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.


A Warm Mother’s Day Celebration Awaits at Nova House, Mira Road

A Warm Mother’s Day Celebration Awaits at Nova House, Mira Road

By Hariharan U

Published on May 6, 2026

Mother’s Day plans often begin with flowers and end with the usual routine, but Nova House in Mira Road is encouraging families to do things a little differently this year. Instead of predictable gifts, the focus shifts to what truly matters, time spent together, shared laughter, and a meal that feels special from the very first bite to the last lingering conversation.

This Mother’s Day, Nova House sets the stage for exactly that kind of celebration. The idea is simple yet meaningful: gather around the table with the people she loves most and let the day unfold naturally. From comforting favourites to indulgent plates, every dish becomes part of a larger experience—one that’s relaxed, joyful, and full of warmth.

Adding to the occasion, the restaurant is offering a flat 20% discount on the entire menu. It’s an invitation to go beyond the usual—order her favourites, indulge in that extra dessert, and stretch the meal just a little longer. The offer isn’t just about savings; it’s about creating a space where families can celebrate without holding back.

Whether it’s a leisurely afternoon lunch or a lively dinner filled with stories and second helpings, Nova House transforms Mother’s Day into something memorable. The atmosphere promises a balance of comfort and vibrancy, making it ideal for both intimate gatherings and larger family get-togethers.

At its heart, the celebration is about making mothers feel appreciated in the most genuine way possible. Good food, familiar faces, and a thoughtful gesture go a long way in turning an ordinary outing into a cherished memory.

This year, Nova House offers more than just a meal, it offers a reason to pause, celebrate, and make Mother’s Day truly count.

Where: Nova House, Mira Road
Offer: Flat 20% off on Mother’s Day


Burma Burma Celebrates Thingyan with Special Festive Menu Across India

Burma Burma Celebrates Thingyan with Special Festive Menu Across India

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 5, 2026

Burma Burma is bringing the vibrant spirit of Thingyan, the Burmese New Year, to diners across India with a special festive menu available from May 1 to 31, 2026. Known for its authentic Burmese flavours, the restaurant invites guests to celebrate the season of togetherness with a menu inspired by traditional Burmese Lunch Houses.

Thingyan, often called the ‘Water Festival’, is a time when families, friends and neighbours come together to share meals and welcome new beginnings. Keeping this essence alive, Burma Burma has curated a limited-edition menu that reflects the joy of gathering over food, with dishes designed to be shared and enjoyed.

At the centre of the menu are the Thingyan Rice Bowls, thoughtfully created for two. These bowls bring together fragrant rice, flavourful curries, stir-fries and crunchy sides, offering a complete meal experience. Guests can choose from options like the Mohinga Rice Bowl with lemongrass, ginger and shallots, the Hawker’s Rice Bowl with chilli oil and tamarind, the smoky Rustic Rice Bowl inspired by village-style cooking, and the tangy Pickled Roselle Bowl.

Adding to the experience are a range of street-style small plates that capture the energy of Burmese markets. Dishes such as New Year Parcels, Street-style Rice Crêpes, Palata Sando, Crunchy Shiitake & Radish Salad, Summer Salad and a Fritter Platter bring a mix of textures and flavours to the table, making it perfect for sharing.

The festive spread also includes a refreshing selection of beverages like Pandan Tamarind Fizz, Hibiscus Lemonade, Mango Picante and Ice Plum Soda, each crafted to suit the summer season. For dessert, guests can indulge in Banana Bliss and Mango Bein Mont, both inspired by traditional Burmese sweets. Every table is also served a playful Paan Jelly to complete the meal.

Beyond the food, Burma Burma has added interactive elements to enhance the festive mood. Guests can enjoy offerings like handcrafted fruit leathers in flavours such as pineapple & coconut, tamarind with chilli salt and raw mango & kokum. An in-house popsicle station with a spin wheel adds a fun twist, with flavours inspired by Burmese ingredients and summer favourites.

The celebration extends across Burma Burma outlets in Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chandigarh, Delhi-NCR, Kolkata, Hyderabad and Mumbai. For those who prefer to celebrate at home, the festive menu is also available for delivery via Swiggy and Zomato, making it easy to enjoy a Thingyan feast with loved ones.

With festive décor, unique Burmese touches like the hand wash experience and Thanaka application, Burma Burma creates an immersive setting that reflects the lively charm of Burmese celebrations. The limited-edition menu offers a perfect way to welcome the New Year with flavour, warmth and togetherness.


Nandan Coffee Debuts Bengaluru Flagship, Bringing Kodaikanal’s Farm-to-Cup Story

Nandan Coffee Debuts Bengaluru Flagship, Bringing Kodaikanal’s Farm-to-Cup Story

By Hariharan U

Published on May 5, 2026

Nandan Coffee has opened its first flagship café in Bengaluru, marking a significant step in its journey from estate-grown coffee to immersive café experiences. Located at Embassy One on Bellary Road, the new space brings the essence of its Kodaikanal origins into the heart of a city known for its deep-rooted coffee culture.

At the centre of the brand’s philosophy is the Nandanvan Estate, where its certified organic coffee is cultivated within a biodiverse, unfenced ecosystem. With a three-generation legacy, Nandan Coffee maintains complete involvement across cultivation, processing, roasting, and brewing, creating a direct and traceable journey from farm to cup.

The Bengaluru flagship reflects this philosophy through a coffee-first experience designed across multiple formats. Guests can explore an espresso bar featuring four distinct roast profiles, manual brewing methods like pour-over and French press, cold coffees on tap, and a dedicated Filter Kaapi Bar that reinterprets the classic South Indian brew with contemporary flavour profiles. The offering ranges from familiar favourites to experimental blends, appealing to both everyday coffee drinkers and enthusiasts.

Extending beyond coffee, the space also functions as an all-day café, with a menu inspired by Kodaikanal and Mumbai influences. Dishes such as Mari-wala Scramble, Bombay-style bagels, and Nandan Tiramisu French Toast reflect a blend of comfort and creativity. A curated retail section allows guests to explore and purchase coffee blends, brewing equipment, chocolates paired to specific roasts, and handcrafted ceramic merchandise.

Adding a distinctive touch, the café is designed as a pet-friendly space with a dedicated pet menu. Offerings like the signature ‘Pup Cup’ and other pet-safe treats ensure that guests can enjoy the experience alongside their pets.

The beverage programme is extensive, featuring signature drinks such as Spiced Orange Vanilla Filter Kaapi, Honey Cardamom Filter Kaapi, Cold Kaapi on Tap, Raspberry Lattés, and seasonal cold brews. Wellness beverages, matcha selections, smoothies, and teas further broaden the experience, making it suitable for varied preferences.

The space itself reflects the brand’s origin story. Designed by Farida Mariwala Interiors in collaboration with Faizan Khatri, the café incorporates natural light, estate-inspired materials, and a sculptural central coffee bar crafted from Baroda Green marble. With high ceilings and expansive windows, the design brings elements of Kodaikanal’s landscape into an urban setting, creating an environment that feels both immersive and contemporary.

Speaking about the launch, Co-founder Yahvi Mariwala said, "Everything at Nandan Coffee begins at the estate. We grow, process, and roast our coffee ourselves at our estate, and then bring it directly into our spaces. That closeness to origin allows us to preserve quality, remain consistent and create a coffee experience that is deeply personal and rooted in provenance."

She added, "There are a few cities that welcome a new coffee address quite like Bengaluru. With our first flagship, Nandan Coffee aims to bring a little of Kodaikanal’s wild canopy, organic abundance, and unhurried spirit into the heart of Bengaluru’s urban life."

Founded on a legacy that began over three decades ago, Nandan Coffee traces its roots to a family-led transformation of land into a thriving organic estate. Today, under Yahvi Mariwala’s leadership, the brand continues to evolve—bridging tradition and innovation while bringing consumers closer to the journey of coffee.

With its Bengaluru flagship, Nandan Coffee enters a new chapter, one that connects origin, craft, and community, offering a space where coffee is not just served, but experienced in its fullest form.

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