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 Eyes Global Palate with Talks to Bring Jimmy John’s to India

Haldiram’s Eyes Global Palate with Talks to Bring Jimmy John’s to India

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on November 16, 2025

Indian sweets giant Haldiram Group is reportedly in advanced talks with US-based Inspire Brands to bring the American sandwich chain Jimmy John’s to India. The move marks a significant step for Haldiram’s as it looks to enter the Western-style quick service restaurant (QSR) space, appealing to younger, urban consumers with global flavours.

According to reports, the talks are at an advanced stage, and the franchise deal could be finalised soon. The partnership would represent one of Haldiram’s boldest strategic shifts, expanding its reach beyond its traditional Indian offerings. Analysts suggest the move could reshape both Haldiram’s business trajectory and the competitive landscape of India’s ₹7.76 lakh crore food services market.

Founded in 1983, Jimmy John’s is a popular American sandwich and wrap chain known for its fast delivery and customisable menu. The brand operates over 2,600 restaurants across the US, Canada, South Korea, and the UAE. Its parent company, Inspire Brands, manages over 33,000 restaurants globally and has expressed strong interest in expanding Jimmy John’s international footprint.

For Haldiram’s, this move aligns with its growing ambitions in the hospitality sector. A member of the Agarwal family told Economic Times that the group aims to compete with international brands like Subway and Tim Hortons while connecting with aspirational young Indians who prefer Western café formats.

If finalised, the QSR venture will operate under Haldiram’s restaurant division, which already manages over 150 outlets nationwide and generates around ₹2,000 crore in annual revenue. This would be separate from its FMCG business, which reported ₹12,800 crore in revenue and ₹1,400 crore in net profit for FY24.

The development follows a series of strategic moves by Haldiram’s. In April 2025, the company merged its Delhi and Nagpur FMCG arms and attracted major investors, including Temasek and Alpha Wave Global. Earlier this year, Kamal Agrawal, a family member, led a ₹150 crore investment in Wow! Momo, hinting at Haldiram’s growing appetite for the QSR segment.

Industry experts note that India’s QSR market is entering a new phase, driven by rising disposable incomes and growing demand from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. As western chains such as Subway, Tim Hortons, and McDonald’s expand aggressively, Haldiram’s move could create a unique fusion of Indian trust and international appeal.

By combining its strong domestic legacy with Jimmy John’s global brand power, Haldiram’s may well bridge the gap between India’s traditional food culture and its fast-modernising dining habits, offering a new recipe for the next generation’s appetite.


Wendy’s India Launches New Cajun Burgers: Taste the Craze from Louisiana

Wendy’s India Launches New Cajun Burgers: Taste the Craze from Louisiana

By Hariharan U

Published on November 14, 2025

Wendy’s India, in partnership with Rebel Foods, continues to redefine the gourmet QSR experience with the launch of its latest flavour innovation the Cajun Burgers, available in both veg and non-veg variants.

Inspired by the vibrant, spice-rich cuisine of Louisiana, the new lineup brings a bold, creamy, and fiery twist to Wendy’s menu in India. The range features three indulgent options, Cajun Spicy Chicken, Cajun Spicy Paneer, and Cajun Potato, all layered with Wendy’s signature Cajun sauce made from black pepper, red chillies, garlic, herbs, and a dash of lemon. Priced from ₹149, the Cajun Burgers are available across all Wendy’s India outlets and on major delivery platforms including EatSure.

Wendy’s India has carved a niche for itself in the gourmet burger space with its global flavour portfolio, offering creations like Argentina’s Chimichurri, Korea’s fiery Buldak, Mexico’s Nachoburg, America’s BBQ, India’s Tandoori, and the Cheeseblast Burgers. The addition of the Louisiana Cajun series strengthens Wendy’s reputation as the flavour pioneer of India’s burger scene.

The Cajun Burgers have been developed with Indian consumers in mind, especially young, flavour-driven audiences seeking bold and authentic experiences. Combining Louisiana’s essence with India’s love for spice, Wendy’s invites customers to “Taste the Craze from Louisiana”, blending international inspiration with local intensity.

Commenting on the launch, Mohit Mahajan, AVP Marketing, Rebel Foods, said: “As we continue to grow Wendy’s India across the country, our priority is to make bold, never-seen-before flavours easily accessible to consumers everywhere. The Cajun Burgers bring an authentic Louisiana taste story with the punch and indulgence India loves. With our expanding network and delivery reach, we’re excited to bring this unique flavour experience to more cities.”

Currently operating in 200+ kitchens across India, Wendy’s India continues to expand through dine-in and delivery formats, with plans to reach deeper into Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities by year-end. The launch of the Cajun Burgers marks another milestone in the brand’s flavour revolution, a testament to its mission of making global gourmet burgers accessible to Indian consumers.


Come Home to ORLO: The Great Indian Family Table

Come Home to ORLO: The Great Indian Family Table

By Hariharan U

Published on November 14, 2025

There’s a new table to come home to Orlo, The Indian Cuisine Restaurant, where every meal feels like family and every flavour says “Aur lo.” Designed as a celebration of India’s culinary heritage and spirit of togetherness, Orlo invites guests to gather, share, and rediscover the joy of dining.

Born from the founders’ desire to create an intimate and inclusive space, Orlo captures the soul of Indian hospitality, where generosity and connection are the true ingredients of every dish. It’s a place that feels as warm as home and as lively as an evening with friends.

Orlo’s menu pays homage to India’s regional diversity through its three defining pillars, Community-Forward, Honest, and Vibrant. Every plate at Orlo is a reflection of India’s rhythm: playful, colourful, and bursting with authenticity. From soulful curries to spiced tikkas and nostalgic desserts, the food honours tradition while embracing contemporary sensibilities.

Orlo transforms through the day, offering two distinct yet harmonious experiences.

By Day, it’s a bright and cheerful urban mess-style restaurant serving wholesome thalis and regional set meals from Punjab, Rajasthan, Bengal, and Assam. The focus is on quick, fresh, and nourishing food that comforts and delights.

By Night, Orlo evolves into a spirited highball bar and elegant dining space overlooking Hyderabad’s iconic Cable Bridge and Durgam Cheruvu. Evenings here flow effortlessly — from sundowners to conversations over cocktails. Each drink at the highball bar is “high on India,” inspired by quarter bottles from thekas, fizzy sodas from paan shops, and summer banta nostalgia, reimagined into refreshing, playful mixes.

Orlo is part of Vikksit Hospitality, a new-age group built on the philosophy of “Intentional Hospitality” — creating genuine human connections through warmth and authenticity. Every detail, from the interiors to the interactions, is designed to make guests feel welcomed, valued, and part of a larger community.

Timings: 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM (Lunch) | 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM (Dinner)
Contact: +91 90631 69910 |

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