A guide to saying it correctly
How to Pronounce Halloumi
A salty, semi-hard cheese from Cyprus, often grilled or fried. Pronounced ha-LOO-mee.
halloumi
ha-LOO-mee
/haˈlu.mi/ · hal · loo · mi
Native US English · Kokoro neural TTS · 0:01
It's also a popular item in grocery stores for home cooks looking for a versatile cheese.
Where the word comes from
From Cypriot Greek χαλλούμι (challoumi), likely from Turkish hellim, itself possibly from Arabic hailūm, referring to the rennet used in cheesemaking.
Common ways people get it wrong
- hal-LOO-my The final 'i' sound is like 'ee', not like the 'y' in 'my'. Keep the final syllable light and short.
- HAL-loo-mee The stress is on the second syllable, 'loo', not the first. Think 'ha-LOO-mee'.
Frequently asked
What is halloumi cheese?
Halloumi is a semi-hard, brined cheese traditionally made in Cyprus. It's known for its high melting point, making it ideal for grilling or frying without losing its shape.
Is halloumi salty?
Yes, halloumi is typically quite salty due to the brining process. This saltiness is a key characteristic and pairs well with other flavors.
