Turkey’s Beloved Bulgur Salad and How to Make It

Turkey’s Beloved Bulgur Salad and How to Make It

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on November 6, 2024

Kısır is a cherished dish from Turkey, woven deeply into the social and culinary fabric of the country. This zesty and vibrant salad, made primarily of fine bulgur wheat, is celebrated not only for its delightful taste but also for its simplicity and versatility. 

Kısır’s roots are firmly planted in the southeastern regions of Turkey, particularly in cities like Gaziantep and Adana. With a history influenced by Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisines, it shares similarities with the Levantine tabbouleh but stands out due to its unique blend of ingredients and regional variations.

Traditionally, kısır is more than just food; it's a symbol of community. It often appears at social gatherings, from afternoon tea parties to family dinners, where it's served as part of a broader array of meze (appetizers). Its vibrant color and refreshing taste make it an especially popular choice during the spring and summer months when lighter, more refreshing dishes are preferred.

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The base of kısır is fine bulgur, a type of cracked wheat that is both nutritious and filling. Unlike its coarser cousin used in pilafs, the fine bulgur is simply soaked rather than cooked, preserving its slightly chewy texture.

How to Make Traditional Kısır?

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup fine bulgur wheat
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon red pepper paste (optional for more spice)
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • Juice of 1 large lemon (or more, to taste)
  • 2 tablespoons pomegranate molasses
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
  • 3 green onions, finely sliced
  • Salt and red pepper flakes, to taste

Instructions:

  1. Place the bulgur in a large bowl and cover it with warm water. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes until it softens. Drain any excess water and fluff with a fork.
  2. In a separate bowl, combine the tomato paste, red pepper paste, lemon juice, pomegranate molasses, and olive oil. Stir until smooth.
  3. Pour the paste mixture over the softened bulgur and mix thoroughly to ensure the bulgur is evenly coated.
  4. Mix in the chopped parsley and green onions. Season with salt and red pepper flakes to taste. (Some regional versions include diced cucumbers or fresh mint for an extra layer of freshness.)
  5. Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with extra parsley or a few pomegranate seeds if desired.

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Psst! Additional Tips 

If you prefer a more citrusy taste, add extra lemon juice. For a richer, slightly sweet flavor, increase the amount of pomegranate molasses. And, letting kısır rest in the refrigerator for an hour or so allows the flavors to meld together.

With its combination of hearty bulgur, bold seasonings, and fresh vegetables, it’s both satisfying and health-conscious. Moreover, kısır is vegan-friendly, making it suitable for diverse dietary preferences.


From Soulful Music to Story-Driven Cocktails: Valentine’s Plans Across Mumbai

From Soulful Music to Story-Driven Cocktails: Valentine’s Plans Across Mumbai

By Hariharan U

Published on February 10, 2026

Mumbai’s Valentine’s celebrations this year move beyond predictable dinners, unfolding instead through music-led evenings, narrative cocktails and comfort-driven dining across some of the city’s most distinctive venues. From Andheri to Juhu and Versova, spaces are curating experiences that feel personal, expressive and unhurried.

At The Stables on Airport Road, Valentine’s Day becomes an intimate blend of sound and flavour. Known for its rustic-chic aesthetic and evolving 7-days-7-experiences calendar, the venue adds a romantic layer with a special evening featuring live music by Mumbai-based singer-songwriter Suhayb Nazyr. His soulful originals, contemporary Sufi influences and Bollywood renditions set a reflective, immersive tone for couples. Complementing the music is The Stables’ Sweetheart’s Menu, a Valentine’s-exclusive cocktail line-up inspired by love stories from across the world. From the floral, tropical notes of A Korean Affair to the citrus brightness of An Italian Romance and the bold warmth of An Irish Promise, the menu also includes playful mocktails and indulgent shots designed to be shared..

In Juhu, KOJAK stretches Valentine’s into a week-long narrative. From 10th to 15th February, the bar introduces a specially curated Valentine’s menu featuring cocktails, food and desserts built around fresh flavours and shareable formats. The celebrations evolve each night, beginning with flute and violin performances, moving into a Magic & Cocktails evening, and culminating in a high-energy bar night with Ravetek. Interactive elements such as a spin-the-wheel experience, a nostalgic dessert cart and intimate seating corners add depth, with reservations recommended to maintain a limited, immersive feel. 

For couples seeking a quieter celebration, Kefi in Versova offers a comforting Valentine’s Day menu centred on familiar flavours. Featuring dim sums, baos, indulgent mains, decadent desserts and relaxed sips, the experience leans into warmth and simplicity within Kefi’s cosy setting. The Valentine’s offering is available in the evening onwards, Together, these venues reflect Mumbai’s evolving Valentine’s mood—less about spectacle, more about connection, stories and shared moments


Mirth Cocktail Conservatory Unveils “Wild Hearts & Clear Intentions” Valentine’s Collection

Mirth Cocktail Conservatory Unveils “Wild Hearts & Clear Intentions” Valentine’s Collection

By Hariharan U

Published on February 10, 2026

This Valentine’s Day, Mirth Cocktail Conservatory is redefining romance with the launch of its special “Wild Hearts & Clear Intentions” collection, inviting guests to celebrate love through craft-driven cocktails rather than predictable tropes. Designed for modern romantics, the curated menu focuses on texture, clarity and expressive flavours, making it equally suited for first dates and long-standing toasts.

The collection features four signature serves that highlight Mirth’s mixology philosophy of intention over excess. The Cheesecake Sour pairs a robust whiskey base with a silky cheesecake foam, offering a dessert-inspired indulgence, while the Strawberry Negroni reimagines the classic with an airy strawberry cloud that softens its bitter-sweet profile. For bolder palates, the Wild Heart delivers a vibrant mix of tart berry shrub accented by a distinctive jamun strip, and the Clear Intention showcases technical finesse through a crystal-clear, clarified blend of gin, basil and lychee.

Set within Mirth’s intimate, velvet-toned interiors in Indiranagar, the Valentine’s collection underscores the bar’s reputation for contemporary, experimental mixology. With this limited-time offering, Mirth positions cocktails not just as drinks, but as expressions of mood, chemistry and connection, encouraging guests to celebrate romance with clarity, confidence and a sense of play


Barista Coffee Launches “Currently Romantic” Valentine’s Menu Across India

Barista Coffee Launches “Currently Romantic” Valentine’s Menu Across India

By Hariharan U

Published on February 10, 2026

As Valentine’s season sets in, Barista Coffee Company is spreading the spirit of love with the launch of its special campaign, “Currently Romantic,” inviting customers to celebrate togetherness over thoughtfully crafted flavours. Rooted in the idea of creating meaningful moments, the campaign reflects Barista’s focus on turning everyday café visits into warm, memorable experiences for couples, friends and self-care enthusiasts alike.

Available from 1 February across Barista outlets, the limited-time Valentine’s menu features indulgent offerings designed to balance comfort and celebration. Highlights include the Strawberry Brownie Frappe, which blends fruity freshness with rich chocolate notes, and the Brownie Latte, a creamy and indulgent coffee crafted for those seeking a cosy, dessert-inspired cup. Adding to the festive spread is the Valentine’s Cake, positioned as a shareable sweet treat that captures the emotion of the season in every slice.

Commenting on the initiative, Rajat Agrawal, CEO, Barista Coffee Company, said the campaign is aimed at making people feel special during the season of love by spreading warmth, happiness and indulgence across cities. He noted that the specially curated treats are meant to bring customers closer to their loved ones, whether through a quiet café date, a cheerful outing or a simple moment of self-indulgence.

The “Currently Romantic” campaign stays true to Barista’s vibrant brand identity, combining flavour, emotion and experience. With visually appealing, ‘gram-worthy’ desserts and beverages, the Valentine’s menu encourages customers to create and share moments over coffee. The exclusive offerings will be available at select Barista cafés across India from 1 February, inviting everyone to indulge, celebrate and fall in love with every sip and bite

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