Most Popular Cheese Types in India | NFCI Hospitality

When you visit a restaurant and look at the menu, what is the first thing your eyes search for? Is it a Cheese Burst pizza melting straight into your heart, Cheesy Garlic Bread, or creamy pasta? Even at home, do you crave comforting taste of paneer in your favorite Indian curry, the most popular cheese types in India or processed cheese in a street-style sandwich? The answer is probably yes. Somehow, meals feel incomplete without cheese. Just Imagine, eating a pizza or pasta without any cheese. Hard to think – right? Whether it’s a desi delights or modern bites, cheese has found a permanent and delicious spot in Indian households, bringing joy to every plate and making each bite more delightful.

Understanding the different types of cheese can enhance your cooking skills and open the doors to a world of rich flavors and creative possibilities. There are a variety of cheese types available across the country whether its soft, crumbly paneer used in festive feasts or richly aged processed cheese slices in modern snacks.

In this blog, we’ll explore about the most popular Indian cheese types in India, how they’re used, and why they deserve a permanent spot in Indian kitchen.

What is a Cheese?

Cheese is a dairy product made by coagulating milk separating the curds (solid part) from the whey (liquid part), and then processing the curds through various methods such as aging, pressing, and flavoring. This dairy product isn’t just yummy—It’s also rich in calcium, protein, and fats, and comes in numerous textures and flavors depending on the type of milk used (cow, buffalo, goat, etc.) It can be soft, hard, creamy, aged, or fresh.

It is important to choose the right type of cheese as it also enhances the taste, texture, and visual presentation of your dish.

Most Loved Cheese Types in India

1. Paneer – The King of Indian Cheese Types

Paneer is the most popular and favorite cheese type in India, prepared by adding a food acid to hot milk, causing it to curdle. White cheese curds are then pressed into a firm block. Its versatile nature is unmatched that can be grilled, fried, crumbled in rich gravies. Paneer doesn’t melt like other cheeses. There are some of the famous Indian dishes like Paneer Butter Masala, Palak Paneer, Kadayi Paneer and festive snacks like Paneer Tikka, Paneer Sandwiches. It’s mild flavor and high protein content that make it nutritious addition to both everyday meals and special occasions.

Paneer’s winning qualities:

• Soft, Spongy Texture
• High Protein Content
• Easy to Digest & Cook
• Home-Friendly & Affordable
  

     2. Mozzarella Cheese – The Melting Marvel of Cheese Types

Mozzarella is the most loved cheese types and holds a special space for those who craves stretchy, gooey, melt-in-the-mouth textures. It is originally from Italy but made its way into the hearts of Indian food lovers. This white and semi soft cheese have incredible melting properties and mild, milky taste. In India, it’s most commonly used in cheese burst pizzas, cheesy garlic bread, pasta bakes, and even cheese-stuffed parathas or mozzarella pakoras.

Mozzarella’s winning qualities:

• Incredible Meltability
• Mild Flavour, Great Versatility
• A Go-To for Fusion Cuisine
• Available in Many Forms

3. Cheddar Cheese – The Sharp and Savory Star
   

   

   Cheddar Cheese type is widely known and consumed around the world. It is originated from the English village of Cheddar; however, it’s popularity keeps increasing in Indian kitchens. This dairy product is known for its sharp, tangy flavour and firm texture that intensifies as it matures. In India, Cheddar is most commonly found in food items such as sandwiches, burgers, cheese – stuffed pranthas etc. Also, there are cheddar loaded nachos and cheddar cheese dosa that are very famous.

Cheddar’s winning qualities:

• Aged to Perfection
• Versatile in use
• Rich in nutrients
• Perfect for Indian fusion dishes

4. Ricotta Cheese – The Creamy Star of Italian Cuisine

Ricotta cheese is rooted in Italy culinary tradition but has found its place in Indian Gourmet kitchens and even bakeries due to its creamy texture and versatile taste. The word ricotta means “recooked” in Italian, as it’s traditionally made by reheating the leftover whey from the production of other cheeses like mozzarella. This sustainable method doesn’t only prevent food from going to waste but also produces a nutrient-rich, soft cheese that is lower in fat and high in protein and calcium.

Ricotta’s winning qualities:

• Soft and Fluffy Texture
• Mild Flavour
• High in Protein
• Low in Fat

5. Gouda Cheese – The Perfect Pairing of Texture and Taste

Gouda Cheese is one of the most popular and widely consumed cheese types in the world. Originally from the Netherlands, Gouda has found a special place in gourmet kitchens and on cheese platters across the globe — including in India, where it’s appreciated for its creamy texture and caramel-like flavour.

Gouda’s winning qualities:

• Rich, Buttery Flavour
• Smooth & Semi-Hard Texture
• Great Meltability

6. Bandel Cheese – The Smoky Delight with a Heritage Twist

Bandel Cheese is a homemade cheese which is originated from the West Bengal and is known for its distinct smoky flavour and crumbly texture. This is a traditionally prepared cheese type, using cow’s milk and smoked over open fires.

Bandel’s winning qualities:

• Smoky & Salty Flavour
• Crumbly Texture
• Rare & Traditional

7. Feta Cheese – The Crumbly Classic with the Tangy Twist

Feta Cheese is originated in the area of Greece, but now found its place in Indian dishes. It is a brined white cheese known for its crumbly texture and distinct salty tangy flavour.

Feta’s winning qualities:

• Rich in calcium and protein, yet lower in fat than many cheeses
• Distinct tangy flavour that enhances Mediterranean and fusion dishes
• No melting — retains shape when cooked, making it perfect for crumbling over warm dishes

Is Cheese Good for Health?

Yes, cheese is good for health when consumed in moderation. This offers:

• Protein: Around 18–25g of protein per 100g
• Calcium: Great for bone health
• Probiotics: Helps in digestion (especially in aged cheese)

However, processed and high-fat cheese should be eaten mindfully.

Cheese Protein per 100g

Have a look at protein content in various cheese types:

Why You Should Explore Indian Cheese Types?

Learning about cheese types in India opens up an exciting world of taste and nutrition. These cheeses are not just delicious—they are often packed with protein, easy to digest, and extremely versatile in Indian and international cooking.

Here are the reasons why understanding types of cheese in India is a must:

• Nutritional Value
• Culinary Versatility
• Cultural Relevance
• Budget Friendly & Fresh

Begin your journey with NFCI!

Do you dream of becoming a chef or hospitality expert? At NFCI (National Finishing and Cookery Institute), we teach the art of culinary excellence—including how to work with all cheese types, from paneer to parmesan!

Join our Professional Cookery & Culinary Arts Courses

• Expert-led training
• Practical sessions with real ingredients
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• Government approved certifications

Let your culinary journey begin with NFCI—where passion meets profession!