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.


Horizon Brings a New Sunday Brunch to Bengaluru’s Skyline

Horizon Brings a New Sunday Brunch to Bengaluru’s Skyline

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 17, 2026

Bengaluru's skyline is getting a new Sunday dining experience as Horizon, the Pan-Asian rooftop destination at the Sheraton Grand Bangalore Hotel at Brigade Gateway, introduces its new Skyline Brunch. Starting 16 August 2026, the brunch will take place every Sunday on the hotel's 31st floor, bringing together Pan-Asian flavours, live cooking, music and views of the city.

The culinary team at Horizon has curated a menu featuring a selection of Pan-Asian favourites and chef-led preparations. Adding to the experience, live cooking stations will allow guests to watch dishes being prepared fresh, bringing an interactive element to the brunch. Guests will also receive a welcome pour of premium spirits, while live music sets the mood through the afternoon.

The rooftop setting remains one of the highlights of the experience. With its open-air location and panoramic views of Bengaluru, Horizon offers a relaxed backdrop for guests to enjoy a long Sunday lunch with good food, music and the city spread out below.

The new Skyline Brunch brings together food, drinks, live entertainment and the setting of one of Bengaluru's rooftop dining destinations, creating an easy-going Sunday experience for guests looking to unwind.

Event Details:

  • When: Every Sunday | Starting 16 August 2026
  • Where: Horizon – 31st Floor Rooftop, Sheraton Grand Bangalore Hotel at Brigade Gateway

The experience includes:

  • Welcome pour of premium spirits

  • Chef-curated Pan-Asian menu

  • Live cooking stations

  • Live music

  • Panoramic Bengaluru city views.


McDonald’s India North & East Launches Fans Fries Meal for Fries Lovers

McDonald’s India North & East Launches Fans Fries Meal for Fries Lovers

By Hariharan U

Published on August 17, 2026

McDonald’s India – North & East has introduced the Fans Fries Meal, a limited-time offering created for customers who believe fries deserve more than a supporting role.

Available until August 16, 2026, the Fans Fries Meal features an XXL fries pack along with two Regular Coke Zero beverages, priced at ₹149 exclusively on the McDonald’s App.

The limited-time offering gives fries enthusiasts the option to turn the popular side into a standalone meal, with an oversized portion designed specifically around the brand's fries.

The Fans Fries Meal is available for a limited five-day period at participating McDonald’s restaurants across North and East India.

Customers can access the offer through multiple ordering channels, including dine-in, self-ordering kiosks, takeaway, drive-thru and delivery platforms, in addition to the McDonald’s App.

The launch comes with a playful campaign aimed at customers who consider fries an essential part of every meal, positioning the Fans Fries Meal as a dedicated offering for the brand's fries-focused audience.

With the offer available only until August 16, customers have a short window to opt for the XXL fries experience before the limited-time promotion ends.

Offer Details

Offer: Fans Fries Meal
Includes: XXL Fries + 2 Regular Coke Zero beverages
Price: ₹149
Availability: Until August 16, 2026
Region: McDonald’s India – North & East
Ordering: McDonald’s App, dine-in, SOK, takeaway, drive-thru and delivery platforms


The Filter Coffee Brings a Traditional Two-Day Onam Sadhya to Bengaluru

The Filter Coffee Brings a Traditional Two-Day Onam Sadhya to Bengaluru

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 17, 2026

This Onam, The Filter Coffee is inviting guests to enjoy the traditional flavours of Kerala with a two-day Onam Sadhya on 26th and 27th August 2026 across its Bengaluru outlets.

Served on a traditional banana leaf, the festive feast will feature 32 authentic vegetarian dishes, with a different menu prepared for each day. The spread brings together familiar Kerala favourites and festive delicacies, offering guests a taste of the state's rich culinary traditions.

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On the first day, the Sadhya will feature favourites including Sakkara Varatti, Nendram Upperi, Kalan, Olan, Aviyal, Pulissery, Kerala Matta Rice, Appam with Vegetable Stew, Kerala Parotta with Veg Nadan Curry, and Ada Pradhaman, along with several other traditional preparations.

The second day's menu will bring a refreshed selection to the banana leaf. Guests can enjoy Paruppu Vadai, Pazhampori (SFG), Pineapple Pachadi, Cucumber Pachadi, Kerala Parotta with Veg Nadan Curry, Lemon Rice, Cabbage Thoran, Sena Erissery, Vazhakkai Varuval, Mix Veg Sambar, Tomato Rasam, Thenga Manga Chammanthi, Narangai Pickle, and Ada Pradhaman, alongside other timeless festive favourites.

The two-day celebration is designed around the traditional spirit of Onam, where food, family and togetherness come together around an elaborate Sadhya.

Event Details:

  • Dates: 26th & 27th August 2026 (Wednesday & Thursday)
  • Time Slots: 1:00 PM, 2:00 PM & 3:00 PM
  • Also Available: Takeaway and online ordering on Swiggy & Zomato
  • Venues: Kalyan Nagar, Indiranagar, Brookfield, Koramangala, Sadashiva Nagar, and Jayanagar.

The Onam Sadhya at The Filter Coffee is planned as a warm and nostalgic celebration of Kerala's culinary heritage. Served on a banana leaf and meant to be enjoyed with family and friends, the festive feast brings the traditional flavours of Onam to Bengaluru over two days.

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