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.

image

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.

image

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.


The Dark Room Unveils ‘Beer Fest’ to Toast Community, Music, and Good Times

The Dark Room Unveils ‘Beer Fest’ to Toast Community, Music, and Good Times

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 2, 2025

The Dark Room by Wynnd Hotels has launched its much-awaited ‘Beer Fest’, a high-energy celebration that blends the love for craft brews with the joy of shared moments. Set in the heart of Galaxy Blue Sapphire Mall, Greater Noida West, the month-long event runs daily from 3:00pm to 8:00pm, starting July 1, 2025.

Positioned as a vibrant escape for after-work chills or afternoon hangouts, the Beer Fest is designed to bring people together with music, laughter, and enticing offers on brews and bites. Whether you're catching up with friends or looking for a laid-back yet exciting vibe, The Dark Room delivers a perfect blend of affordability and indulgence.

image

The curated menu features value-rich combos tailored for all kinds of beer lovers—from the light sipper to the full-fledged enthusiast. Guests can enjoy:

  • 2 Beers + Nachos

  • 3 Beers + Starter 

  • 6-Beer Bucket + 2 Starters

  • 10 Beers + Veg/Non-Veg Platter

The event promises a diverse lineup of Indian and international beer brands, paired with crowd-favourite finger foods and starters, making it a complete gastronomic experience. All combos are subject to government taxes and a 10% service fee, maintaining transparency in billing.

Himanshu Sapra, Co-founder of The Dark Room, shared his thoughts on the festival:

“The Beer Festival is not just about drinks—it’s about community, energy, and the magic of shared experiences. We’ve seen the nightlife culture slowly morph into a bland, over-styled version of what it once was. At The Dark Room, we’re reclaiming that culture—the loud music, the intimate conversations over beer, the thrill of the unknown. This festival is a tribute to that original spirit.”

image

Alongside the irresistible beer combos, guests can expect live DJ sets, vibrant music lineups, and an atmosphere that brings people closer—capturing the very soul of nightlife. The mission? Not just to pour beer, but to pour memories that linger long after the night ends.

With its urban-chic setting, signature mood lighting, and electric energy, The Dark Room’s Beer Fest is a must-visit this season for anyone in Delhi-NCR looking to celebrate beer, people, and music.


Daawat-e-Challenge at Omaxe Chowk: Chandni Chowk’s Street Food Legacy Comes Alive

Daawat-e-Challenge at Omaxe Chowk: Chandni Chowk’s Street Food Legacy Comes Alive

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on June 30, 2025

Delhi’s food capital, Chandni Chowk, is ready to stir up the appetite of the city with a celebration like no other. Omaxe Chowk is bringing the spotlight back to Old Delhi’s legendary flavours with ‘Daawat-e-Challenge’, a two-day food-eating competition to be held on June 28 and 29, 2025, at the popular Dawatpur Food Court.

Celebrating the rich heritage of Delhi’s culinary past, the event is designed as an immersive, high-energy food fest where over 100 teams from across Delhi-NCR will compete for prizes, pride, and of course—plates full of iconic street food.

The competition will unfold in multiple spicy and savoury rounds. On Day 1, participants will begin with Round 1, where 20–25 teams will take on the challenge of quickly finishing Golgappe, Dahi Bhalla, and Tikki in just a couple of minutes.

Winners will then advance to Round 2, a test of speed and spice tolerance with Paranthas, Kachori, and Matar Kulcha. The top teams will battle it out in the Grand Finale on Day 2, where a massive Grand Thali Challenge awaits. This round will push appetites and timing to the limit in a 5–7 minute showdown.

To honour the champions of this gastronomic showdown, exciting prizes are on the table:

  •  First Prize – ₹50,000

  • Second Prize – ₹30,000

  •  Third Prize – ₹20,000

Participants will also receive exclusive food vouchers, turning their eating efforts into a delicious win. The competition will feature dishes prepared by well-known food brands at Omaxe Chowk, such as:

  • Jung Bahadur Kachori

  • Kuremal’s Kulfi

  • Chaat Town

  • Gaya Prasad – Paranthe Wali Gali

  • Amritsari Express

  • Ghoomar

  • Cafe Chennai

From crispy snacks to rich desserts, the event is not only a contest but a true celebration of Chandni Chowk’s legendary food culture.

Speaking about the initiative, Jatin Goel, Executive Director, Omaxe Group, said:

“Omaxe Chowk has always aimed to revive and celebrate the timeless charm of Old Delhi’s culinary traditions. Through Daawat-e-Challenge, we are creating an interactive platform that brings the community together in a fun and culturally rooted way. We are excited to welcome participants and spectators to what promises to be a spirited and flavourful event.”

The contest will be open to teams of two, with a small entry fee per team. The format encourages teamwork and community participation, making it as much about shared memories as it is about winning.

With the Daawat-e-Challenge, Omaxe Chowk is once again reinforcing its position as a cultural and commercial landmark in Delhi. From golgappas to kulchas, the event promises laughter, flavour, fun, and fierce competition — all rooted in the timeless magic of Old Delhi’s street food. So whether you're in it to win it or just there to savour the vibe, Daawat-e-Challenge is where Delhi’s appetite meets its heart.


ibis India Partners with Chef Sanjyot Keer to Elevate Dining at Spice It

ibis India Partners with Chef Sanjyot Keer to Elevate Dining at Spice It

By Nishang Narayan

Published on June 29, 2025

ibis India has announced an exciting new collaboration with renowned chef and culinary creator Sanjyot Keer, aimed at transforming the guest dining experience across its Spice It restaurants nationwide. This strategic partnership is part of ibis India’s broader initiative to refresh its food and beverage offerings and resonate more deeply with the evolving tastes of today’s travellers.

Founder of Your Food Lab, Chef Sanjyot Keer is celebrated for his unique storytelling and modern interpretations of Indian cuisine. With over two million followers on Instagram and collaborations with global and Indian icons like Ed Sheeran, Ajay Devgn, and Sourav Ganguly, Keer’s dynamic culinary sensibility makes him the perfect partner to infuse ibis India’s dining with fresh energy and creativity.

“We are thrilled to collaborate with Chef Sanjyot Keer in this bold step forward for our dining experiences. His creative approach and cultural relevance perfectly reflect the ibis brand ethos. This partnership redefines what guests can expect from food and beverage at an economy hotel – approachable yet innovative cuisine served with heart,” said Tejus Jose, Director of Operations, ibis & ibis Styles India.

Sharing his excitement, Chef Keer added, “Partnering with ibis India is a wonderful opportunity to bring my culinary vision to life on a national scale. The menu we’ve created blends familiar Indian flavours with a global perspective, resulting in a collection of dishes that are comforting, imaginative, and made to spark conversation. I look forward to guests across the country enjoying this new dining experience.”

This collaboration reinforces ibis India’s commitment to delivering multi-sensory, memorable guest experiences that go beyond the usual expectations of economy hotels. Whether travelling for work or leisure, guests at Spice It can now look forward to a menu that’s thoughtfully crafted to connect people through great food, bold flavours, and a sense of shared enjoyment.

Stay up-to-date with the latest Hospitality news and trends in the Hospitality industry!

Subscribe to Hospitality news e-magazine for free and never miss an issue.

By clicking subscribe for free you agree to the Terms & Conditions and acknowledge our Privacy Policy.

Advertise With Us

We have various options to advertise with us including Events, Advertorials, Banners, Mailers, etc.