Let's be honest, there aren't many problems that can't be solved by adding a little bit of cheese. Here at TUL, cheese literally gives us life. Now, we don't like to play favourites (much), but we gotta say, halloumi is our current obsession. A stellar ingredient in any sweet or savoury brekky, a noteworthy addition to any salad, wrap or burger, or a scrumptious little standalone snack, not only is halloumi is one of the most versatile cheeses, it's also downright delicious.
We've heard on the grapevine that you guys are loving the stuff too, so we've searched far and wide across the Sunshine Coast to bring you this list of the best dishes with halloumi. Enjoy!
Monica's Café and Dining
Maleny
This little slice of hinterland heaven does halloumi-fiends a huge solid with their vegetarian breakfast. Made up of poached eggs, mushrooms, avo, halloumi, baby spinach, roasted cherry tomatoes, sourdough and housemade pesto, this brekky dish is seriously to die for...and at Monica's, they certainly don't skimp out on the halloumi. We guarantee you, even the most carnivorous of Sunny Coasters will be savouring every last bite! Plus, there's always the option to add bacon. Cause what goes better than a bitta bacon and halloumi?!
Drift Bar
Caloundra
Caloundra-ites, get your halloumi fix at Drift. Let's be honest, these guys kill it any time of the day, but when it comes to halloumi, their 'light delight' is where it's at. Sitting pretty on their brekky menu, think scrumptious grain sourdough loaded up with oodles of grilled halloumi, avocado and rocket, and topped with quinoa seeds and beetroot crisps with lime. Uhmmmm, yaaaas please!
Canteen Kitchen and Bar
Coolum
Canteen is SUCH a gem. It's right on beautiful Coolum Beach, and there truly is something for everyone! If you're craving halloumi, you'll be drawn to their open omelette - perfectly whisked and cooked eggies with smoked chicken, avo, a lil' pumpkin patch pickle and halloumi. If you've never experienced love at first bite, get ready.
The Velo Project
Mooloolaba
Healthy and delicious, The Velo Project's 'twisted sister' is a dish you'll want to order again and again…and again! Served with a big old helping of halloumi is spiced pumpkin, Baharat quinoa and kale, caramelised fennel, roasted cherry tomatoes, beetroot chutney, chia and macadamia dukkah, and an egg of your choice. If that's not the most divine combination of ingredients you've heard in a while, we honestly don't know what is.
Hungry Feel Eating House
Buderim
Y'all already know how amazing the team at Hungry Feel are…or at least, hopefully you do, otherwise you're missing out big time! But right now, we're showing them some extra lovin' because they've got not just one, but TWO epic dishes on their breakfast menu featuring our bae halloumi. Are you a baked eggs kinda guy or gal, or is a brekky board with a bit of everything more your style? Whatever's your flavour, both dishes have one thing in common: local Cedar Street halloumi takes pride of place in each. Get amongst it!
The Piano Bar
Maroochydore
You ask, The Piano Bar delivers every single time. Being a Mediterranean restaurant and all, it's really no surprise that The Piano Bar slays the halloumi game. It's the real deal here - choose from grilled Cyprus halloumi with shaved zucchini and fennel salad, or Paphos Village halloumi, wrapped in pastry with a honey glaze, balsamic and a medley of nuts and zaatar. We're actually drooling. Can't decide? Por que no los dos?
Izba Espresso
Birtinya
Hello, is this Halloumi Addicts Anonymous? Nope, it's Izba Espresso! With two heavenly halloumi dishes dominating their brekky menu, the only question you'll need to ask is 'do I feel like eggs, or don't I?' We're a little obsessed with their 'vegie stack' - grilled halloumi, avo, a baked field mushroom and roma tomatoes, all piled up on Turkish toast and topped with rocket, homemade relish and balsamic glaze. On the other hand, their 'vegie delight' has a handful of these ingredients, just with two poached eggs. Same same but different…and all delicious.
Halloumi not your thing? Do you love a new opening? Check out Larder & Baked, Land & Sea Brewery and Waterpistols Surfboards + Laguna Bowls.
Filos & Yiros | Image credit: Nancy Hanna