Turkish Cheeses Explained: Beyaz Peynir, Tulum, Kasar & More
The main Turkish cheeses are beyaz peynir (a brined white cheese like feta), kaşar (a firm, mild yellow cheese), tulum (a sharp, crumbly aged cheese), and örgü (braided string cheese). Each has a distinct flavor and role — from breakfast tables to börek, toasties, and meze plates.
Key takeaways
- Beyaz peynir is the everyday white cheese — briny, crumbly, perfect for breakfast and salads.
- Kaşar is the melting cheese — great for toasties and börek.
- Tulum is bold and aged — for cheese lovers and meze plates.
- Örgü (braided) is fun, salty, and stringy — a favorite with tea.
The essential Turkish cheeses
| Cheese | Taste & texture | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Beyaz peynir (white cheese) | Briny, soft, crumbly | Breakfast, salads, börek |
| Kaşar | Firm, mild, melts well | Toasties, sandwiches, melting |
| Tulum | Sharp, dry, crumbly, aged | Meze, cheese plates, with raki |
| Örgü (braided) | Salty, stringy, chewy | Snacking, tea time |
| Cecil (string) | Mild, stringy | Breakfast, snacks |
How to choose and store Turkish cheese
Buy a mix of two or three for variety — a soft white, a melting cheese, and a bold aged one. Keep them refrigerated and tightly wrapped; brined cheeses like beyaz peynir keep best in their salt water. Freshness is everything, which is why cold-chain shipping matters when you order online.
What to do with each cheese
- Breakfast plate: beyaz peynir + olives + tomatoes (see our Turkish breakfast guide).
- Börek & toasties: kaşar for stretch and melt.
- Meze board: tulum with walnuts and honey.
Where to buy fresh Turkish cheese in the US
Shop the full Turkish cheese & dairy collection for authentic beyaz peynir, kaşar, tulum and more. We have imported Turkish foods since 2003 and ship from our own warehouse with cold-chain handling, so your cheese arrives fresh, not compromised. New here? Check the best sellers.
Frequently asked questions
What is Turkish white cheese (beyaz peynir)?
Beyaz peynir is a brined white cheese similar to feta but often milder and creamier, used at breakfast, in salads, and in börek.
What is tulum cheese?
Tulum is a sharp, dry, crumbly aged Turkish cheese traditionally matured in a skin casing. It has a bold flavor loved on meze plates.
Which Turkish cheese melts best?
Kaşar is the best melting Turkish cheese, ideal for toasties, sandwiches, and börek.
How should I store Turkish cheese?
Keep it refrigerated and tightly wrapped. Brined cheeses like beyaz peynir last longest stored in their salty brine.