Ackawi Cheese vs Lisnati Cheese

Q: Is Ackawi Cheese the same as Lisnati Cheese?

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

Q: Can I substitute Ackawi Cheese for Lisnati Cheese?

In most recipes you can swap Ackawi Cheese for Lisnati Cheese, though the result will shift in richness and milk character.

Q: Which should I choose, Ackawi Cheese or Lisnati 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 Lisnati Cheese is soft, elastic, smooth and made from cow milk, originating in Montenegro.

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 Lisnati Cheese?

Lisnati is a cheese from Montenegro known for its layered texture, similar to phyllo dough. It is made from cow's milk and has a mild, buttery flavor. This cheese is typically used in baking and is also served during special occasions and celebrations.

What's the Difference Between Ackawi Cheese and Lisnati Cheese?

Origin: Ackawi Cheese (Cyprus, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Middle East and Syria), Lisnati Cheese (Montenegro)
Milk type: Ackawi Cheese (cow's, goat's or sheep's milk), Lisnati Cheese (Cow’s milk)
Milk treatment: Ackawi Cheese (pasteurized), Lisnati Cheese (Raw)
Texture: Ackawi Cheese (soft, brined), Lisnati Cheese (Soft, Elastic, Smooth)
Taste: Ackawi Cheese (mild, milky, salty), Lisnati Cheese (Mild Sour)

Side-by-Side Comparison

	Ackawi Cheese	Lisnati Cheese
Country of Origin	Cyprus, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Middle East And Syria	Montenegro
Specific Origin	—	Central And Northern Montenegro
Milk Type	Cow's, goat's or sheep's milk	Cow’s milk
Milk Treatment	Pasteurized	Raw
Texture	Soft, brined	Soft, Elastic, Smooth
Rind	Natural	—
Aging	—	Immediate or left for ripening
Taste	Mild, milky, salty	Mild Sour

Taste Comparison: Does Ackawi Cheese Taste Like Lisnati Cheese?

Ackawi Cheese reads as mild, milky, salty, while Lisnati Cheese brings mild sour character. On the nose, Ackawi Cheese offers mild, milky, contrasted with Lisnati Cheese's mild sour.

Can You Substitute Ackawi Cheese for Lisnati Cheese?

Ackawi Cheese can stand in for Lisnati Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect soft, brined bite and body where the recipe calls for soft, elastic, smooth. Flavor-wise, Ackawi Cheese reads as mild, milky, salty while Lisnati Cheese brings mild sour notes.

Which Is Better, Ackawi Cheese or Lisnati 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 soft, elastic, smooth profile, Lisnati Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Ackawi Cheese suits recipes that want mild, milky, salty notes, while Lisnati Cheese fits dishes calling for mild sour.

Which is your favorite?

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Ackawi Cheese the same as Lisnati Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Ackawi Cheese originates in Cyprus, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Middle East and Syria, while Lisnati Cheese comes from Montenegro. Ackawi Cheese is made from cow, goat, or sheep milk; Lisnati Cheese uses cow.

Is Ackawi Cheese similar to Lisnati Cheese?

Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.

Can I substitute Ackawi Cheese for Lisnati Cheese?

You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.

Does Ackawi Cheese taste like Lisnati Cheese?

Ackawi Cheese reads as mild, milky, salty, while Lisnati Cheese is mild sour. Aromas also diverge. Ackawi Cheese leans mild, milky, and Lisnati Cheese is closer to mild sour.

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 Lisnati Cheese made of?

Lisnati Cheese is made from cow milk (raw), using animal rennet. It's typically aged immediate or left for ripening. It originates in Montenegro.

Which should I choose, Ackawi Cheese or Lisnati Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Ackawi Cheese is soft, brined, while Lisnati Cheese is soft, elastic, smooth.