Chura Kampo Cheese vs Mont d'Or Cheese
Chura Kampo Cheese is a hard, artisan cheese from China and Tibet, while Mont d'Or Cheese is soft and made from cow milk, originating in France.
What Is Chura Kampo Cheese?
Chura kampo is a Tibetan dried cheese made from the curds left over from boiling buttermilk. It comes as small hard chunks that hold up to long chewing, and it is an important part of Tibetan cuisine.
What Is Mont d'Or Cheese?
Mont d'Or is a seasonal soft cow's milk cheese from the Jura region of France and Switzerland, wrapped in a band of spruce that gives it its flavor. It sells from September 10 to May 10 and is usually warmed in its spruce box and eaten like fondue.
What's the Difference Between Chura Kampo Cheese and Mont d'Or Cheese?
- Origin: Chura Kampo Cheese (China and Tibet), Mont d'Or Cheese (France)
- Milk type: Chura Kampo Cheese (yak's milk), Mont d'Or Cheese (Cow's milk)
- Texture: Chura Kampo Cheese (hard, artisan), Mont d'Or Cheese (Soft)
- Rind: Chura Kampo Cheese (natural), Mont d'Or Cheese (Washed rind)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Chura Kampo Cheese | Mont d'Or Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | China And Tibet | France |
| Specific Origin | Tibet | Jura Mountains, Doubs |
| Milk Type | Yak's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | — | Raw |
| Texture | Hard, artisan | Soft |
| Rind | Natural | Washed rind |
| Aging | — | 21 to 60 days |
| Taste | — | Resinous, mild to pungent |
Taste Comparison: Does Chura Kampo Cheese Taste Like Mont d'Or Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct.
Can You Substitute Chura Kampo Cheese for Mont d'Or Cheese?
Chura Kampo Cheese can stand in for Mont d'Or Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect hard, artisan bite and body where the recipe calls for soft.
Which Is Better, Chura Kampo Cheese or Mont d'Or Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a hard, artisan cheese, go with Chura Kampo Cheese. For a soft profile, Mont d'Or Cheese is the better fit.
Which is your favorite?
One click, anonymous. See what others chose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chura Kampo Cheese the same as Mont d'Or Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Chura Kampo Cheese originates in China and Tibet, while Mont d'Or Cheese comes from France.
Is Chura Kampo Cheese similar to Mont d'Or Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Chura Kampo Cheese for Mont d'Or Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Chura Kampo Cheese taste like Mont d'Or Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
What is Chura Kampo Cheese made of?
Chura Kampo Cheese is made from milk. It originates in China and Tibet.
What is Mont d'Or Cheese made of?
Mont d'Or Cheese is made from cow milk (raw), using animal rennet. It's typically aged 21 to 60 days. It originates in France.
Which should I choose, Chura Kampo Cheese or Mont d'Or Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Chura Kampo Cheese is hard, artisan, while Mont d'Or Cheese is soft.