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.

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:

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.
In a separate bowl, combine the tomato paste, red pepper paste, lemon juice, pomegranate molasses, and olive oil. Stir until smooth.
Pour the paste mixture over the softened bulgur and mix thoroughly to ensure the bulgur is evenly coated.
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.)
Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with extra parsley or a few pomegranate seeds if desired.

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.

Mumbai Cafes Serve Power-Packed Breakfasts for Healthy Morning Starts

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 23, 2026

Healthy breakfasts are moving beyond simple salads and basic meals, with cafés across Mumbai creating menus that combine nutrition with comfort and flavour. Whether it is a quick morning bite before work or a relaxed brunch outing, several food destinations are now offering breakfast options that are both wholesome and satisfying.

Leading the list is Pantry, known for serving mindful meals without compromising on indulgence. Its breakfast menu includes the Four Cheese Omelet, bringing together mozzarella, cheddar, parmesan and artisanal gouda for a rich start to the day. For those looking for a protein-rich option, the Protein Packed Quinoa Egg Scrambled combines eggs, quinoa, cheddar and spinach into a filling breakfast plate. Another standout is the Marine Lines Wrap, filled with spicy cottage cheese, BBQ mix, peppers and lettuce wrapped in multigrain bread.

Flax Healthy Living continues to focus on lighter and nourishing breakfast choices. The Granola Power Bowl combines Greek yoghurt, fresh fruits and chia seeds for a balanced meal, while the Avocado and Garlic Butter Rye Toast pairs creamy avocado with roasted garlic butter and seeds on sourdough toast. Its smoothie bowls and parfait options, including Dragon Fruit Parfait, Blueberry Honey Parfait and Green Protein Smoothie, offer refreshing choices packed with nutrients.

Adding a creative touch to breakfast is Juliette Café & Bar, where classic comfort food meets global flavours. The café’s smoothie bowl collection, featuring options like The Beetfruit, Day Dreamer and The Green Galaxy, includes a mix of fruits, nuts, seeds and superfoods.

Those looking for sweet breakfast options can choose Japanese Fluffy Pancakes and French Toast, while savoury selections include Healthy Bowls, Quinoa Upma and Eggs Benedict Crobun. The Benne Dosas also bring a familiar South Indian touch to the menu.

Across the city, cafés and cloud kitchens are increasingly focusing on menus that balance indulgence with healthier ingredients. From protein-rich scrambles to energising smoothie bowls and wraps, breakfast options are becoming more thoughtful and diverse.

With changing eating habits and growing interest in wellness-led dining, these breakfast destinations show that healthy eating no longer means giving up flavour or comfort.

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MoMo Café Brings Back The Brunch Society with Mango-ficent Edition

By Hariharan U

Published on May 23, 2026

MoMo Café is bringing back its popular brunch concept, The Brunch Society, with a special Mango-ficent Edition celebrating the flavours and vibrancy of the summer season.

Scheduled for Sunday, 24 May 2026, the themed brunch experience at Courtyard by Marriott Mumbai International Airport will spotlight mango-inspired delicacies, refreshing beverages, desserts, and interactive family-friendly activities designed around India’s favourite summer fruit.

The specially curated brunch menu features a wide selection of mango-forward dishes including Mango Sushi, Raw Mango Chicken Tikka, Raw Mango Som Tum, Meen Mango Curry, Mango Risotto, and the classic Aamras Puri.

Complementing the culinary experience are seasonal beverages such as Mango Mint Cooler and Aam Panna, alongside indulgent desserts including Mango Shrikhand and Mango Tres Leches.

Beyond the dining experience, the Mango-ficent Edition aims to create an immersive summer-themed afternoon through vibrant décor, Mango-themed Housie sessions, interactive paper craft workshops for children, and activities curated for guests across all age groups.

The brunch continues the larger concept of The Brunch Society, which blends experiential dining with entertainment-led hospitality experiences focused on family gatherings, social dining, and relaxed weekend indulgence.

With seasonal flavours, interactive engagement, and a festive atmosphere, the Mango-ficent Edition offers guests a lively Sunday celebration centred around the king of fruits.

Event Details

Venue: MoMo Café
Date: Sunday, 24 May 2026
Time: 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Location: Courtyard by Marriott Mumbai International Airport