Halloumi Cheese vs Paneer Cheese

In this article, we’ll explore the answers to the most common questions about Halloumi Cheese and Paneer Cheese, including:

  • "What is the difference between Halloumi Cheese and Paneer Cheese?"
  • "Is Halloumi Cheese and Paneer Cheese the same?"
  • "How does Halloumi Cheese compare to Paneer Cheese cheese?"
  • "How does the taste of Halloumi Cheese compare to Paneer Cheese?"
  • "Is Halloumi Cheese or Paneer Cheese better?"

Halloumi Cheese Overview

Halloumi is a semi-hard, unripened brined cheese from Cyprus, made from a mixture of goat’s and sheep’s milk, and sometimes also cow’s milk. Renowned for its high melting point, Halloumi can be grilled or fried to a crispy exterior with a soft, chewy interior. It has a salty flavor and is often enjoyed with a squeeze of lemon.

Paneer Cheese Overview

Paneer is a fresh, unaged cheese common in Indian and Pakistani cuisine. Made from cow or buffalo milk, it has a mild flavor and a dense, crumbly texture that holds its shape when cooked. Paneer doesn't melt, making it ideal for dishes like saag paneer, paneer tikka, and various curries where it absorbs flavors beautifully.

Comparing the Two Cheeses

Ranking

Halloumi is ranked #132 out of 376 types.

Paneer is ranked #173 out of 376 types.

Country of Origin

Halloumi Cheese comes from Cyprus. Paneer Cheese originated from .

Certification

Many cheeses have some kind of protected status that makes it so they can only be produced in a certain manner and location. Halloumi Cheese has a PDO (2014). Paneer is not a protected cheese.

Milk Type and Treatment

Halloumi Cheese is made with cow, goat, or sheep milk. Paneer Cheese is made with cow or buffalo milk that is typically other.

Composition and Texture

Halloumi's texture can be described as "semihard". Paneer's texture can be described as "semisoft, crumbly".

Flavor and Aroma

Halloumi Cheese has a mild, salty flavor. Paneer Cheese has a mild, slightly milky flavor. Paneer's aroma can be described as "very little aroma".

Appearance and Aging

Halloumi Cheese's appearance is colored white to light yellow and is aged 40 days . Paneer Cheese has a color of white , comes in rectangles, immersed in chilled water and has an aging period of fresh .

Rind and Rennet Type

Halloumi Cheese's rind is described as no rind and uses animal rennet. Paneer Cheese uses vinegar, lemon juice, yogurt, or buttermilk rennet.

Side-by-Side Comparison Table

Halloumi Cheese Paneer Cheese
Country of Origin Cyprus
Specific Origin Cyprus Northern India, Pakistan
Certification PDO (2014) None
Milk Type Sheep’s milk, Goat’s milk, Cow’s milk (Cow’s milk not alone in Cyprus) Cow's or buffalo's milk
Milk Treatment Boiled
Rind No rind
Texture Semihard Semisoft, crumbly
Flavor Mild, salty Mild, slightly milky
Aroma Very little aroma
Colors White to light yellow White
Forms Rectangles, immersed in chilled water
Age 40 days Fresh
Rennet Type Animal Vinegar, lemon juice, yogurt, or buttermilk

Compare Halloumi Cheese to Other Cheeses

Compare Paneer Cheese to Other Cheeses