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.


JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar Introduces ‘Matcha Moments’ at Autm

JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar Introduces ‘Matcha Moments’ at Autm

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on January 24, 2026

In a city that is always on the move, Autm at JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar is bringing a refreshing pause with the launch of Matcha Moments, starting 21st January 2026. The new experience invites guests to slow down, reset, and enjoy a sense of calm through carefully prepared matcha-based beverages.

Blending age-old tradition with modern tastes, Matcha Moments goes beyond being just a trend. The menu highlights matcha’s natural energy boost, antioxidant benefits, and its distinctive umami flavour. Guests can choose from hand-whisked ceremonial Matcha Tea, creamy Matcha Lattes, and cooling iced options. Signature creations include the Strawberry Iced Matcha Latte, Coconut Matcha Cloud, and the zesty Matcha Yuzu Spritz, each designed to offer a balance of taste, ritual, and refreshment.

Available throughout the day at Autm, Matcha Moments presents a thoughtfully curated menu that brings together tradition and contemporary flavours. Positioned as both a mindful treat and an everyday essential, the experience reflects a modern approach to wellness-led dining in Mumbai.


Stock Up Before Dry Days Hit: 4 Bottles for the Long Weekend Swing

Stock Up Before Dry Days Hit: 4 Bottles for the Long Weekend Swing

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on January 24, 2026

This Republic Day long weekend brings with it calm evenings, loud nights, and plans that often come together at the last minute. With dry days around January 26, stocking up in advance becomes essential. A ready bar sets the tone, whether it’s an intimate house gathering or a lively hosting scene. This curated selection brings together refined craftsmanship, celebrity-backed labels, and bold new-age spirits. Each bottle earns its place, with no fillers and no compromises.

Shelter6 Vodka stands out for its focus on precision. Crafted by Cartel Bros in collaboration with Badshah, the vodka is refined six times to achieve exceptional clarity and smoothness. Clean on the palate and silky on the finish, it works equally well in cocktails and when sipped neat. It fits right into intimate house parties and well-set bars.

The Glenjourney Single Malt Whisky is designed for slow, thoughtful pours. A combination of sherry, bourbon, and rum casks brings warmth, depth, and balance to the whisky. Co-crafted by Ajay Devgn, this no-age-statement single malt feels layered and confident without being overpowering. It is best enjoyed unhurried, making it ideal for relaxed long weekend evenings. 

The Glenwalk Blended Scotch Whisky offers a dependable and refined choice for hosting. This three-year-old blend carries malty richness with gentle spice, making it easy to serve and even easier to enjoy. Co-founded by Sanjay Dutt and trusted by over a million drinkers, it suits gatherings where consistency matters.

EL Goonda, backed by Karan Tacker, brings a bold energy to the mix. Made using 100% Indian agave beasts, the range offers distinct personalities across variants. Silver delivers raw lightning shots, Reposado offers smooth character, Picante adds spicy flair, and Café introduces coffee-driven intensity. Ideal for margaritas or straight pours, EL Goonda makes a statement for those looking to turn things up before January 26. The brand is available in Mumbai.

With dry days approaching, stocking these bottles ahead of time ensures the long weekend stays seamless. Cartel Bros brings polish, EL Goonda delivers punch, and together they help set the mood. Republic Day deserves a bar that is ready to pour and ready to celebrate.


Sandwizzaa Strengthens Mumbai Presence with New Outlet in Malad

Sandwizzaa Strengthens Mumbai Presence with New Outlet in Malad

By Hariharan U

Published on January 23, 2026

Mumbai-based QSR brand Sandwizzaa has strengthened its presence in the city with the launch of a new outlet in Malad, continuing its steady expansion across the market it calls home. Known for its indulgent sandwiches and comfort-focused offerings, the brand remains closely tied to the everyday food habits of Mumbai’s neighbourhoods.

Since its early days, Sandwizzaa has built loyalty by becoming part of customers’ daily routines, offering quick meals, familiar flavours, and consistent quality. The Malad outlet follows the same philosophy, opening in a suburb known for its mix of residential communities, offices, colleges, and high daily footfall, making it a natural fit for the brand’s walk-in, repeat-visit model.

Commenting on the expansion, Pankaj Sharma, Director, Sandwizzaa, said, “Mumbai has always been central to Sandwizzaa’s story. Every outlet we open here feels personal because it comes from listening to our customers and understanding how they eat every day. Malad stood out as a neighbourhood that values convenience, familiarity, and value, which aligns perfectly with what Sandwizzaa represents.”

The Malad outlet offers Sandwizzaa’s full range of vegetarian sandwiches, fries, beverages, and comfort favourites, staying true to the brand’s core promise of affordability and consistency. In addition to its signature sandwiches, the outlet serves thick milkshakes, frappes, and classic tea and coffee options, catering to both quick bites and relaxed pauses through the day.

Designed as an easy walk-in space, the outlet is positioned to serve students, office-goers, and residents alike, encouraging frequent visits rather than occasion-led dining. With this addition, Sandwizzaa continues to grow across Mumbai through a measured, sustainable expansion strategy that prioritises neighbourhood relevance over scale alone.

The brand has also recently been recognised with Zomato’s Best Fast Food Award, reinforcing its standing within Mumbai’s competitive QSR landscape.

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