Fontal Cheese vs Kanafeh Cheese

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Fontal Cheese is a cow-milk cheese from Italy, while Kanafeh Cheese is soft, originating in Azerbaijan, Egypt, Greece, Iran, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Palestine, Syria and Turkey.

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 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 Fontal Cheese and Kanafeh Cheese?

  • Origin: Fontal Cheese (Italy), Kanafeh Cheese (Azerbaijan, Egypt, Greece, Iran, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Palestine, Syria and Turkey)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Fontal Cheese Kanafeh Cheese
Country of Origin Italy Azerbaijan, Egypt, Greece, Iran, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Palestine, Syria And Turkey
Specific Origin Italy Levant
Milk Type Cow —
Texture — Soft
Taste — Sweet

Taste Comparison: Does Fontal Cheese Taste Like Kanafeh Cheese?

Their flavor profiles are distinct.

Can You Substitute Fontal Cheese for Kanafeh Cheese?

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

Which Is Better, Fontal Cheese or Kanafeh 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 Fontal Cheese the same as Kanafeh Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Fontal Cheese originates in Italy, while Kanafeh Cheese comes from Azerbaijan, Egypt, Greece, Iran, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Palestine, Syria and Turkey.

Is Fontal Cheese similar to Kanafeh Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Fontal Cheese for Kanafeh Cheese?

You can, but expect a shift in flavor and finish.

Does Fontal Cheese taste like Kanafeh Cheese?

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

What is Fontal Cheese made of?

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

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, Fontal Cheese or Kanafeh Cheese?

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