Halloumi alternative

[Prisoner 24601]

I was in Waitrose the other day looking for Halloumi. There wasn't any, however, they did have plenty of Cypriot Light Grilling Cheese. Which appears to be the same. What say you? Does anyone have any strong views on this?

[AndyTR]

Halloumi has PDO status, so they can't call it halloumi if it isn't made to the traditonal method with the ingredients listed in the PDO. So it'll taste the same/similar but has likely been made on an industrial scale with cheaper ingredients.

[jimothyc]

The wife is a vegetarian, so I have plenty of experience with Halloumi. The greek style grilling cheese is a similar but definitely inferior product. Doesn't have the same texture and doesn't grill/brown as well as the real thing. But if it's all you can get your hands on, it will do in a pinch.

[P2KKA]

AndyTR said:

Halloumi has PDO status, so they can't call it halloumi if it isn't made to the traditonal method with the ingredients listed in the PDO. So it'll taste the same/similar but has likely been made on an industrial scale with cheaper ingredients.

Same kind of deal s the "Greek salad cheese" supermarkets sell. Half price Feta.

[SlimJim16v]

I think it has to be made in Cyprus as well.

[Prisoner 24601]

Cheers all.

I cooked 1cm long cubes (chips) of the cheese in a frying pan, so no lost contributions to the BBQ gods.

[Mobile Chicane]

If you knew how halloumi was produced, you wouldn't eat it.

Seen any lush green pastures in Cyprus? Thought not.

Cows are housed indoors, fed on grain, up to their knees in st, and maddened by flies in the searing Cyprus heat.

Perhaps the facility I saw was atypical, but somehow I doubt it. Greeks aren't exactly known for their compassion towards animals.

[Trustmeimadoctor]

It should be sheep and goat milk not cow

[Mobile Chicane]

Trustmeimadoctor said:

It should be sheep and goat milk not cow

I've never seen one in the UK that didn't contain cow's milk, at least in part.

ETA:

Ah, tell a lie. Google tells me that Waitrose No 1 halloumi with mint is made exclusively from sheep and goat milk. I'll be seeking that out.

Edited by Mobile Chicane on Thursday 16th July 18:17

[tog]

Mobile Chicane said:

Google tells me that Waitrose No 1 halloumi with mint is made exclusively from sheep and goat milk. I'll be seeking that out.

I like it, and so does the Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/thefilter/2026/apr/11/...

[Mammasaid]

If you can find it this is a good substitute, salty and tangy, and squeaks up nicely.

https://applebycreamery.co.uk/product/premium-gril...

[Doesitdrive]

Mammasaid said:

If you can find it this is a good substitute, salty and tangy, and squeaks up nicely.

https://applebycreamery.co.uk/product/premium-gril...

Good to see someone seeking out home country alternatives instead of relying on imports.

[Mobile Chicane]

I stumbled across this which looks good. I'm already a fan of their Leeds Blue.

https://www.yorkshirepecorino.co.uk/product/ewe-mi...

[Dave Hedgehog]

this one on occado seams well rated

https://www.ocado.com/products/odysea-premium-shee...

[Ussrcossack]

And this
https://www.yorkshiredamacheese.co.uk/

[AndyAudi]

I use “paneer”

Not a fan of goats/sheep’s milk I also seek out “Greek style”. instead of feta

[Mobile Chicane]

Ussrcossack said:

And this
https://www.yorkshiredamacheese.co.uk/

That looks epic.

Squeaky cheese with onion seeds?

Sheep's milk ghee with turmeric?

I'm in.

[Ussrcossack]

Mobile Chicane said:

Ussrcossack said:

And this
https://www.yorkshiredamacheese.co.uk/

That looks epic.

Squeaky cheese with onion seeds?

Sheep's milk ghee with turmeric?

I'm in.

15 minute drive from me too!

[Baron Greenback]

Got hooked watching this channel on YouTube making cheese at home, ok she has advantage of having her own cows and she makes it look so simple. This one is 5 simple cheese, paneer and mozzarella look tasty.

[dickymint]

Baron Greenback said:

Got hooked watching this channel on YouTube making cheese at home, ok she has advantage of having her own cows and she makes it look so simple. This one is 5 simple cheese, paneer and mozzarella look tasty.

Yes I've seen most of Her videos (and many others) as I started to make my own cheese back in March. I started a thread here that needs updating but to be honest I don't think there's much interest in it ....................

https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...

It shows my first attempt at Mozzarella that failed and ended up like a Halloumi which I don't actually like My latest attempt was yesterday as it happens - a very nice Boursin type which was simple and quick to do