I keep seeing these wonderful pictures of and recipes with Halloumi cheese. But I can’t seem to find it at the grocery stores I have frequented. Anyone know where I could find some? Thanks!
Halloumi?
Baytowvin
(TJ Borden)
#2
I’ve found it at grocers that have at least a small selection of “artisan” cheeses in a deli section. Larger box/discount grocers don’t usually have it.
Capnbob
(Rob)
#3
It is common as cheddar (though with no real varieties) and cheaper than in parts of Europe (e.g UK) but scarce and expensive in the US. No idea why it isn’t made here industrially. Whole Foods has it at prices that make buying bricks of heroin look cheap. Trader Joes has just started to have it at a mere 2.5x the cost in the UK but may not be everywhere. My favorite substitute is Queso Panela, a Mexican frying cheese that I do the same to as I would with Halloumi. It is much cheaper per oz (half the cheapest for Halloumi) and is actually a bit better than the US Halloumi I’ve tried. I get mine on the west coast (SF) so not sure of nationwide availability but if not the supermarket it should be in hispanic grocery stores. Mine is made by Calcique.
OgreZed
#4
I’ve not ordered from them yet, but I’ve been looking at getting some from the Wisconsin Cheese Mart online store and having them ship it out.
Jo_O
(Jo O)
#6
Try this instead.
Queso Blanco. I just tried it. Yum.
About half the price & at Costco (artisan cheese section)
The cost: $6.69
Rajseth
(Raj Seth)
#7
Halloumi is very aggresively policed by the cypriots. It is only made in Cyprus. If not made there, you can not call it Halloumi. Thats why…
Scotch is from Scotland, but there are many other whiskeys with similar tastes…I just dont know what has the Halloumi taste, without the Halloumi name.
MarkGossage
(bulkbiker)
#8
Isn’t paneer quite similar? Has a very similar texture… no idea if it is more available in the US…
Just a thought.
Rajseth
(Raj Seth)
#9
I stock that regularly. (Costco staff know me by name).
Cut it into 1/8 inch thick slices and fry on a pre-heated skillet. Not too hot - it burns, not too cold - it melts. Goldilocks heat - and it comes out as deliciously browned pieces of YUM
MarkGossage
(bulkbiker)
#11
I quite like it with spinach and it seems to hold its shape when heated like halloumi…
I quite like it but have never cooked with it myself… being UK based I just use halloumi!
FueledbyFat
#13
Yeah no luck so far at Safeway or TJs here. I have one more store to check and then will try a substitute. I keep seeing Halloumi fries in good pictures and while I don’t crave French fries they looked amazingly good next to a burger…
FueledbyFat
#15
Thank you! I will search for the substitute you mentioned. I am on the West Coast (PNW) so maybe I can find it. Your posts always make me laugh - bricks of heroin 
Baytowvin
(TJ Borden)
#17
Not sure where in the PNW you are, but if you have a Haggen close by, they carry it in their fancy cheese section. That’s where I get it. It’s not cheap (like @Capnbob mentioned), but it’s a nice treat. Deep fried halloumi is AWESOME
FueledbyFat
#18
I live outside Seattle on the Kitsap Peninsula. I have never heard of Haggen, but we do have a specialty, upscale food store near me so I will check that out. Thanks!
Baytowvin
(TJ Borden)
#19
I LOVE the Kitsap peninsula. I’m over in lake Stevens. I’d bet the Central Market in Poulsbo would have it. Haggen is all pretty much North Sound.
Capnbob
(Rob)
#20
Their PDO still hasn’t been granted yet so it is still made and sold as elsewhere. In the US, apparently, it does have to be from Cyprus but not other places… yet. Maybe that’s why it’s so cheap in the UK (and expensive in the US). It is certainly super popular there.
The PDO was applied for 3 years ago but others have complained that it is a generic middle eastern cheese. It may well still be granted since there don’t seem to be any really big dogs in this fight.