Domiati Cheese vs Tulum Cheese
Domiati Cheese is a soft cow, goat, or buffalo-milk cheese from Egypt, while Tulum Cheese is a goat-milk cheese, originating in Turkey.
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 Tulum Cheese?
Tulum is a Turkish goat's milk cheese ripened inside a goatskin casing, which is what the word tulum means in Turkish. It is made in several regions, and versions from Erzincan, İzmir, Divle, Çimi and Kargı each taste different.
What's the Difference Between Domiati Cheese and Tulum Cheese?
- Origin: Domiati Cheese (Egypt), Tulum Cheese (Turkey)
- Milk type: Domiati Cheese (Primarily buffalo, but also cow's, goat's, etc.), Tulum Cheese (goat)
- Milk treatment: Domiati Cheese (Pasteurized), Tulum Cheese (raw)
- Aging: Domiati Cheese (Fresh or 3-4 months pickled), Tulum Cheese (about 6 months)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Domiati Cheese | Tulum Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Egypt | Turkey |
| Specific Origin | Damietta | Turkey |
| Milk Type | Primarily buffalo, but also cow's, goat's, etc. | Goat |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized | Raw |
| Texture | Soft | — |
| Rind | None | — |
| Aging | Fresh or 3-4 months pickled | About 6 months |
| Taste | Salty | — |
Taste Comparison: Does Domiati Cheese Taste Like Tulum Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct. Aging plays into this as well. Domiati Cheese at fresh or 3-4 months pickled develops a different profile than Tulum Cheese at about 6 months.
Can You Substitute Domiati Cheese for Tulum Cheese?
Domiati Cheese can stand in for Tulum Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe.
Which Is Better, Domiati Cheese or Tulum 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 Tulum Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Domiati Cheese originates in Egypt, while Tulum Cheese comes from Turkey. Domiati Cheese is made from cow, goat, or buffalo milk; Tulum Cheese uses goat. Aging also differs: Domiati Cheese is typically aged fresh or 3-4 months pickled, Tulum Cheese about 6 months.
Is Domiati Cheese similar to Tulum Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Domiati Cheese for Tulum Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Domiati Cheese taste like Tulum 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 Tulum Cheese made of?
Tulum Cheese is made from goat milk (raw). It's typically aged about 6 months. It originates in Turkey.
Which should I choose, Domiati Cheese or Tulum Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.