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.


Chinese Wok Partners with Amazon MX Player’s ‘I-POPSTAR’ as Official Food Partner

Chinese Wok Partners with Amazon MX Player’s ‘I-POPSTAR’ as Official Food Partner

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on November 8, 2025

Chinese Wok, India’s leading homegrown Desi Chinese quick-service restaurant brand, has announced its debut in the reality TV entertainment space with ‘I-POPSTAR,’ Amazon MX Player’s latest music reality series celebrating India’s independent music talent. As the Official Food Partner, Chinese Wok brings its bold, youthful flavour into the heart of music, culture, and creativity, strengthening its connection with the country’s vibrant Gen Z and millennial audience.

Produced by Rusk Media, I-POPSTAR features 25 emerging musicians competing across auditions, gala rounds, and the grand finale, mentored by King, Aastha Gill, Aditya Rikhari, and Parmish Verma. The show embraces diverse genres including Pop, Rap, R&B, Rock, EDM, and regional fusion, spotlighting originality and fresh voices from across India.

The collaboration reflects a shared spirit between the show and the brand. Today’s young India is ambitious, expressive, and constantly evolving, qualities that align with Chinese Wok’s “Wok Your Way” ethos, which celebrates individuality and hustle. The partnership takes shape through on-air integrations, backstage interactions, playful exchanges with mentors and contestants, and a unique challenge segment that blends flavour, creativity, and performance in true Chinese Wok style.

As part of the association, the brand will co-create an exclusive jingle with one of the I-POPSTAR contestants, infusing music and flavour into a vibrant brand experience. Beyond the screen, Chinese Wok will have a presence at key events such as the Mumbai premiere, Delhi finale festival, and youth showcases across major cities.

Aayush Madhusudan Agrawal, Founder & Director, Lenexis Foodworks, shared,

“Chinese Wok has always resonated with the ambition, pace and individuality of young India. Our partnership with I-POPSTAR is a strategic step in expanding our cultural footprint and engaging deeply with the country’s most dynamic, creative audiences. With 250+ outlets across 45+ cities, this collaboration signals the next phase of our brand evolution, where food, culture and creative energy meet.”

Adding to this, Vikas Iyer, Marketing Head, Lenexis Foodworks, said,

“I-POPSTAR is raw, expressive and unapologetically fresh and that’s exactly the spirit of Chinese Wok. We’re excited to join India’s next popstars on-screen, share fun flavour moments, and even co-create a jingle with one of the artists. It’s food, culture, music, and youth energy coming together and when cravings hit the stage, Chinese bole toh Chinese Wok!”

This marks Chinese Wok’s first-ever entry into the reality TV and talent ecosystem, a bold and strategic move that builds deeper cultural relevance with India’s young audience through music, humour, sport, and digital storytelling.


Three Brothers Distillery Launches Northern Pride Premium Blended Whisky

Three Brothers Distillery Launches Northern Pride Premium Blended Whisky

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on November 8, 2025

Three Brothers Distillery has announced the launch of Northern Pride Premium Blended Whisky, a new expression that embodies the strength and cultural spirit of northern India. The introduction follows the success of the brand’s earlier release, 55°North, which gained strong traction across Delhi and Uttarakhand, expanding the company’s presence in the premium whisky market.

Crafted from fine Indian grain spirit and blended with three distinct Scotch malts, Northern Pride delivers a smooth texture, delicate sweetness, and a balanced finish. Designed for those who value authenticity, it reflects character and craftsmanship over excess.

The whisky is a product of the distillery’s focused philosophy, honest production, controlled expansion, and respect for taste. From ingredient selection to design, every stage has been carefully developed with precision and clarity. The bottle’s clean, elegant look complements its refined identity, representing confidence without extravagance.

Varun Gupta, Founder of Three Brothers Distillery, shared his thoughts on the launch, saying,

“Our experience with 55°North gave us both insight and motivation to explore a fresh expression that connects to the northern ethos. Northern Pride reflects discipline, transparency, and genuine craftsmanship. Early response from both retailers and patrons has been encouraging, showing that drinkers recognise sincerity and skill. We look forward to strengthening our distribution across key cities and building a stronger reputation for Indian whisky that stands on merit.”

Production of Northern Pride Premium Blended Whisky follows a small-batch method, ensuring quality and consistency. Distribution has already begun in leading urban markets through select partnerships with premium outlets and bars, while wider availability across new regions is planned for early 2026.

With this launch, Three Brothers Distillery continues its journey from a single-label venture to a respected name among new-age producers. Its growing portfolio reflects commitment, accuracy, and relevance and Northern Pride carries that legacy forward, symbolising both the spirit of celebration and the pride of belonging.


BarNaan Brookfield Unveils a Fresh Menu Crafted by Chef Kailash Singh

BarNaan Brookfield Unveils a Fresh Menu Crafted by Chef Kailash Singh

By Hariharan U

Published on November 7, 2025

BarNaan Brookfield, one of the city’s most-loved spots for modern Indian dining, has rolled out an exciting new menu curated by Chef Kailash Singh and his Sous Chef. Known for blending traditional roots with contemporary twists, the restaurant’s latest offering captures the essence of Indian comfort food with a fresh, inventive touch.

The revamped menu takes diners on a journey through India’s rich culinary landscape,  where local flavours meet global techniques. From hearty classics to mindful modern options, the spread includes a mix of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes, with several gluten-free and dairy-free choices catering to today’s diverse preferences.

To start, guests can indulge in small yet flavour-packed bites like Cheese Balls with Roasted Tomato Sauce, Maitake Mushroom Hot Tea, and Homemade Vegetable Samosa, each dish reflecting the restaurant’s focus on freshness and balance.

The Small Plates section stands out for its creative flair and bold Indian character. Highlights include Asami Chicken Wings, Old Delhi Chicken Tikka, Amritsari Fish and Chips, and Andhra Prawn Thayir Sadam, all offering a playful yet refined take on beloved classics. For those craving rich and meaty indulgence, options like Seekh Kebab, Chicken 65, and the indulgent Lamb Chop Masala Couscous promise depth, aroma, and perfectly cooked textures.

Vegetarians have plenty to celebrate too from Yogurt Fried Dumplings and Tandoori Paneer Tikka to Lahsuni Gobhi, Vada Pao, and the irresistible street-style favourites Mumbai Bhel, Aloo Tikki Chaat, and Dahi Puri served with mango, avocado, and yogurt mousse.

Speaking about the new menu, Chef Kailash Singh shared, “Each dish on this menu is a story, rooted in Indian tradition but presented with a modern spirit. We wanted to create something that feels familiar yet exciting for every palate.”

With this refreshed lineup, BarNaan Brookfield continues to redefine how Indian cuisine is experienced — comforting yet creative, nostalgic yet refreshingly new.


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