Armenian String Cheese vs Kanafeh Cheese
Armenian String Cheese is a semi-soft cow, goat, or sheep-milk cheese from Armenia, while Kanafeh Cheese is soft, originating in Azerbaijan, Egypt, Greece, Iran, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Palestine, Syria and Turkey.
What Is Armenian String Cheese?
Chechil, also called Armenian string cheese, is a brined pasta filata cheese from Armenia, sold as bundles of thick or thin fibrous threads that are often tied into ropes, braids or balls. It is frequently smoked and tastes sharp and sour with moderate salt.
What Is Kanafeh Cheese?
Knafeh is an Arab dessert of spun kadayif pastry layered with soft white cheese and soaked in sugar syrup. Nablus in Palestine is known for its version, made with the city's firm, salty Nabulsi cheese and served hot under crushed pistachios.
What's the Difference Between Armenian String Cheese and Kanafeh Cheese?
- Origin: Armenian String Cheese (Armenia), Kanafeh Cheese (Azerbaijan, Egypt, Greece, Iran, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Palestine, Syria and Turkey)
- Texture: Armenian String Cheese (semi-soft), Kanafeh Cheese (soft)
- Taste: Armenian String Cheese (mild), Kanafeh Cheese (sweet)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Armenian String Cheese | Kanafeh Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Armenia | Azerbaijan, Egypt, Greece, Iran, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Palestine, Syria And Turkey |
| Specific Origin | Armenia | Levant |
| Milk Type | Cow's, goat's or sheep's milk | — |
| Milk Treatment | Soured skimmed milk | — |
| Texture | Semi-soft | Soft |
| Aging | 1 to 2 days in factories, longer in brine when made by hand | — |
| Taste | Mild | Sweet |
Taste Comparison: Does Armenian String Cheese Taste Like Kanafeh Cheese?
Armenian String Cheese reads as mild, while Kanafeh Cheese brings sweet character. More specifically, Armenian String Cheese shows sharp and sour-milk, moderately salty at 4 to 8% salt, while Kanafeh Cheese leans toward sugar syrup with rose water or orange blossom water, salty cheese, crushed pistachio.
Can You Substitute Armenian String Cheese for Kanafeh Cheese?
Armenian String Cheese can stand in for Kanafeh Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect semi-soft bite and body where the recipe calls for soft. Flavor-wise, Armenian String Cheese reads as mild while Kanafeh Cheese brings sweet notes.
Which Is Better, Armenian String Cheese or Kanafeh Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a semi-soft cheese, go with Armenian String Cheese. For a soft profile, Kanafeh Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Armenian String Cheese suits recipes that want mild notes, while Kanafeh Cheese fits dishes calling for sweet.
Which is your favorite?
One click, anonymous. See what others chose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Armenian String Cheese the same as Kanafeh Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Armenian String Cheese originates in Armenia, while Kanafeh Cheese comes from Azerbaijan, Egypt, Greece, Iran, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Palestine, Syria and Turkey.
Is Armenian String Cheese similar to Kanafeh Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Armenian String Cheese for Kanafeh Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Armenian String Cheese taste like Kanafeh Cheese?
Armenian String Cheese reads as mild, while Kanafeh Cheese is sweet.
What is Armenian String Cheese made of?
Armenian String Cheese is made from cow, goat, or sheep milk (soured skimmed milk), using animal rennet. It's typically aged 1 to 2 days in factories, longer in brine when made by hand. It originates in Armenia.
What is Kanafeh Cheese made of?
Kanafeh Cheese is made from milk. It originates in Azerbaijan, Egypt, Greece, Iran, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Palestine, Syria and Turkey.
Which should I choose, Armenian String Cheese or Kanafeh Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Armenian String Cheese is semi-soft, while Kanafeh Cheese is soft.