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.


Haldiram’s Opens New Outlet in Prayagraj, Expands Uttar Pradesh Presence

Haldiram’s Opens New Outlet in Prayagraj, Expands Uttar Pradesh Presence

By Hariharan U

Published on July 19, 2026

Haldiram’s, one of India’s most recognised brands in sweets, snacks, and dining, has strengthened its presence in Uttar Pradesh with the opening of its latest outlet in Prayagraj.

Located at WP Arena, Hot Stuff Chauraha, Lal Bahadur Shastri Marg, the new restaurant was inaugurated by Er. Harshvardhan Bajpayee, MLA, Prayagraj North, in the presence of customers, local dignitaries, and community members.

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The launch marks another step in Haldiram’s expansion strategy of entering emerging markets beyond major metropolitan cities while bringing its legacy of traditional Indian flavours closer to consumers across the country. The opening is also aligned with the brand’s “Acche Din Aa Rahe Hai!” campaign, highlighting its continued growth journey.

Known as one of India’s most culturally significant cities, Prayagraj holds a special place in the country’s spiritual and intellectual heritage. Home to the iconic Triveni Sangam, where the Ganga, Yamuna, and mythical Saraswati rivers meet, the city attracts millions of visitors during the Kumbh Mela and continues to be a major destination for travellers, pilgrims, and scholars.

Beyond its cultural importance, Prayagraj has emerged as an important educational, administrative, and commercial hub in Uttar Pradesh. With increasing infrastructure development and rising tourism, the city has witnessed growing demand for quality dining experiences.

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Recognising this evolving consumer landscape, Haldiram’s has introduced its new outlet to offer residents and visitors a trusted destination for traditional Indian cuisine combined with modern dining comfort.

Designed to cater to families, groups, and travellers, the outlet offers Haldiram’s extensive portfolio of Indian sweets, namkeens, regional favourites, chaats, complete meals, and contemporary beverages.

The expansion into Prayagraj reflects Haldiram’s broader vision of reaching new markets while preserving the traditions, flavours, and hospitality that have shaped the brand over decades.

With its growing footprint across India, Haldiram’s continues to focus on delivering authentic Indian culinary experiences while adapting to the changing preferences of today’s consumers.


Diggin Introduces Monsoon Menu with Comforting Seasonal Favourites

Diggin Introduces Monsoon Menu with Comforting Seasonal Favourites

By Hariharan U

Published on July 19, 2026

As monsoon showers bring a slower and more comforting rhythm to the city, Diggin Café invites guests to enjoy the season with a specially curated selection of monsoon favourites designed for relaxed conversations, indulgent meals, and cosy dining moments.

Known for its garden-inspired ambience and inviting spaces, Diggin offers the perfect setting to unwind during rainy days. With lush surroundings, warm corners, and an atmosphere that blends charm with comfort, the café creates an experience that complements the mood of the season.

The monsoon menu brings together a selection of comforting dishes crafted to celebrate familiar flavours with a contemporary touch. Highlights include the refreshing Diggin Special Salad, indulgent Baked Goat Cheese, rustic Grilled Vegetable & Goat Cheese Pizza, hearty Vegetable and Lamb Lasagnas, earthy Mushroom Skewers, and the classic Chicken Cordon Bleu.

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The seasonal experience is completed with desserts that capture the warmth and nostalgia of monsoon indulgence. Guests can enjoy the comforting Apple Crumble along with Diggin’s signature Biscoff Cheesecake, offering rich caramel notes and a perfect sweet ending to a rainy-day meal.

With its thoughtfully curated menu and cosy garden-inspired setting, Diggin’s Monsoon offerings invite guests to slow down, reconnect, and enjoy the simple pleasures of good food during the rainy season.

Monsoon Menu Details:

Locations:
Anand Lok, Connaught Place, Chanakyapuri, and Tagore Garden

Timings:
11:00 AM – 9:30 PM

Instagram:
@diggincafe


Rasanai Celebrates South India’s Love for Mango with ‘Maanga Maanga Festival

Rasanai Celebrates South India’s Love for Mango with ‘Maanga Maanga Festival

By Hariharan U

Published on July 18, 2026

Celebrating the seasonal charm of India’s favourite fruit, Rasanai has announced the launch of its ‘Maanga Maanga Festival’, a special culinary experience dedicated to exploring the diverse flavours and regional interpretations of mango across South India.

Running from 15th to 31st July 2026, the festival will be hosted across Rasanai outlets in Chennai, Coimbatore, and Kochi, inviting guests to experience mango beyond traditional desserts through a specially curated menu inspired by the culinary traditions of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Telangana.

From raw and tangy preparations to sweet, spiced, pickled, and slow-cooked creations, the festival highlights the versatility of mango as an ingredient deeply rooted in South Indian food culture.

Inspired by home kitchens, local traditions, and street food flavours, Rasanai’s festival menu presents creative interpretations of classic regional recipes. Guests can explore unique dishes such as Mangai Pachadi Paniyaram and Thengai Mangai Adai Taco, alongside bold regional favourites including Andhra Aavakkai Broccoli, Oorugai Mamsam, and Angamaly Meen Maanga Curry.

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Each preparation showcases a distinct expression of mango, balancing flavours of sweetness, spice, tanginess, and aroma while celebrating the ingredient’s importance across South Indian cuisines.

The culinary journey concludes with Mango Thengai Pongal, Rasanai’s innovative South Indian take on the popular mango sticky rice. Combining ripe mango, coconut, and the comforting texture of traditional pongal, the dessert offers a nostalgic yet contemporary finale to the festival experience.

Featuring vegetarian, meat, seafood, and dessert creations, the Maanga Maanga Festival brings together the many identities of mango through thoughtfully crafted dishes that celebrate regional diversity and culinary storytelling.

Speaking through this seasonal celebration, Rasanai continues its commitment to showcasing India’s rich food traditions while presenting familiar ingredients through fresh and imaginative perspectives.

For mango lovers and food enthusiasts looking to discover new regional flavours, Maanga Maanga Festival offers a unique opportunity to experience the king of fruits in its most vibrant and unexpected forms.

This is mango like never before.

Event Details:

Event: Maanga Maanga Festival
Dates: 15th July – 31st July 2026

Locations:

Rasanai Chennai
Besant Nagar, Chennai – 600090

Rasanai Coimbatore
Pappanaickenpalayam, Coimbatore – 641037

Rasanai Kochi
Ernakulum, Kerala – 682020

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