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.


Nazaara Bengaluru Showcases North-West Flavours with Best of Best

Nazaara Bengaluru Showcases North-West Flavours with Best of Best

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on April 19, 2026

Nazaara at Courtyard by Marriott Bengaluru Hebbal is bringing a special dining experience to the city with ‘Best of Best’, a curated showcase of North-West Frontier cuisine. Led by Chef Asif Qureshi and his team, the concept revisits some of the restaurant’s most loved culinary experiences from 2025, bringing them together in a single menu.

Known for its open-air setting, Nazaara offers a relaxed yet refined dining atmosphere with wide views of the city skyline. The space combines soft lighting and a contemporary design, making it suitable for both intimate evenings and larger gatherings.

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The menu focuses on traditional recipes from North-West India, presented with a modern touch. Guests can enjoy a variety of dishes including charred kebabs, slow-cooked curries, freshly baked breads from the tandoor, and flavourful biryanis. The selection draws from Mughlai and regional influences, offering a mix of rich and well-balanced flavours.

Some of the highlights include Hare Moong Gosht, Murgh Noormahli Korma, Nawabi Murgh, and the popular Gullatthi kebab. For dessert, Seviyan ka Muzaffar adds a sweet finish to the meal. Each dish is prepared using quality ingredients and traditional spices, bringing together familiarity and a fresh presentation.

The overall experience is further enhanced by the setting, where the open sky, gentle breeze, and thoughtfully designed ambience create a comfortable and engaging space. Whether it’s a casual dinner, a celebration, or a business meeting, the experience is designed to offer both comfort and a touch of luxury.

‘Best of Best’ will be available at Nazaara, Courtyard by Marriott Bengaluru Hebbal, from 20th April to 30th April, between 5:00 PM and 11:30 PM.


Eros Hotel New Delhi Hosts The Great Dim Sum Feast

Eros Hotel New Delhi Hosts The Great Dim Sum Feast

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on April 18, 2026

Eros Hotel, New Delhi is bringing a fresh dining experience to the city this summer with The Great Dim Sum Feast at Empress of China. Scheduled from 18th to 30th April 2026, the festival focuses on authentic Chinese flavours paired with a relaxed and enjoyable setting.

The specially curated menu features a wide variety of handcrafted dim sums, including steamed, fried, and baked options. Guests can expect a mix of classic favourites along with modern variations, all prepared using quality ingredients and traditional techniques by the hotel’s culinary team.

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One of the main highlights of the festival is the ‘Dim Sum with Beer Lunch’, where guests can enjoy delicate dim sums paired with chilled beers. This combination adds a refreshing touch to the meal and is designed to offer a laid-back yet refined dining experience. It works well for corporate lunches, casual outings, and even weekend plans with friends and family.

The festival aims to bring together flavour, presentation, and comfort in a way that appeals to both regular diners and those looking to try something new. With its focus on authentic taste and thoughtful pairing, The Great Dim Sum Feast offers a simple yet enjoyable way to explore Chinese cuisine.

Guests can visit Empress of China at Eros Hotel, New Delhi, Nehru Place, between 12:00 pm and 3:00 pm during the festival period from 18th to 30th April 2026.


Chin Lung Bengaluru Launches Raw Mango Infused Wheat Beer for Summer

Chin Lung Bengaluru Launches Raw Mango Infused Wheat Beer for Summer

By Hariharan U

Published on April 17, 2026

Chin Lung Brewery is tapping into the spirit of summer with the launch of a Raw Mango Infused Wheat Beer, a limited seasonal brew that brings together nostalgia, local ingredients, and craft innovation.

Inspired by the familiar flavours of kaccha aam, the beer is brewed using freshly plucked raw mangoes sourced directly from the brewery’s own tree. The result is a refreshing reinterpretation of traditional aam panna, transformed into a light, crisp, and highly drinkable wheat ale suited for the city’s warm weather.

The brew opens with bright, zesty aromas of raw mango, complemented by subtle citrus notes and a hint of earthy spice. On the palate, it delivers a vibrant burst of green mango upfront, followed by a refreshing saline tang through the mid-palate. A touch of black salt enhances the tartness, while a gentle layer of chilli warmth adds depth without overpowering the profile.

With an ABV of approximately 4.8%, the beer is designed to be easy-drinking and sessionable. Its hazy pale straw to light golden appearance, combined with a smooth, lightly spiced finish, makes it an ideal companion for long afternoons and relaxed evenings.

This seasonal release reflects a growing trend within India’s craft beer space, where local ingredients and regional flavour memories are being reimagined through contemporary brewing techniques. By drawing from the nostalgia of summer staples, Chin Lung continues to create experiences that resonate with both familiarity and innovation.

With this launch, the brewery offers a refreshing way to celebrate mango season—one that captures the essence of summer in every sip.

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