Urdă

Urdă is a type of whey cheese that many believe originated in Romania, but it is now widely enjoyed throughout the Balkans, especially in Serbia, North Macedonia, and Hungary. The name "urdă" in Romanian might derive from the Albanian word "urdhë."

This cheese is produced by heating the whey left over from sheep, goat, or cow milk during cheese production. Typically, urdă is shaped into a half-sphere and boasts a fine-grained, silky texture. It is also quite nutritious, containing 18 grams of protein per 100 grams.

In both Romania and Serbia, urdă features prominently in traditional desserts like clătită (a type of pancake) and plăcintă (a type of pie). It is especially beloved in the southern Serbian region of Pirot. Many people compare urdă to ricotta due to their similar production methods.