If you have ever scanned an Indian menu and wondered what is paneer, you are not alone — it is one of the most common questions we hear at Inder'n, our family-run Indian takeaway on Sirgræsvej 4 in Kastrup. The short answer: paneer is a fresh, unaged Indian cheese — soft, mild and rich in protein — and it is the heart of some of the most popular vegetarian dishes on our menu. This guide explains exactly what paneer is, how it is made, what it tastes like, and which paneer dishes you can order in Kastrup, Tårnby and across Amager.
What is paneer, exactly?
Paneer is a fresh cheese made by curdling hot milk with an acid — usually lemon juice or vinegar — and then pressing the curds into a firm block. Unlike most Western cheeses, paneer is not aged and uses no rennet, which makes it fully vegetarian. It sits in the same family as Latin American queso fresco or a very firm ricotta, but it is denser and holds its shape when cooked. In North Indian cooking — the tradition our kitchen comes from — paneer is treated almost like a vegetarian's answer to chicken or lamb: it soaks up sauce, carries spice, and gives a dish real substance.
How paneer is made
Making paneer is simple but unforgiving. Whole milk is heated almost to boiling, then an acid is stirred in. Within seconds the milk splits into soft white curds and a thin, yellowish whey. The curds are strained through cloth, rinsed, and pressed under weight until they set into a solid block that can be cut into cubes. The fresher the paneer, the softer and creamier the result — which is why good Indian kitchens prepare or source it in small batches rather than buying it packaged weeks ahead. At Inder'n we cook everything from scratch, so the paneer in your order is made to be tender, never rubbery.
What does paneer taste like?
On its own, paneer is mild and milky with a gentle, fresh-dairy flavour — closer to halloumi than to a sharp cheddar, but without halloumi's saltiness or squeak. That mildness is the whole point. Paneer is a carrier: it absorbs the spices and sauce around it while adding a creamy, satisfying bite. Drop it into a spiced spinach sauce and it tastes green and earthy; simmer it in a tomato-cashew gravy and it turns rich and almost sweet. The texture is firm enough to hold a cube shape but tender enough to cut with the side of a fork.
Is paneer good for you?
Paneer is one of the reasons Indian vegetarian food is so filling. It is high in protein and calcium, and because it contains no meat it suits vegetarians and anyone cutting back on meat without giving up a hearty meal. As a single ingredient it is also naturally gluten-free — though if you have an allergy, please call us on +45 50 29 13 71 before ordering, since our dishes are prepared in a shared kitchen and may contain gluten, milk or nuts. Pair a paneer curry with basmati rice for a balanced plate, or with naan when you want the full comfort-food version.
Paneer dishes you can order at Inder'n in Kastrup
Two of our most-loved vegetarian dishes are built around paneer. Shahi Paneer (129 kr) is the indulgent one: soft paneer in a luxurious cashew-tomato sauce, mild, rich and a little royal — shahi literally means "royal". Palak Party (139 kr) puts your protein of choice, including paneer, into a creamy, spiced spinach sauce — fresh, green and deeply savoury. Both are made from scratch in our kitchen and travel well, so they arrive hot whether you collect them or have them delivered. You can see everything on our menu, and when you are ready, order online for pickup or delivery.
Inder'n is open Tuesday to Sunday, 16:00–20:30 (closed Mondays). We are at Sirgræsvej 4, 2770 Kastrup — minutes from Copenhagen Airport (CPH) and central to Tårnby and the rest of Amager. Most orders are ready for takeaway in 15–20 minutes, and you can always reach us on +45 50 29 13 71.
Frequently asked questions
What is paneer made from?
Paneer is made from whole milk curdled with an acid such as lemon juice or vinegar, then pressed into a firm block. It uses no rennet and is not aged, which makes it a fresh, fully vegetarian cheese.
Is paneer vegetarian?
Yes. Paneer is set with an acid rather than animal rennet, so it is suitable for vegetarians. At Inder'n in Kastrup it features in Shahi Paneer and Palak Party.
Does paneer melt when cooked?
No. Paneer holds its shape when heated, which is why it can be simmered in a curry sauce or grilled without dissolving. That firmness is one of the things that makes it so useful in Indian cooking.
Where can I order paneer dishes near Copenhagen Airport?
Inder'n on Sirgræsvej 4 in Kastrup serves Shahi Paneer and Palak Party for takeaway and delivery across Kastrup, Tårnby and Amager. We are open Tuesday to Sunday, 16:00–20:30 (closed Mondays). Order at indern.dk/bestil or call +45 50 29 13 71.