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.


Valentine’s Day Beers That Match Every Mood From First Dates to Long-Time Love

Valentine’s Day Beers That Match Every Mood From First Dates to Long-Time Love

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on January 29, 2026

Valentine’s Day celebrations today go far beyond traditional candlelit dinners, reflecting relationships at every stage, from first-date excitement to the comfort of long-time love. As couples choose experiences that feel more personal and relaxed, beer has emerged as a versatile choice that matches different moods and moments.

The appeal of beer lies in its balance. It can be casual and easy to enjoy, while still offering depth and character. Whether it is helping break the ice, spark conversation, or simply complement a shared moment, the right beer can quietly set the tone for the evening.

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For couples who enjoy bold, high-energy plans, Carib Premium Strong Beer fits perfectly into lively Valentine’s outings. Its robust profile suits nights filled with laughter, shared plates, and buzzing settings such as bar hopping or house parties. It is a natural choice when the chemistry is strong and the night is meant to stay energetic.

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First dates and easy conversations call for something lighter. Simba Light, with its smooth and subtle character, works well for low-pressure meet-ups and casual café dates. Its gentle profile allows conversations to flow without distraction, keeping the mood relaxed and comfortable.

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For playful and flirty evenings, Bira White adds a refreshing touch with its citrus notes and mild spice. Ideal for rooftop dates, sunset views, or cosy dinners, it brings a balance of fun and finesse, making the evening feel light and quietly romantic.

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Couples who share a confident and no-nonsense bond often gravitate towards stronger flavours. Tuborg Strong suits Valentine’s plans that revolve around long conversations, comfort food, and unfiltered laughter. It reflects relationships where the focus is on enjoying time together rather than making an impression.

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For intense, late-night romance, GodFather Super 8 stands out with its powerful profile. Best enjoyed during deeper conversations and slow music, it pairs well with moments that are dramatic, bold, and memorable.

As Valentine’s Day continues to evolve, beer choices are becoming a reflection of modern relationships, offering something for every mood, moment, and kind of love.


Chinese Wok Launches ‘Wok FM’, India’s First QSR-Owned Music Platform

Chinese Wok Launches ‘Wok FM’, India’s First QSR-Owned Music Platform

By Hariharan U

Published on January 29, 2026

Chinese Wok, India’s largest home-grown Desi Chinese QSR chain, has unveiled Wok FM, a first-of-its-kind brand-owned music universe aimed at deepening its connection with young consumers. The initiative marks a new approach to in-store and digital engagement, placing music at the centre of the brand experience.

The launch begins with two original albums, Get Wok’D Tonight, a high-energy playlist designed to match the brand’s vibrant in-store vibe, and Cricket & Cravings, inspired by India’s love for cricket and comfort food. Together, the albums reflect Chinese Wok’s playful personality while aligning food moments with cultural moods.

Wok FM is now live across 250+ Chinese Wok outlets nationwide, transforming stores into immersive, youth-driven spaces. The playlists span multiple genres, moods, and regional languages including Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, Gujarati, Bengali, Punjabi, and Marathi. From cricket anthems and festive tracks to quirky brand-led songs, the music creates a distinctive sonic identity for the brand.

Designed as a long-term platform, all tracks under Wok FM are fully original in melody and lyrics. The initiative functions as a scalable owned media asset, independent of individual campaigns, giving Chinese Wok an always-on cultural voice. With this, the brand joins a small group of global QSR players building proprietary music ecosystems at scale.

Extending beyond physical stores, Chinese Wok has launched Wok FM playlists on Spotify, YouTube Music, Amazon Music, and other platforms, allowing audiences to tune in anytime. New music will be released across seasons, festivals, and campaigns, ensuring that sound becomes as integral to the brand as menu innovation.

Commenting on the launch, Aayush Madhusudan Agrawal, Founder & Director, Lenexis Foodworks, said, “As a brand built for young India, we believe food today is as much about experience as it is about taste. Wok FM allows us to own a cultural space beyond the plate and build a strong emotional connection with our audience.”

Vikas Iyer, Marketing Head, Lenexis Foodworks, added, “Music is the language of Gen Z, and Wok FM is our way of speaking it authentically. By creating original, brand-owned music across genres and languages, we are building a sonic identity that lives in our stores and travels into the digital world.”

Future phases of Wok FM will invite fans, creators, and communities to collaborate, turning it into a living cultural platform that evolves with its audience.


Serious Slice Sets the Table for Valentine’s Day with a Southern Italy–Inspired Menu

Serious Slice Sets the Table for Valentine’s Day with a Southern Italy–Inspired Menu

By Hariharan U

Published on January 29, 2026

This Valentine’s Day, Serious Slice invites diners to celebrate love through flavour with a thoughtfully curated menu inspired by the warmth and culinary traditions of Southern Italy. Designed for an intimate evening, the special offering blends freshness, indulgence, and classic Italian influences, staying true to the brand’s craft-driven approach.

The experience begins on a light and elegant note with Crudo di Tonno agli Agrumi. Delicately sliced raw tuna is dressed with vibrant Sicilian citrus, extra-virgin olive oil, flaky sea salt, and fresh herbs, offering a refreshing start to the meal.

At the heart of the menu are two specially crafted Neapolitan-style pizzas. The Pesto Napoletano Pizza layers fragrant basil pesto with cherry tomatoes, olives, mozzarella, parmesan, and a subtle crunch of roasted almond crumble. For those who prefer a hint of spice, the Pollo Piccante di San Valentino Pizza brings together spiced chicken, San Marzano tomato sauce, melted mozzarella, and gentle chilli heat.

For a richer, more indulgent main, the menu features Red Wine BBQ Pork Ribs with Zucca & Beans. The slow-braised pork ribs are glazed in a robust red wine BBQ sauce and paired with sweet roasted pumpkin and sautéed beans, offering depth and comfort.

The evening concludes with Passion Fruit Crème Brûlée, a smooth vanilla custard infused with vibrant passion fruit and finished with a crisp caramelised sugar crust, striking a balance between richness and freshness.

Available exclusively on February 14, 2026, the Valentine’s Day menu is served at Serious Slice, Cunningham Road.

Known for its Naples-inspired approach, Serious Slice focuses on traditional fermentation, high-heat cooking, and ingredient integrity, presenting Neapolitan pizza as a cultural craft rather than fast food. With this Valentine’s Day menu, the brand offers couples a relaxed yet thoughtfully elevated dining experience

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