Ackawi Cheese vs Armenian String Cheese

Q: Is Ackawi Cheese the same as Armenian String Cheese?

No. Ackawi Cheese and Armenian String Cheese are distinct cheeses from Cyprus, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Middle East and Syria and Armenia respectively. See the side-by-side table for the specific differences in milk type, texture, and aging.

Q: Can I substitute Ackawi Cheese for Armenian String Cheese?

In most recipes you can swap Ackawi Cheese for Armenian String Cheese, though the result will shift in bite and mouthfeel.

Q: Which should I choose, Ackawi Cheese or Armenian String Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture and flavor rows in the table above are the best guide. Pick the one whose profile fits your recipe or board.

Ackawi Cheese is a soft, brined cow, goat, or sheep-milk cheese from Cyprus, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Middle East and Syria, while Armenian String Cheese is semi-soft and made from cow, goat, or sheep milk, originating in Armenia.

What Is Ackawi Cheese?

Ackawi is a soft, brined cheese that originates from the Middle East, including countries such as Cyprus, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria. It is made from pasteurized cow's, goat's, or sheep's milk. The cheese has a mild, milky flavor with a noticeable salty taste, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy a gentle yet savory cheese experience. Its aroma is similarly mild and milky, complementing its white color. The texture is soft, making it easy to slice and use in various dishes. Ackawi is often compared to feta but is less crumbly and more elastic. It is used in both savory dishes and desserts, and can be eaten fresh or melted. Alternative spellings include Akkawi, Akawieh, and Akawi.

What Is Armenian String Cheese?

Armenian String Cheese is a traditional cheese originating from Armenia, often made from cow's, goat's, or sheep's milk. This semi-soft cheese is characterized by its white color and stringy texture, making it fun to pull apart and eat. It has a mild flavor, which makes it a popular snack or appetizer. Known also as Syrian String Cheese or Chechil, it is sometimes braided or knotted into shapes. The cheese is often seasoned with nigella or caraway seeds, adding a subtle hint of spice. Armenian String Cheese is commonly enjoyed on its own, with bread, or as part of a cheese platter.

What's the Difference Between Ackawi Cheese and Armenian String Cheese?

Origin: Ackawi Cheese (Cyprus, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Middle East and Syria), Armenian String Cheese (Armenia)
Texture: Ackawi Cheese (soft, brined), Armenian String Cheese (semi-soft)
Taste: Ackawi Cheese (mild, milky, salty), Armenian String Cheese (mild)

Side-by-Side Comparison

	Ackawi Cheese	Armenian String Cheese
Country of Origin	Cyprus, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Middle East And Syria	Armenia
Milk Type	Cow's, goat's or sheep's milk	Cow's, goat's or sheep's milk
Milk Treatment	Pasteurized	—
Texture	Soft, brined	Semi-soft
Rind	Natural	—
Taste	Mild, milky, salty	Mild

Taste Comparison: Does Ackawi Cheese Taste Like Armenian String Cheese?

Ackawi Cheese reads as mild, milky, salty, while Armenian String Cheese brings mild character.

Can You Substitute Ackawi Cheese for Armenian String Cheese?

In most recipes, Ackawi Cheese and Armenian String Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow, goat, or sheep-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect soft, brined bite and body where the recipe calls for semi-soft. Flavor-wise, Ackawi Cheese reads as mild, milky, salty while Armenian String Cheese brings mild notes.

Which Is Better, Ackawi Cheese or Armenian String Cheese?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a soft, brined cheese, go with Ackawi Cheese. For a semi-soft profile, Armenian String Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Ackawi Cheese suits recipes that want mild, milky, salty notes, while Armenian String Cheese fits dishes calling for mild.

Which is your favorite?

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Ackawi Cheese the same as Armenian String Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Ackawi Cheese originates in Cyprus, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Middle East and Syria, while Armenian String Cheese comes from Armenia.

Is Ackawi Cheese similar to Armenian String Cheese?

Somewhat. They share a cow, goat, or sheep-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.

Can I substitute Ackawi Cheese for Armenian String Cheese?

You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.

Does Ackawi Cheese taste like Armenian String Cheese?

Ackawi Cheese reads as mild, milky, salty, while Armenian String Cheese is mild.

What is Ackawi Cheese made of?

Ackawi Cheese is made from cow, goat, or sheep milk (pasteurized). It originates in Cyprus, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Middle East and Syria.

What is Armenian String Cheese made of?

Armenian String Cheese is made from cow, goat, or sheep milk. It originates in Armenia.

Which should I choose, Ackawi Cheese or Armenian String Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Ackawi Cheese is soft, brined, while Armenian String Cheese is semi-soft.