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.


Mamagoto Opens New Pan-Asian Restaurant in Raipur

Mamagoto Opens New Pan-Asian Restaurant in Raipur

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 13, 2026

India's Pan-Asian restaurant brand Mamagoto has opened its newest outlet in Raipur, bringing its signature Asian flavours, vibrant setting and experience-led dining to Avinash One.

The new restaurant marks another step in Mamagoto's expansion across India's emerging lifestyle markets. The brand began its journey in 2010, when hospitality entrepreneurs Rahul Khanna and Kabir Suri opened its first restaurant at Delhi's iconic Khan Market.

Over the past fifteen years, Mamagoto has grown to 22 restaurants across 18 cities, serving millions of guests and receiving over 50 industry awards and accolades.

The Raipur outlet introduces Mamagoto 2.0, the brand's evolved dining experience. The concept features refreshed interiors, an elevated cocktail programme and a menu inspired by the culinary traditions of Japan, China, Thailand, Korea, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore.

Guests can enjoy some of Mamagoto's popular dishes, including Pan-Fried Bao, Kill Bill Sichuan Pepper Smoked Chicken Dimsums, Charcoal Prawn Dimsums, Mama's OG Rock Shrimp Tempura, Salmon Aburi Nigiri, Pad Kra Pao Kai, Chiang Mai Train Station Noodles, and Mamagoto Caramel Sponge Cake. The menu is complemented by handcrafted cocktails and beverages.

The restaurant's arrival also comes as Raipur's dining and lifestyle scene continues to grow, with Mamagoto bringing its contemporary take on Pan-Asian dining to the city.

Speaking on the launch, Mr. Priyank Singhania, Franchise Partner, Mamagoto Raipur & Director, said:

"Raipur has witnessed tremendous growth over the past few years and is rapidly emerging as a vibrant lifestyle destination. We felt the city was ready for a nationally celebrated brand that offers not just great food, but an experience. Mamagoto has always stood for bold flavours, great energy, and memorable hospitality, and we are excited to introduce that experience to Raipur."

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Mr. Vineet Kochar, Chief Operating Officer, Azure Hospitality Pvt. Ltd., added:

"Raipur represents an exciting chapter in Mamagoto's growth story. As we continue expanding into high-potential markets across India, our focus remains on creating restaurants that combine exceptional food, thoughtful design, and memorable guest experiences. We are delighted to bring Mamagoto 2.0 to Raipur and look forward to becoming a part of the city's evolving culinary landscape."

The Raipur opening is part of Azure Hospitality's wider plan to take its brands into high-growth markets while continuing to develop its food, design, beverage and guest experiences.

With the new outlet, Mamagoto adds Raipur to its growing presence across India and brings its Pan-Asian dining experience to a new generation of diners in Central India.

  • Address: Mamagoto Raipur, 2nd Floor, Avinash One, F&B 2 & 3, Raipur, Chhattisgarh 492001


Baardos Expands Delhi Nightlife with New Qutub Venue

Baardos Expands Delhi Nightlife with New Qutub Venue

By Hariharan U

Published on August 13, 2026

Baardos has expanded its presence in Delhi with the opening of Baardos Qutub, its second venue in the capital and its most ambitious concept to date. Located in Qutub, one of Delhi's prominent dining and nightlife destinations, the new venue brings together food, cocktails, music and immersive entertainment.

Following the success of Baardos La Citta, Baardos Qutub is designed as an all-evening destination where dining transitions into a late-night experience. The concept combines a diverse culinary offering with an extensive cocktail programme and curated music experiences.

The menu brings together Pan Asian, Italian, Modern Indian, European and Continental influences, with an emphasis on bold flavours, generous portions and dishes designed for sharing. The cocktail programme complements the food-led experience, encouraging guests to settle in and spend the evening at the venue.

Nightlife programming forms a key part of the Baardos Qutub experience. Mystics of Qutub presents Sufi evenings every Wednesday, while DOS Fridays focuses on electronic music and a curated artist line-up. Saturdays feature Again Again!, while BOOM ROOM offers techno-led nights for electronic music enthusiasts.

Speaking about the launch, Aman Garg, Founder, Baardos, said Baardos Qutub was created as more than another venue, with the aim of building a destination that reflects the evolving nightlife culture of Delhi.

Sagar Garg, Founder, Baardos, added that the venue has been designed around the idea of creating memorable evenings through music, conversations, food and shared experiences.

The opening marks the next phase of Baardos' expansion strategy. The brand plans to launch new venues in Hyderabad, Kolkata, Chandigarh and Noida by the end of 2026, extending its presence beyond Delhi.

While each new location will follow the core Baardos philosophy, the brand plans to adapt its venues to the culture, character and energy of their respective cities.

With Baardos Qutub, the brand aims to strengthen its position in India's evolving restaurant and nightlife landscape by creating destinations that combine dining, entertainment and social experiences under one roof.


Outletcity Metzingen Expands Visitor Experience with New Culinary Concepts

Outletcity Metzingen Expands Visitor Experience with New Culinary Concepts

By Hariharan U

Published on August 13, 2026

Outletcity Metzingen, Europe's largest outlet, is expanding its visitor experience with new culinary concepts, lifestyle offerings and seasonal events designed to complement its premium shopping environment.

The latest additions aim to encourage visitors to spend more time at the destination by bringing together shopping, dining and lifestyle experiences.

A key addition will be 60 Seconds to Napoli, which is scheduled to open at Outletcity Metzingen in October. The fast-casual restaurant will combine traditional Neapolitan pizza-making with modern technology.

The concept uses a 485°C (905°F) oven to bake pizzas in just 60 seconds. The pizzas are prepared with dough rested for up to 72 hours and ingredients including San Marzano DOP tomatoes and Fior di Latte mozzarella.

Janina Wittmann, Destination Marketing & Partnership Manager, Outletcity Metzingen, said the destination is focused on continuously evolving its visitor experience by complementing shopping with dining and seasonal offerings. She also highlighted India as one of Outletcity Metzingen's important international source markets.

The culinary additions also include CINNAMOOD, an exclusive pop-up concept that has been available at Outletcity Metzingen since June. Founded in Cologne in 2022, the lifestyle brand offers 17 varieties of cinnamon rolls along with signature coffees, matcha specialities and fresh fruit smoothies.

The destination's seasonal calendar will continue with the Motel a Miio Sample Sale from August 20 to 22 at The Gallery on Kanalstraße 6. Visitors will be able to explore the Portuguese ceramics brand's colourful handcrafted collection with discounts of up to 80%.

In September, Outletcity Metzingen will also host exclusive Michael Kors and MCM Sample Sales, providing visitors with additional limited-time shopping opportunities.

The new dining and seasonal experiences are part of Outletcity Metzingen's broader strategy to develop the destination beyond shopping, creating a more complete experience for international and domestic visitors.

With Germany attracting travellers from across the world, the destination is also looking to strengthen its appeal among Indian visitors by combining premium shopping with food, lifestyle and seasonal experiences.

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