Ackawi Cheese vs San Michali Cheese

Q: Is Ackawi Cheese the same as San Michali Cheese?

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

Q: Can I substitute Ackawi Cheese for San Michali Cheese?

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

Q: Which should I choose, Ackawi Cheese or San Michali 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

San Michali Cheese

Ackawi Cheese is a soft, brined cow, goat, or sheep-milk cheese from Cyprus, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Middle East and Syria, while San Michali Cheese is compact, with very small irregular holes and made from cow milk, originating in Greece.

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 San Michali Cheese?

San Michali is a unique cow's milk cheese from the island of Syros in Greece. It is known for its distinct aroma and sharp, spicy flavor, often compared to Parmesan. San Michali is the only PDO cheese from the Cyclades and is highly prized in Greek cuisine, often grated over dishes or eaten on its own.

What's the Difference Between Ackawi Cheese and San Michali Cheese?

Origin: Ackawi Cheese (Cyprus, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Middle East and Syria), San Michali Cheese (Greece)
Milk type: Ackawi Cheese (cow's, goat's or sheep's milk), San Michali Cheese (Cow’s milk)
Texture: Ackawi Cheese (soft, brined), San Michali Cheese (Compact, with very small irregular holes)
Rind: Ackawi Cheese (natural), San Michali Cheese (Often covered with paraffin)
Taste: Ackawi Cheese (mild, milky, salty), San Michali Cheese (Salty, peppery)

Side-by-Side Comparison

	Ackawi Cheese	San Michali Cheese
Country of Origin	Cyprus, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Middle East And Syria	Greece
Specific Origin	—	Island Of Syros
Milk Type	Cow's, goat's or sheep's milk	Cow’s milk
Milk Treatment	Pasteurized	Pasteurized
Texture	Soft, brined	Compact, with very small irregular holes
Rind	Natural	Often covered with paraffin
Aging	—	At least four months
Taste	Mild, milky, salty	Salty, peppery

Taste Comparison: Does Ackawi Cheese Taste Like San Michali Cheese?

Ackawi Cheese reads as mild, milky, salty, while San Michali Cheese brings salty, peppery character.

Can You Substitute Ackawi Cheese for San Michali Cheese?

Ackawi Cheese can stand in for San Michali 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 compact, with very small irregular holes. Flavor-wise, Ackawi Cheese reads as mild, milky, salty while San Michali Cheese brings salty, peppery notes.

Which Is Better, Ackawi Cheese or San Michali 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 compact, with very small irregular holes profile, San Michali Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Ackawi Cheese suits recipes that want mild, milky, salty notes, while San Michali Cheese fits dishes calling for salty, peppery.

Which is your favorite?

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Ackawi Cheese the same as San Michali Cheese?

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

Is Ackawi Cheese similar to San Michali Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Ackawi Cheese for San Michali Cheese?

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

Does Ackawi Cheese taste like San Michali Cheese?

Ackawi Cheese reads as mild, milky, salty, while San Michali Cheese is salty, peppery.

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 San Michali Cheese made of?

San Michali Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized). It's typically aged at least four months. It originates in Greece.

Which should I choose, Ackawi Cheese or San Michali Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Ackawi Cheese is soft, brined, while San Michali Cheese is compact, with very small irregular holes.