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The Daily Insight

Is halloumi cheese Greek or Turkish?

Author

David Jones

Published Apr 11, 2026

Is halloumi cheese Greek or Turkish?

Halloumi, a traditional Cypriot cheese known as hellim in Turkish, is to be entered into the EU’s coveted register of Protected Designations of Origins. Cyprus on Tuesday welcomed a European Union decision to recognize halloumi cheese as a product unique to the divided eastern Mediterranean island.

Where is halloumi originally from?

Cyprus
Cyprus is the birthplace of halloumi, a semi-hard, unripened and brined cheese prepared using sheep’s milk from the tiny Mediterranean island country. Sometimes halloumi is made using a mixture of goat’s milk and sheep’s milk.

Why is halloumi bad for you?

Potential downsides. Halloumi is relatively high in sodium, containing a whopping 350 mg in each serving ( 1 ). Decreasing salt intake is often recommended to help maintain healthy blood pressure levels in those with high blood pressure ( 14 ). Also, some people may be more sensitive to the effects of salt.

What cheese is Cyprus famous for?

halloumi
Originating from Cyprus, halloumi is a traditional Cypriot semi-hard pasteurized cheese traditionally made with a mixture of goat and sheep milk. Eventually, some producers started to add cow milk to the mix. Halloumi is known to most of us by its Greek name, but is also known by its Turkish name, hellim.

Can you eat halloumi raw?

What is halloumi? Originating from Cyprus, halloumi is a semi-hard, un-ripened, brined cheese that can be made from cow, sheep or goat’s milk. It can be eaten raw but is truly delicious cooked, having a high melting point, makes it an excellent choice for grilling or frying.

How long does halloumi take to fry?

1-2 mins
Cut the halloumi into 1cm thick slices and dry fry in a non-stick frying pan over a medium heat. Cook halloumi for 1-2 mins. When it starts to brown and crisp up turn the pieces over and cook on the other side for another minute or two.

Where does the cheese for halloumi come from?

Although halloumi is traditionally made in Greece, there are other versions of grilling or frying cheese that are prepared by dairy and goat farmers in the United States and Canada. Like most other cheeses, halloumi can be enjoyed by itself or added to a range of recipes to add texture and flavor. It’s very easy to cook halloumi.

Is it safe to eat halloumi cheese during pregnancy?

According to the Australian government’s Pregnancy, Birth and Baby service, halloumi is safe to eat during pregnancy. Halloumi cheese, also called grilling cheese, is a unique type of cheese that was originally consumed in Greece.

Can you substitute halloumi cheese for Indian paneer?

Depending on the recipe, Halloumi’s unique texture can make it difficult to substitute. Tofu or Indian paneer may be used in some recipes but won’t be quite the same as Halloumi.

Where does the name halloumi come from in Cyprus?

Halloumi is often associated with the island of Cyprus, where it has been produced by a multiethnic population for many centuries.

Although halloumi is traditionally made in Greece, there are other versions of grilling or frying cheese that are prepared by dairy and goat farmers in the United States and Canada. Like most other cheeses, halloumi can be enjoyed by itself or added to a range of recipes to add texture and flavor. It’s very easy to cook halloumi.

According to the Australian government’s Pregnancy, Birth and Baby service, halloumi is safe to eat during pregnancy. Halloumi cheese, also called grilling cheese, is a unique type of cheese that was originally consumed in Greece.

Halloumi is often associated with the island of Cyprus, where it has been produced by a multiethnic population for many centuries.

How much protein is in a slice of halloumi cheese?

High in Protein Just one thin slice, or 25 grams, of halloumi cheese contains five grams of protein. Consuming enough protein foods regularly is important for many body functions, including providing energy, supporting the absorption of nutrients and stabilizing blood sugar levels.