A guide to saying it correctly
How to Pronounce Paneer
A fresh, non-melting Indian cheese, often cubed and used in curries and snacks. Pronounced puh-NEER.
paneer
puh-NEER
/pəˈnɪr/ · pa · neer
Native US English · Kokoro neural TTS · 0:01
Paneer is a staple in Indian cuisine, frequently appearing on menus at Indian restaurants worldwide. You'll often find it mentioned in recipes for dishes like Palak Paneer (spinach and cheese) or Paneer Tikka Masala.
Where the word comes from
The word 'paneer' likely comes from Persian 'panir', meaning cheese. This Persian word itself is thought to derive from Proto-Indo-Iranian '*paníras', meaning 'curdled milk'.
Common ways people get it wrong
- PAY-neer Some English speakers might default to a 'long a' sound like in 'pain', but the first syllable is short, like 'puh'.
- PAN-eer The stress falls on the second syllable, not the first. Make sure to emphasize the 'NEER' sound.
Frequently asked
What kind of cheese is paneer?
Paneer is a fresh, non-aged, non-melting curd cheese common in Indian cooking. It has a mild, slightly tangy flavor and a firm texture.
Is paneer vegetarian?
Yes, traditional paneer is made from milk and an acid like lemon juice or vinegar, making it suitable for vegetarians. It does not typically contain animal rennet.
