[CarrotAndStick]

Weird, because Indians consume a lot of paneer, which is a type of cheese.

Besides tha is dahi, a very tart, thick yogurt, and almost a staple.

[From many - one.]

I think the distinction, for Indians, is that yogurt and paneer are first stages of fermentation, without the bacterial decomposition that happens in “ripened” cheeses. Probably sour cream, ricotta and cottage cheese would be ok too.