Close your eyes and let me paint a few pictures for you. First, imagine standing in an open field. Sun-warmed grass brushes against your ankles, the breeze lifts your hair, and in the distance, a river hums gently. Nearby, your friends have already set up a gingham picnic blanket topped with a humble yet glorious feast. Under soft sunlight, everything looks just a bit more delicious.
Now picture this: a room bathed in golden, moody candlelight. High-domed ceilings echo with hushed conversations. Guests in silk and satin flit through shadows, and in your hand, a crystal glass glitters like a fractured star, filled with something golden and honeyed.
What ties these two very different moments together?
Cheese!
Whether it’s melted into fondue, perched on a charcuterie board, or sliced for a late-night snack, cheese matches every mood. So, without further ado, here are six incredible homegrown cheese brands you need to try:
1. Käse
From semi-soft to spreadable, Käse offers something for every cheese lover. Their sandwich cheese is perfect for an indulgent grilled toastie, while their truffle mix adds a gourmet touch to pastas. You’ll find everything from manchego to quirky creations like Ode to Chennai. Don’t miss their standout offering: a customisable cheese subscription (three months or a year) for a rotating taste of the best they offer.
2. Eleftheria
Your one-stop shop for all things cheese, Eleftheria caters to home cooks and restaurants alike. Expect a well-balanced mix of classics like feta and halloumi, alongside more adventurous wheels like tomme and Norwegian whey-style cheese. Their cheese platters—especially Party for One—are a delight for intimate indulgence or entertaining with flair.
3. Spotted Cow Fromagerie
Artisanal and handmade, Spotted Cow is a treat for lovers of classic French and Italian cheeses. Whether it’s indulgent brie or fresh chèvre, their collection hits the right notes. Their limited-edition cheeses, like Ashe Goat’s Cheese, are perfect for those who enjoy subtle twists on traditional favourites.
4. The Cheese Collective
For those who love cheese enough to study it, The Cheese Collective delivers on both flavour and education. Beyond cheese boards and custom gift baskets, they offer tastings, workshops, and cheese-centric experiences. Whether you're learning about raclette or curating a board like a pro, this brand helps you do it with flair.
5. Begum Victoria Cheese
Begum Victoria celebrates cheese in all its smoky, spicy, herby glory. Think pesto gouda, smoked cheeses, rosemary crackers, and smoked honey. Their offerings elevate cheese into an experience—every bite is layered, indulgent, and a little unexpected.
6. Kumaoni Blessings
If you thought cheese was flavourful enough, you are not ready for the fresh marinated cheese from Kumaoni Blessings. Aside from the classic formages, they also feature an array of herb-crusted cheeses and marinated cheeses, marrying the aroma and robustness of the herbs with the milky richness of cheeses.
There you have it—your go-to list of cheeses for picnics, parties, brunches, game nights, movie marathons, or just a casual midnight snack. So go on, get your cheese on.