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.


PizzaExpress Opens 38th India Restaurant at 5 Worldmark Aerocity

PizzaExpress Opens 38th India Restaurant at 5 Worldmark Aerocity

By Hariharan U

Published on August 11, 2026

PizzaExpress, the UK-based pizza and casual dining brand, has opened its newest restaurant at World St. at 5 Worldmark, Aerocity, New Delhi, marking its 38th outlet in India.

Located within one of Delhi's prominent business, hospitality and lifestyle destinations, the new restaurant brings PizzaExpress' signature handcrafted pizzas, relaxed dining experience and warm hospitality to a growing community of professionals, travellers and diners in Aerocity.

Designed as a contemporary and relaxed dining space, the restaurant offers a selection of PizzaExpress classics alongside seasonal offerings. The menu includes the brand's popular Dough Balls, gourmet pizzas starting at INR 495 for two, summer specials, salads, appetisers, pastas and desserts, including Tiramisu and Baked Vanilla Cheesecake.

The restaurant also features PizzaExpress' Romana pizzas, known for their larger, thinner and crispier bases inspired by the pizzas of Rome.

Reflecting the brand's "Only For Everyone" philosophy, the menu caters to a variety of preferences and occasions. Options include the Piccolo menu for children, Leggera range for lighter choices and Soho Bowls for wholesome meals. Guests can also choose from a selection of mocktails and signature desserts.

Speaking on the launch, Ramit Bharti Mittal, Founder & Director, Gourmet Investments Hospitality Group (GIHG), said, “5 Worldmark at Aerocity is one of Delhi's most exciting and relaxed dining spaces, bringing together travellers, young professionals and consumers who actively seek quality dining experiences. PizzaExpress fits naturally into this environment because the brand has always stood for great food served in a relaxed, welcoming setting.”

Rohan Pewekar, CEO, Gourmet Investments Hospitality Group (GIHG), added, “The launch of our 38th PizzaExpress restaurant in India is in line with our steady growth and long-term commitment in India. 5 Worldmark at Aerocity continues to evolve as a premium lifestyle and food destination, making it an important location for us strategically.”

SK Sayal, MD & CEO, Bharti Real Estate, said, “We're delighted to welcome PizzaExpress to World St. at 5 Worldmark, Aerocity. Good food has a unique way of bringing people together, and that's exactly the kind of experience we want to create at World St.”

The culinary offering is built around PizzaExpress' focus on fresh ingredients and handcrafted preparation. Each pizza is made with freshly prepared dough and the brand's signature tomato passata, produced using San Marzano tomatoes sourced from Parma, Italy.

Among the menu highlights is the Calabrese pizza, created by Michelin-starred chef Francesco Mazzei and inspired by the bold flavours of Southern Italy.

The new outlet also features contemporary interiors, comfortable seating and PizzaExpress' signature open kitchen, allowing diners to watch pizzaiolos prepare and bake pizzas in real time. The space is designed for business lunches, casual meals, family dining and evening gatherings.

PizzaExpress opened its first restaurant on London's Wardour Street in 1965 and has since grown to more than 330 restaurants in the UK, with a presence across 13 countries. In India, the brand currently operates 38 restaurants across markets including Mumbai, Delhi NCR, Bengaluru, Pune, Punjab, Lucknow and Hyderabad.

Restaurant Details

Address: Unit No. W11, Ground Floor, World St. 5 Worldmark, Aerocity, Near Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi – 110037


Sheraton Grand Palace Indore Celebrates Independence Day with Special Brunch

Sheraton Grand Palace Indore Celebrates Independence Day with Special Brunch

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 10, 2026

Marking India's 80th Independence Day, Sheraton Grand Palace Indore is hosting a special Independence Day Brunch at S Café on 15 August 2026, bringing together festive flavours, cultural celebrations, and family-friendly experiences under one roof.

The brunch has been curated as a tribute to India's rich culinary heritage, offering an extensive vegetarian menu featuring regional favourites alongside international dishes. Guests can enjoy Indian specialities such as Nizami Paneer Tikka, Navratan Korma, Peshawari Paneer, and Soya Nihari, complemented by global flavours including Laksa Soup, Minestrone Genovese, Thai Corn Cake, and Spinach & Cheese Tartlets.

Adding to the experience are live cooking stations serving freshly prepared Paneer Shawarma and Chilli Paneer Bao, giving guests the opportunity to enjoy dishes made to order.

The festive atmosphere will be enhanced with tricolour-inspired décor, live music, and a dedicated Kids' Activity Zone, creating a memorable celebration for families and friends.

With a combination of authentic flavours, warm hospitality, and a vibrant setting, Sheraton Grand Palace Indore invites guests to celebrate the spirit of India's 80th Independence Day over a memorable brunch experience.

Event Details

  • Event: Independence Day Brunch

  • Venue: S Café, Sheraton Grand Palace Indore

  • Date: 15 August 2026

  • Time: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM.


Novotel Vijayawada Varun Revives Nizami Culinary Heritage with Sixth Edition of ‘Lost Cuisine’ Series

Novotel Vijayawada Varun Revives Nizami Culinary Heritage with Sixth Edition of ‘Lost Cuisine’ Series

By Hariharan U

Published on August 10, 2026

Novotel Vijayawada Varun invites diners to embark on a culinary journey through the royal kitchens of Hyderabad with the sixth edition of its ‘Lost Cuisine’ series on 9th August 2026 at Food Exchange.

The exclusive one-day brunch experience aims to revive the forgotten flavours and timeless traditions of Nizami cuisine, offering guests in Vijayawada a rare opportunity to explore the rich culinary legacy of Hyderabad’s royal kitchens.

Rooted in a blend of Persian, Turkish, Mughlai, and Deccani influences, Nizami cuisine is celebrated for its slow-cooking methods, balanced spices, and intricate layers of flavour. Over generations, it has played a significant role in shaping Hyderabad’s food culture and remains one of India’s most cherished culinary traditions.

Curated by the culinary team at Novotel Vijayawada Varun, the specially designed menu brings back traditional recipes and iconic dishes, featuring a selection of royal delicacies including Haazma-e-Zam Zam, Lost Nizami Mutton Maraq, Asaf Jahi Shamiya Kebab, Pathar Ka Gosht, Roohani Kachhi Yakhni Biryani, Bagara Khana, Meetah Gosht, Hyderabadi Lagan Ka Murgh, and the classic Khubani Ka Meetha with Gaadi Malai.

Speaking about the initiative, Manish Pathak, Hotel Manager, Novotel Vijayawada Varun, said, “The Lost Cuisine series is our way of celebrating India's diverse culinary heritage by bringing regional food traditions to our guests. With the sixth edition, we are presenting Nizami cuisine, which continues to be recognized for its history, craftsmanship, and enduring influence on Indian gastronomy.”

A signature initiative of Novotel Vijayawada Varun, the Lost Cuisine series focuses on preserving India’s diverse regional food traditions by reviving authentic recipes and sharing the stories, techniques, and cultural significance behind them.

Event Details

Event: Lost Cuisine Series – Nizami Cuisine Brunch
Date: 9th August 2026, Sunday
Venue: Food Exchange, Novotel Vijayawada Varun

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