Torch Ginger

With its striking pink hue and citrusy perfume, the torch ginger (bunga kantan), botanical name etlingera elatior is as beautiful as it is flavourful. A staple in Peranakan cuisine, its delicate petals are finely sliced and added to kerabu salads, lending a refreshing tang, while its bold aroma deepens the complexity of dishe like garam assam and sambals. Beyond the kitchen, torch ginger has long been prized for its antibacterial properties, proving that beauty and function often go hand in hand. The plant itself is striking with its leaves growing from the ground to as high as 3 to 4 metres.⁠