Halloumi Cheese vs Tulum Cheese
Halloumi Cheese is a semihard cow, goat, and sheep-milk cheese from Cyprus, while Tulum Cheese is a goat-milk cheese, originating in Turkey.
What Is Halloumi Cheese?
Halloumi is a brined cheese from Cyprus, traditionally made from goat and sheep milk, though most modern halloumi also contains cow's milk. It has a high melting point, so it browns on the grill or in a pan without melting, and it squeaks when you chew it.
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 Halloumi Cheese and Tulum Cheese?
- Origin: Halloumi Cheese (Cyprus), Tulum Cheese (Turkey)
- Milk type: Halloumi Cheese (cow's, goat's and sheep's milk), Tulum Cheese (goat)
- Milk treatment: Halloumi Cheese (traditionally raw, pasteurized commercially), Tulum Cheese (raw)
- Aging: Halloumi Cheese (40 days), Tulum Cheese (about 6 months)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Halloumi Cheese | Tulum Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Cyprus | Turkey |
| Specific Origin | Cyprus | Turkey |
| Milk Type | Cow's, goat's and sheep's milk | Goat |
| Milk Treatment | Traditionally raw, pasteurized commercially | Raw |
| Texture | Semihard | — |
| Rind | No rind | — |
| Aging | 40 days | About 6 months |
| Taste | Mild, salty | — |
Taste Comparison: Does Halloumi Cheese Taste Like Tulum Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct. Aging plays into this as well. Halloumi Cheese at 40 days develops a different profile than Tulum Cheese at about 6 months.
Can You Substitute Halloumi Cheese for Tulum Cheese?
Halloumi Cheese can stand in for Tulum Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe.
Which Is Better, Halloumi 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 Halloumi Cheese the same as Tulum Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Halloumi Cheese originates in Cyprus, while Tulum Cheese comes from Turkey. Halloumi Cheese is made from cow, goat, and sheep milk; Tulum Cheese uses goat. Aging also differs: Halloumi Cheese is typically aged 40 days, Tulum Cheese about 6 months.
Is Halloumi Cheese similar to Tulum Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Halloumi Cheese for Tulum Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Halloumi Cheese taste like Tulum Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
What is Halloumi Cheese made of?
Halloumi Cheese is made from cow, goat, and sheep milk (traditionally raw, pasteurized commercially), using mostly vegetable or microbial rennet. It's typically aged 40 days. It originates in Cyprus.
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, Halloumi Cheese or Tulum Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.