Domiati Cheese vs Fontal Cheese

Q: Is Domiati Cheese the same as Fontal Cheese?

No. Domiati Cheese and Fontal Cheese are distinct cheeses from Egypt and Italy respectively. See the side-by-side table for the specific differences in milk type, texture, and aging.

Q: Can I substitute Domiati Cheese for Fontal Cheese?

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

Q: Does Domiati Cheese taste like Fontal Cheese?

They have distinct flavor profiles. See the side-by-side table above for details.

Q: Which should I choose, Domiati Cheese or Fontal 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.

Domiati Cheese

Fontal Cheese

Domiati Cheese is a soft cow, goat, or buffalo-milk cheese from Egypt, while Fontal Cheese is a cow-milk cheese, originating in Italy.

What Is Domiati Cheese?

Domiati is the most common cheese in Egypt, a soft white salty cheese usually made from buffalo or cow milk. Salt goes into the milk before the rennet, which sets it apart from feta and gives the cheese its sharp, pickled character.

What Is Fontal Cheese?

Fontal is one of the names that grew out of fontina, the cow's milk cheese first produced in Italy. Cheeses under derivative names like fontal are made in other parts of Italy and in Denmark, Sweden, Quebec, France, Argentina, and the United States.

What's the Difference Between Domiati Cheese and Fontal Cheese?

Origin: Domiati Cheese (Egypt), Fontal Cheese (Italy)
Milk type: Domiati Cheese (Primarily buffalo, but also cow's, goat's, etc.), Fontal Cheese (cow)

Side-by-Side Comparison

	Domiati Cheese	Fontal Cheese
Country of Origin	Egypt	Italy
Specific Origin	Damietta	Italy
Milk Type	Primarily buffalo, but also cow's, goat's, etc.	Cow
Milk Treatment	Pasteurized	—
Texture	Soft	—
Rind	None	—
Aging	Fresh or 3-4 months pickled	—
Taste	Salty	—

Taste Comparison: Does Domiati Cheese Taste Like Fontal Cheese?

Their flavor profiles are distinct.

Can You Substitute Domiati Cheese for Fontal Cheese?

Domiati Cheese can stand in for Fontal Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe.

Which Is Better, Domiati Cheese or Fontal Cheese?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want.

Which is your favorite?

One click, anonymous. See what others chose.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Domiati Cheese the same as Fontal Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Domiati Cheese originates in Egypt, while Fontal Cheese comes from Italy. Domiati Cheese is made from cow, goat, or buffalo milk; Fontal Cheese uses cow.

Is Domiati Cheese similar to Fontal Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Domiati Cheese for Fontal Cheese?

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

Does Domiati Cheese taste like Fontal Cheese?

They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.

What is Domiati Cheese made of?

Domiati Cheese is made from cow, goat, or buffalo milk (pasteurized). It's typically aged fresh or 3-4 months pickled. It originates in Egypt.

What is Fontal Cheese made of?

Fontal Cheese is made from cow milk. It originates in Italy.

Which should I choose, Domiati Cheese or Fontal Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.