Pljevlja Cheese vs Tulum Cheese

Q: Is Pljevlja Cheese the same as Tulum Cheese?

No. Pljevlja Cheese and Tulum Cheese are distinct cheeses from Montenegro and Turkey respectively. See the side-by-side table for the specific differences in milk type, texture, and aging.

Q: Can I substitute Pljevlja Cheese for Tulum Cheese?

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

Q: Does Pljevlja Cheese taste like Tulum Cheese?

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

Q: Which should I choose, Pljevlja Cheese or Tulum 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.

Pljevlja Cheese is a soft to semihard cow or sheep-milk cheese from Montenegro, while Tulum Cheese is a goat-milk cheese, originating in Turkey.

What Is Pljevlja Cheese?

Pljevlja is a traditional cheese from the northern region of Montenegro, made from cow's milk. It has a rich, creamy texture and a strong, salty flavor. Often served as part of a mezze platter, Pljevlja cheese is enjoyed with bread, olives, and sometimes drizzled with honey for a balance of flavors.

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 Pljevlja Cheese and Tulum Cheese?

Origin: Pljevlja Cheese (Montenegro), Tulum Cheese (Turkey)
Milk type: Pljevlja Cheese (Sheep’s milk, cow’s milk, mixed), Tulum Cheese (goat)
Aging: Pljevlja Cheese (4 to 8 weeks), Tulum Cheese (about 6 months)

Side-by-Side Comparison

	Pljevlja Cheese	Tulum Cheese
Country of Origin	Montenegro	Turkey
Specific Origin	Northern Montenegro, Municipality Of Pljevlja	Turkey
Milk Type	Sheep’s milk, cow’s milk, mixed	Goat
Milk Treatment	—	Raw
Texture	Soft to semihard	—
Aging	4 to 8 weeks	About 6 months

Taste Comparison: Does Pljevlja Cheese Taste Like Tulum Cheese?

Their flavor profiles are distinct. Aging plays into this as well. Pljevlja Cheese at 4 to 8 weeks develops a different profile than Tulum Cheese at about 6 months.

Can You Substitute Pljevlja Cheese for Tulum Cheese?

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

Which Is Better, Pljevlja 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 Pljevlja Cheese the same as Tulum Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Pljevlja Cheese originates in Montenegro, while Tulum Cheese comes from Turkey. Pljevlja Cheese is made from cow or sheep milk; Tulum Cheese uses goat. Aging also differs: Pljevlja Cheese is typically aged 4 to 8 weeks, Tulum Cheese about 6 months.

Is Pljevlja Cheese similar to Tulum Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Pljevlja Cheese for Tulum Cheese?

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

Does Pljevlja Cheese taste like Tulum Cheese?

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

What is Pljevlja Cheese made of?

Pljevlja Cheese is made from cow or sheep milk, using traditional, industrial rennet. It's typically aged 4 to 8 weeks. It originates in Montenegro.

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, Pljevlja Cheese or Tulum Cheese?

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