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.


Sheraton Grand Palace Indore Launches “Sarafa se Chappan” Culinary Experience

Sheraton Grand Palace Indore Launches “Sarafa se Chappan” Culinary Experience

By Hariharan U

Published on May 15, 2026

Sheraton Grand Palace Indore has introduced a new immersive dining concept titled “Sarafa se Chappan,” designed to celebrate the vibrant street food culture of Indore through a curated culinary journey.

The experience brings together the iconic flavours of Sarafa Bazaar’s lively night food scene and the diverse offerings of Chappan Dukan, two of the city’s most celebrated culinary destinations. Hosted at S Café, the initiative transforms familiar street food favourites into a refined, sit-down dining format while preserving their authenticity and regional character.

The specially curated menu features a wide range of Indori street food staples, including Potato Hot Dog, Sweet Potato Spiral, Jeeravan Spiced Corn, Indori Chatpati Bhel, and Tandoori Fruits. Complementing the food selection are locally inspired beverages such as Jamun Shots and Pineapple Crusher, designed to reflect the bold, tangy, and refreshing flavours associated with Indore’s street culture.

The concept is built around storytelling through food, where each dish represents a sensory connection to the city’s culinary heritage. By blending nostalgia with presentation-driven dining, the experience aims to recreate the energy and vibrancy of Indore’s bustling food streets within a premium hospitality setting.

According to the hotel, the initiative is designed to offer guests more than just a meal, focusing instead on immersive dining that engages taste, memory, and culture. The emphasis remains on authenticity, creativity, and regional identity, while presenting street food in a structured and elevated format.

The “Sarafa se Chappan” experience will be available every weekend from 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM at Sheraton Grand Palace Indore, offering guests a curated journey through one of India’s most celebrated food cities.


Oliveto brings Venerdì Italiano evenings to The St. Regis Goa Resort this June

Oliveto brings Venerdì Italiano evenings to The St. Regis Goa Resort this June

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 15, 2026

Oliveto at The St. Regis Goa Resort is set to bring the charm of Italy to Goa with the launch of Venerdì Italiano evenings this June. Inspired by the relaxed and soulful dining traditions of Italy, the experience invites guests to slow down and enjoy a specially curated evening centred around food, conversation, and timeless flavours.

Scheduled every Friday throughout June, the dining experience embraces the essence of La Dolce Vita and recreates the warmth of a classic neighbourhood trattoria in a refined setting.

Guests can look forward to a chef-curated set menu featuring beloved Italian favourites thoughtfully presented with a contemporary touch. The menu will take diners through a carefully planned culinary journey, beginning with elegant antipasti and moving through signature classics before ending on indulgent dessert notes.

Designed to blend authenticity with modern finesse, Venerdì Italiano aims to offer more than just a meal. The evening promises a warm and inviting atmosphere where guests can enjoy the comfort of traditional Italian dining with a refreshed perspective.

The experience will take place every Friday in June from 7:00 PM to 10:30 PM at Oliveto, The St. Regis Goa Resort.


Continuum launches in JP Nagar with a fresh take on global vegetarian dining

Continuum launches in JP Nagar with a fresh take on global vegetarian dining

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 15, 2026

A new vegetarian dining destination has arrived in Bengaluru with the launch of Continuum in JP Nagar. Designed around experiences, interaction, and evolving food stories, the restaurant brings together familiar flavours and global inspirations through a modern vegetarian approach.

Continuum celebrates vegetarian cuisine with a fresh perspective, blending comfort with creativity. Created for families as well as a younger generation increasingly embracing vegetarian lifestyles, the concept aims to offer a dining experience that feels both familiar and exciting. Every element of the space has been planned to encourage connection and create memorable moments.

At the centre of the experience is a dynamic show kitchen paired with refined tableside interactions and personalised service. Rather than being just a place to dine, Continuum focuses on making each visit immersive, social, and engaging.

A key aspect of the restaurant is its evolving menu philosophy. Instead of a fixed offering, the menu is designed to grow and change over time through three distinct layers that bring together guest participation, seasonal inspiration, and signature dishes.

One of its unique concepts is the 30-Day Guest Collab Menu, where guests contribute ideas, flavours, and inspirations that become part of limited-edition dishes. This collaborative approach gives diners a sense of involvement and ensures something new with every visit.

Alongside this is the 90-Day Seasonal Continuum, featuring dishes inspired by changing seasons, local produce availability, and principles influenced by nature and Ayurveda. With changing narratives across monsoon, winter, and summer, the menu evolves with time while staying connected to its surroundings.

At the heart of the offering sits The Continuum Core, a collection of globally and locally inspired vegetarian favourites reimagined with contemporary techniques and modern presentation, balancing comfort with innovation.

The beverage menu also introduces signature zero-proof creations including Picante Passion, Rose Paloma, and Alla Sangria. Designed to deliver the depth and character of classic cocktails without alcohol, these beverages go through infusion and resting techniques that allow flavours to develop over time. The result is a layered and immersive drinking experience with balanced notes of citrus, fruit, herbs, and spice.

Continuum is located at 788, 1st Floor, 15th Cross Road, Above Truffles, Nagarjuna Enclave, 1st Phase, JP Nagar, Bengaluru – 78 and is open from 12 Noon to 4 PM and 7 PM to 11:30 PM.

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