually used that way anyway.

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