I mean yes, we are a very sentimental culture, as evidenced by the fact that there is no better medicine to treat heartbreak than an Arabic song. But we’re cheesy in other ways, too. From early morning breakfasts to late night snacks to those deeply fulfilling desserts, cheese is a staple food in our lives, and we have turned it into a craft.

Embrace your cheesiness. Know your cheese.

1. Braided cheese

The only snack you ever really needed growing up. Peeling back those strings piece by piece makes the jaduli cheese all the more interesting. You kind of grew up to love braids…because of this cheese.

You just hated when your mama didn’t unsalt the cheese before you started your binge. That didn’t stop you though.

2. Akkawi

If you’re a fan of knafeh, akkawi is the reason why your life is cheesier. But, that’s not the only meal where you get your akkawi dosage. It makes manoushe’s yummier and cheese rolls saltier.

3. Picon/Kiri

Was your childhood filled with picon and cucumber sandwiches? Did your mama pack picon and pita bread for those long trips on the plane or picnics. All this because picon/kiri was the only cheese you could carry for hours without it getting spoiled.

Oh, not to forget making it the perfect addition to soft kaak and jam. Delicious.

4. Halloumi

There’s no going wrong when it comes to halloumi cheese. It’s as versatile as cheese can be. And we love getting creative with this cheese. From eating it raw to adding it as a salad topping to making fries out of them, halloum is a way of life.

5. Kashkawan

This yellow cheese made of cow milk or sheep milk is heaven on earth. Whether you like it in a grilled cheese sandwich, manoushe, kaak or what have you, this cheese is indispensable.

6. Mozzarella

I mean this is pretty much a favorite all around the world, but in the Arab world it’s everywhere. From manoushe to qatayef to knafeh to cheese rolls, mozzarella is every part of your day.

The best part is that you can substitute all your favorite recipes with mozzarella, and they’ll taste just as good.

This halloumi covered in kashkawan pretty much sums up our utter cheesiness.