How to shop at a cheese counter like a pro — asking for tastes, getting advice, buying the right amount, and making the most of the cheesemonger.
A good cheese counter, staffed by a knowledgeable cheesemonger, is a treasure — but it can be intimidating. Knowing how to shop there confidently transforms the experience. Here's how to shop at a cheese counter like a pro.
The Cheesemonger Is Your Friend
The single best thing about a cheese counter is the cheesemonger — the person behind it who knows the cheeses, can offer advice, and wants to help you find something you'll love. Far from being intimidating, a good cheesemonger is a resource to be used. Don't be shy: tell them what you like, ask questions, and let them guide you. Shopping at a cheese counter is interactive and personal, unlike grabbing pre-packaged cheese, and the cheesemonger's expertise is the key to a great experience.
Ask for Tastes
A cardinal rule of the cheese counter: you can usually ask to taste before you buy, and good cheesemongers expect and encourage it. Don't commit to a cheese you've never tried — ask for a small taste, especially of unfamiliar or pricier cheeses. Tasting lets you discover what you like, compare options, and avoid buying something that doesn't suit you. Asking for tastes is normal, expected, and one of the great pleasures of a cheese counter. A pro always tastes before buying something new.
Describe What You Want
Help the cheesemonger help you by describing what you're after. Mention the occasion (a dinner party, a snack, a cheese board), your preferences (mild or strong, hard or soft, a particular milk), what you'll pair it with (a specific wine, fruit, or dish), and your budget. The more you tell them, the better they can recommend. You can also ask open-ended questions like "what's particularly good right now?" — cheesemongers love to point out cheeses at their peak. Communicating your needs gets you the best results.
Buy What's at Its Best
Cheese is seasonal and individual wheels vary, so a pro asks what's at its peak. Cheesemongers know which cheeses are eating particularly well at the moment, and which wheels are ripe and ready. Buying cheese at its best — rather than just grabbing a familiar name — leads to a far better experience. Ask "what's ripe and ready to eat now?" or "what's especially good today?" This insider knowledge is exactly what the counter offers over pre-packaged cheese.
Buy the Right Amount and Freshness
Buy cheese freshly cut from the wheel rather than pre-cut where possible, as it's fresher and you can buy the exact amount you need. Tell the cheesemonger how much you want (or how many people you're serving, and they'll advise — roughly 30-60g per person for a board). Buy only what you'll use in a reasonable time, since freshly cut cheese is best eaten relatively soon. Ask how to store it and how ripe it is, so you know when to eat it. Buying fresh and in the right quantity is a hallmark of shopping like a pro.
Make the Most of the Experience
To get the most from a cheese counter: go when it's not too busy so the cheesemonger has time for you, be open to recommendations and trying new things, ask about pairings and storage, and build a relationship with your local cheesemonger over time (regulars get great advice and tips). Treat it as a chance to learn and explore, not just a transaction. With a little confidence and curiosity, the cheese counter becomes one of the most rewarding places to shop.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I taste cheese before buying at a counter?
Yes — you can usually ask for a small taste, and good cheesemongers encourage it. Always taste unfamiliar or pricier cheeses before committing.
How do I get good recommendations from a cheesemonger?
Describe the occasion, your preferences (mild/strong, soft/hard), what you'll pair it with, and your budget, and ask what's at its peak right now. The more you share, the better the advice.
Should I buy freshly cut or pre-cut cheese?
Freshly cut from the wheel where possible — it's fresher, you can get the exact amount you need, and the cheesemonger can tell you how ripe it is and how to store it.