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.


Wendy’s India Expands Pune Presence with New Outlet at Elpro City Square Mall

Wendy’s India Expands Pune Presence with New Outlet at Elpro City Square Mall

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 20, 2026

Wendy’s India has strengthened its presence in Pune with the opening of a new outlet at the food court of Elpro City Square Mall in Pimpri-Chinchwad. The outlet has been launched by Rebel Foods, the world’s largest internet restaurant company and master franchise holder for Wendy’s in India.

Located at one of Pimpri-Chinchwad’s prominent retail and entertainment destinations, the new outlet brings Wendy’s signature burgers, fries and desserts to shoppers, families and young consumers visiting the mall.

Speaking about the expansion, Ankush Grover, Co-founder and Global CEO, Rebel Foods, said, “Pune has a strong consumer base that is open to exploring new food experiences, making it an important market for Wendy’s India. As we continue to grow, we remain focused on choosing locations that allow us to be accessible to our consumers while bringing the Wendy’s experience to more parts of the city. With the new outlet at Elpro City Square Mall, we look forward to serving consumers with quality, flavour and an experience that makes every visit memorable.”

The menu offers Wendy’s range of globally inspired flavours, giving Indian consumers an opportunity to explore burgers influenced by different cuisines. The selection includes Argentina’s Chimichurri, Louisiana’s Cajun, Korea’s fiery Buldak, American BBQ, India’s Tandoori and Mexico’s Nachoburg.

The recently introduced Teriyaki Burger range also adds Japanese-inspired sweet and savoury flavours to the menu, further expanding the brand’s international flavour selection in India.

Wendy’s India continues to focus on flavour-led innovation within the gourmet QSR segment, combining global inspirations with contemporary formats and flavours that appeal to Gen Z and Millennial consumers. The new Elpro City Square Mall outlet further expands Wendy’s reach across Pune and its surrounding areas, while giving more consumers access to the brand’s evolving menu and global flavour offerings.

Store Address:

Unit No TF FD-07, Third Floor, "Elpro City Square", Survey No 280, Hissa No 1 to 8, CTS No 4270, Chinchwad, Pune PCMC Ward No-7, Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation, Maharashtra - 411033.


Seven Seas Hotel Rohini Brings Delhi’s Flavours Alive with Dilli Meri Jaan Food Festival

Seven Seas Hotel Rohini Brings Delhi’s Flavours Alive with Dilli Meri Jaan Food Festival

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 20, 2026

Celebrating the flavours, traditions and cultural charm of the capital city, Seven Seas Hotel Rohini, New Delhi, has announced the launch of ‘Dilli Meri Jaan’, a specially curated food festival showcasing Delhi’s timeless culinary heritage.

Inspired by the city’s famous food streets, vibrant markets and traditional recipes, the festival offers guests an immersive dining experience that captures the true spirit of Delhi. From iconic street food and live cooking stations to classic North Indian dishes, traditional beverages and desserts, the festival brings together the diverse flavours that make Delhi’s food culture special.

Guests can enjoy popular street-food favourites including Gol Gappas, Dahi Bhalla Papdi, Ram Laddoo, Chole Kulche, Japani Samosa and Fruit Kulia. The menu also features signature grills such as Tandoori Chicken, Chicken Gilafi Seekh, Mutton Seekh and Bhatti Da Paneer Tikka.

Adding to the experience, live stations will serve traditional favourites like Bedmi Poori with Aloo Sabzi, Nagori Poori with Halwa, Bhature Chole and Chicken Changezi. The festive spread will conclude with classic Delhi desserts including Jalebi with Rabri, Daulat Ki Chaat, Ghewar, Malpua Rabri, Kulfi Falooda and Shahi Tukda.

More than just a food festival, Dilli Meri Jaan celebrates Delhi’s diverse communities, age-old traditions and its deep love for food. Each dish reflects the city’s unique flavours while combining authentic cuisine with the elegant ambience and hospitality that Seven Seas Hotel Rohini is known for.

Speaking about the festival, the Management at Seven Seas Hotel shared: "Delhi is a melting pot of cultures, traditions, and extraordinary flavours. With 'Dilli Meri Jaan', our endeavour is to celebrate the city's remarkable culinary heritage by bringing together its most iconic dishes and timeless recipes in one immersive experience. We look forward to welcoming guests to savour the nostalgia, authenticity, and warmth that define the spirit of Delhi and the hospitality of Seven Seas Hotel."

The festival is designed as a tribute to Delhi’s food legacy, where every neighbourhood has a story and every recipe carries a connection with the city’s past. Guests can experience authentic flavours along with the signature hospitality of Seven Seas Hotel, creating a memorable dining celebration.

Festival Details:

  • Festival: Dilli Meri Jaan
  • Venue: Seven Seas Hotel Rohini, New Delhi
  • Starts: August 2026
  • Days: Every day except Tuesday
  • Timings: 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM.


Selva Brings Contemporary Mexican Dining to World St. at Worldmark

Selva Brings Contemporary Mexican Dining to World St. at Worldmark

By Hariharan U

Published on August 20, 2026

Selva has opened at World St. at Worldmark, Aerocity, marking its entry into New Delhi with a design-led contemporary Mexican dining concept that brings together regional Mexican traditions, Japanese-Peruvian Nikkei influences and an immersive hospitality experience.

The new restaurant is the third and most ambitious venture from first-generation restaurateur Sarthak Sidana, founder of Underdoggs and Sere. With concepts developed across ten cities over the past decade, Sidana now brings Selva to the capital as part of World St.'s growing portfolio of global culinary destinations.

Selva's culinary identity has been shaped by more than a year of research and travel across Mexico and Asia, exploring regional traditions, ingredients and techniques. The resulting menu combines Mexican culinary heritage with contemporary interpretations and Nikkei influences.

The menu features dishes such as Tlayuda, Nori Tacos, ceviches and tiraditos, alongside house-made tortillas and seafood and meat preparations cooked over a robata grill. The approach focuses on traditional techniques while presenting the flavours in a contemporary format designed for the Indian dining audience.

Complementing the restaurant is Selva Maya, an intimate after-dark cocktail den inspired by Mesoamerican mythology. The beverage programme has been developed by the team behind Hideaway Cocktail Bar in Goa, adding a dedicated nightlife element to the Selva experience.

Commenting on the opening, S. K. Sayal, MD & CEO, Bharti Real Estate, said, "Selva's arrival is a strong reflection of World St.'s growing stature as India's most sought-after culinary destination. We have always envisioned World St. as a space that brings the world's most distinctive dining experiences to Delhi."

He added that as World St. continues to welcome established culinary brands, the destination remains focused on developing the promenade as a benchmark for experiential dining in the country.

Sarthak Sidana, Founder, Selva, said the concept emerged from years of travel and research across Mexico, Peru, Japan and other culinary destinations. He explained that the aim was to explore how Mexican and Nikkei cuisine could be interpreted for India while bringing together food, cocktails, design and hospitality into a cohesive experience.

Selva's arrival further expands World St.'s growing culinary portfolio. The destination is home to the first Olive Garden in India, while Time Out Market, the global food and cultural marketplace, is set to make its India debut at the development.

Other dining concepts at World St. include P.F. Chang's, Magnolia Bakery, Starbucks Reserve and PAUL, alongside a wider selection of restaurants, cafés and lifestyle brands.

Spanning nearly half a kilometre across Worldmark 4, 5 and 6, World St. is designed as a pedestrian-friendly dining and lifestyle promenade featuring global cuisine, alfresco dining, landscaped courtyards, art installations and public spaces.

With the addition of Selva, World St. continues to build its positioning as a destination for international culinary concepts and experiential dining in Delhi-NCR.

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