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.


Opus at Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai Brings Chinese Hot-Pot Experience This August

Opus at Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai Brings Chinese Hot-Pot Experience This August

By Hariharan U

Published on August 22, 2026

This August, Opus at Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai is bringing a warm and comforting Chinese dining experience to the city with Hot-Pot: The Comfort of Togetherness, running from 17–30 August.

The experience offers guests a choice of three broths, Sichuan, Asian Mushroom and Tomato Stock. These can be paired with a selection of vegetables, meats, seafood and noodles, giving diners the option to build a hot-pot meal to their liking.

Designed for sharing, the experience is well suited for Mumbai's monsoon season and offers a relaxed way to enjoy a meal with family and friends.

With its focus on warm broths, fresh ingredients and a shared dining format, Hot-Pot: The Comfort of Togetherness adds a seasonal option to Mumbai's August dining scene


Harajuku Bakehouse Brings Sweet Japanese Inspired Treats for Rakhi

Harajuku Bakehouse Brings Sweet Japanese Inspired Treats for Rakhi

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 22, 2026

Rakhi gifting gets a sweeter and more playful touch this year with Harajuku Bakehouse at BKC, offering Japanese-inspired desserts that make for a fun surprise for siblings with a sweet tooth.

Known for its kawaii Japanese-inspired look, colourful bakes and picture-perfect treats, Harajuku Bakehouse brings together desserts that can be enjoyed as gifts or shared during a sibling outing.

For those looking to try something different, the menu features Bento Cakes in chocolate, vanilla and rainbow flavours, along with the soft and jiggly Japanese Cotton Cheesecake and the eye-catching Mt. Fuji Tiramisu.

Smaller treats are also available, including Nutella Dorayaki and Japanese Nama Chocolate Fudge Brownies, offering easy gifting options for siblings who enjoy trying new desserts.

The experience goes beyond desserts, with Harajuku Bakehouse also offering a selection of matcha, hojicha and boba drinks. Guests can choose from Iced Strawberry Matcha, Hojicha Lattes, Tiger Brown Sugar Milk Tea and Iced Boba Matcha, making it easy to turn a Rakhi dessert stop into a complete sibling date.

With its colourful setting and playful presentation, Harajuku Bakehouse offers a different take on Rakhi gifting. Whether it is a cute cake to share or a selection of desserts and drinks to explore together, the Bakehouse gives siblings another reason to spend time together this Rakhi.

This Rakhi, instead of going with the usual mithai or chocolates, siblings can explore Harajuku Bakehouse’s Japanese-inspired desserts and add something new and sweet to the celebrations.

Rakhi Gifting Details:

  • What: Rakshabandhan Dessert Gifting from Harajuku Bakehouse
  • Where: Harajuku Bakehouse, BKC, Mumbai
  • When: Available now | 10 AM - 10 PM.


The Hazelnut Factory Opens THF Lakehouse in Nainital

The Hazelnut Factory Opens THF Lakehouse in Nainital

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 21, 2026

The Hazelnut Factory (THF) has marked its entry into Uttarakhand with the opening of THF Lakehouse on the iconic Mall Road in Nainital. Inaugurated on 10th August 2026, the new destination is the brand’s 23rd edition, bringing together its signature artisanal mithai, handcrafted desserts, specialty coffee, fresh bakery and all-day dining.

Set against the scenic beauty of Nainital Lake, THF Lakehouse has been designed to blend with the character of the hill destination. The space combines contemporary touches with the old-world charm of Nainital, creating a warm setting for travellers, families and locals to spend time over food and coffee.

The launch was celebrated in the presence of Smt. Sarita Arya, MLA of the Nainital Assembly Constituency.

For Ankit Sahni, Founder & CEO of The Hazelnut Factory, the opening also carries a personal connection, as he spent his school years in Nainital.

“Nainital has always held a very special place in my heart. I spent my school years here, and to return to the city with something we have built from the ground up is an incredibly meaningful feeling. With THF Lakehouse, we wanted to create a space that feels connected to Nainital - warm, welcoming and rooted in its character, while bringing the quality, craftsmanship and hospitality that define The Hazelnut Factory. It is wonderful to see locals and travellers come together over good food, coffee and the simple joy of being in a beautiful place.”

The Nainital launch is also an important step in THF’s growth journey. Starting from Lucknow, the brand has grown into one of North India’s fastest-growing premium food and beverage brands, bringing together artisanal mithai, specialty coffee, bakery, patisserie and contemporary hospitality.

With THF Lakehouse, the brand continues its approach of presenting familiar Indian flavours in a contemporary way while creating spaces that connect with their surroundings.

In Nainital, this connection comes together through the setting itself, where mountains, coffee, conversations and memories meet against the backdrop of Nainital Lake.

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