Halloumi Halloumi is a soft, salty, gooey, squeaky cheese and does not melt when heated. Cut the halloumi in finger sized strips. Fry the cheese in little oil over low to medium heat until the cheese is light brown. Frying halloumi in butter or olive oil does not improve the flavour and ordinary cooking oil delivers the best results. The cheese will have a lovely squeaky texture and fresh taste. For added zest, add a squirt of lemon juice to the frying oil when the cheese is just turning brown. Fried halloumi goes very well with a bacon and egg breakfast, added to salads, or served with cold watermelon as a summertime treat. Having vegetarian people over for a braai (barbecue)? Make sosaties (kebabs) with halloumi squares, pineapple pieces and cherry tomatoes on a skewer. Drizzle the sosaties with olive oil and lemon juice, and braai over medium coals.