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.


Pangeo Bengaluru Unveils New Menu Celebrating Global Flavours

Pangeo Bengaluru Unveils New Menu Celebrating Global Flavours

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 12, 2026

Pangeo, Bengaluru, has unveiled its all-new menu, bringing together global flavours, premium ingredients and contemporary dishes designed for different dining occasions.

The refreshed menu follows Pangeo's idea of bringing the world together through food. It combines influences from different cuisines with a mix of textures and flavours, offering guests dishes that feel familiar while also giving them something new to explore.

The menu starts with a selection of small plates, including Roasted Butternut Pumpkin & Crisp Pakwan, Smoked Oyster Mushroom Taco, Asparagus Paprika Puff, and Roasted Broccoli Ema Datshi.

For non-vegetarian diners, the new offerings include Chicken Galouti Kebab, Spicy Cafreal Chicken, Chicken Shish Taouk, Butter Chicken Kulcha, Tandoori Chicken Roulade, Parcha Fish, and Herb-Crusted Grilled Fish.

Guests can also explore handcrafted sourdough pizzas, flavourful bowls, artisanal burgers, signature grills, comforting mains and a selection of desserts. The dishes have been created with a focus on bold flavours and quality ingredients, while also encouraging guests to share and discover different tastes.

The menu refresh is part of Pangeo's wider vision of creating a dining destination where every visit brings something different. Thoughtfully crafted cocktails, warm hospitality and an inviting setting add to the experience, making it suitable for leisurely lunches, after-work gatherings, intimate dinners and weekend celebrations.

With creativity, quality and culinary exploration at its core, Pangeo's new menu brings together global flavours while maintaining the restaurant's vibrant and contemporary identity.

  • Address: 4th Floor, 171–172, Forum Rex Walk, Brigade Road, Bengaluru – 560001
  • Timings: 12:00 PM onwards.


DoubleTree by Hilton Gurugram Baani Square Brings India’s Street Food to Chaat Junction

DoubleTree by Hilton Gurugram Baani Square Brings India’s Street Food to Chaat Junction

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 12, 2026

DoubleTree by Hilton Gurugram Baani Square is bringing the flavours of India’s street food culture to the table with Chaat Junction at GlassHouse. The food festival takes inspiration from the lively food streets found across the country, creating an evening filled with regional flavours, live cooking and colourful surroundings.

The festival focuses on authentic Indian chaats, with expert chefs preparing dishes live using traditional recipes and regional flavours. Guests can enjoy a selection of signature chaats from Agra, featuring a mix of tangy, spicy and crunchy favourites served with a variety of accompaniments.

Adding to the experience, the venue will feature themed décor, vibrant food carts and regional music. The setting is designed for families, friends and food lovers to enjoy an evening of Indian street food in a relaxed and interactive atmosphere. One of the highlights of the festival is the live regional chaat stations representing six iconic Indian cities, giving guests an opportunity to explore different street food flavours under one roof.

The experience also includes freshly prepared street food, traditional Chaat Gali-themed décor, interactive cooking stations and a family-friendly dining setting.

Event Details

  • Venue: GlassHouse, DoubleTree by Hilton Gurugram Baani Square
  • Time: 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM

Dining Options:

  • Grand Buffet (Dinner + Chaat Festival)

  • Unlimited Chaat

  • For à la carte

Highlights

  • Live regional chaat stations representing six iconic Indian cities

  • Freshly prepared authentic street food by expert chefs

  • Traditional Chaat Gali-themed décor and vibrant ambience

  • Interactive live cooking experience

  • Family-friendly dining atmosphere

  • A dining option for food lovers, gatherings and evening outings. 


PizzaExpress Opens 38th India Restaurant at 5 Worldmark Aerocity

PizzaExpress Opens 38th India Restaurant at 5 Worldmark Aerocity

By Hariharan U

Published on August 11, 2026

PizzaExpress, the UK-based pizza and casual dining brand, has opened its newest restaurant at World St. at 5 Worldmark, Aerocity, New Delhi, marking its 38th outlet in India.

Located within one of Delhi's prominent business, hospitality and lifestyle destinations, the new restaurant brings PizzaExpress' signature handcrafted pizzas, relaxed dining experience and warm hospitality to a growing community of professionals, travellers and diners in Aerocity.

Designed as a contemporary and relaxed dining space, the restaurant offers a selection of PizzaExpress classics alongside seasonal offerings. The menu includes the brand's popular Dough Balls, gourmet pizzas starting at INR 495 for two, summer specials, salads, appetisers, pastas and desserts, including Tiramisu and Baked Vanilla Cheesecake.

The restaurant also features PizzaExpress' Romana pizzas, known for their larger, thinner and crispier bases inspired by the pizzas of Rome.

Reflecting the brand's "Only For Everyone" philosophy, the menu caters to a variety of preferences and occasions. Options include the Piccolo menu for children, Leggera range for lighter choices and Soho Bowls for wholesome meals. Guests can also choose from a selection of mocktails and signature desserts.

Speaking on the launch, Ramit Bharti Mittal, Founder & Director, Gourmet Investments Hospitality Group (GIHG), said, “5 Worldmark at Aerocity is one of Delhi's most exciting and relaxed dining spaces, bringing together travellers, young professionals and consumers who actively seek quality dining experiences. PizzaExpress fits naturally into this environment because the brand has always stood for great food served in a relaxed, welcoming setting.”

Rohan Pewekar, CEO, Gourmet Investments Hospitality Group (GIHG), added, “The launch of our 38th PizzaExpress restaurant in India is in line with our steady growth and long-term commitment in India. 5 Worldmark at Aerocity continues to evolve as a premium lifestyle and food destination, making it an important location for us strategically.”

SK Sayal, MD & CEO, Bharti Real Estate, said, “We're delighted to welcome PizzaExpress to World St. at 5 Worldmark, Aerocity. Good food has a unique way of bringing people together, and that's exactly the kind of experience we want to create at World St.”

The culinary offering is built around PizzaExpress' focus on fresh ingredients and handcrafted preparation. Each pizza is made with freshly prepared dough and the brand's signature tomato passata, produced using San Marzano tomatoes sourced from Parma, Italy.

Among the menu highlights is the Calabrese pizza, created by Michelin-starred chef Francesco Mazzei and inspired by the bold flavours of Southern Italy.

The new outlet also features contemporary interiors, comfortable seating and PizzaExpress' signature open kitchen, allowing diners to watch pizzaiolos prepare and bake pizzas in real time. The space is designed for business lunches, casual meals, family dining and evening gatherings.

PizzaExpress opened its first restaurant on London's Wardour Street in 1965 and has since grown to more than 330 restaurants in the UK, with a presence across 13 countries. In India, the brand currently operates 38 restaurants across markets including Mumbai, Delhi NCR, Bengaluru, Pune, Punjab, Lucknow and Hyderabad.

Restaurant Details

Address: Unit No. W11, Ground Floor, World St. 5 Worldmark, Aerocity, Near Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi – 110037

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