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.


Barista Celebrates Women’s Day with Free Coffee Upgrade for Women

Barista Celebrates Women’s Day with Free Coffee Upgrade for Women

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on March 8, 2026

Barista Coffee Company is marking International Women’s Day with a special campaign titled ‘She Inspires. We Upgrade.’ The initiative celebrates the strength, creativity, and everyday influence of women by offering them a complimentary coffee upgrade across Barista cafés.

The campaign is designed as a simple yet meaningful gesture to appreciate the many ways women inspire those around them. By upgrading every woman’s coffee order, the brand aims to add a small moment of celebration to their day.

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On 08th March, women visiting any Barista café can enjoy this special upgrade as part of the Women’s Day celebration. Whether they are stopping by for a quick break from work, meeting friends for a catch-up, or simply taking some time to relax, the offer is meant to make the coffee experience a little more memorable.

Sharing his thoughts on the initiative, Rajat Agrawal, CEO, Barista Coffee Company, said, “Women inspire change, creativity, and strength in everyday life. Through our campaign, we wanted to celebrate and acknowledge their contribution in a simple yet meaningful way. At Barista, coffee has always been about creating experiences and moments of connection, and this Women’s Day we invite women to come celebrate themselves over a cup of coffee.”

With this campaign, Barista continues to focus on creating meaningful café experiences that celebrate people and everyday moments. The ‘She Inspires. We Upgrade.’ Women’s Day offer will be available exclusively on 08th March across Barista cafés, inviting women to enjoy an upgraded coffee experience and celebrate the occasion dedicated to them.


The Kitchen by Chef Deepa Has a Special Iftar Menu for Ramadan and It Looks Delicious

The Kitchen by Chef Deepa Has a Special Iftar Menu for Ramadan and It Looks Delicious

By Hariharan U

Published on March 8, 2026

Ramadan is as much about the table as it is about reflection and The Kitchen by Chef Deepa is making sure the Iftar spread this year is one worth gathering around.

The Chennai-based cloud kitchen has launched a limited-edition Iftar Special Menu for Ramadan 2026, thoughtfully put together to capture the warmth and generosity that define this holy month. Rooted in North Indian culinary traditions particularly the bold, comforting flavours of Amritsari cooking, the menu is designed for families and friends coming together at sundown.

What's on the Menu

The spread reads like a celebration of everything good about Indian street food and home cooking, brought together for one special occasion.

It opens with Amritsari Samosa Chaat - crispy samosas layered with spicy chana, yoghurt, chutneys, and sev. Classic, comforting, and exactly the kind of thing you want to break a fast with.

Then there's the Multani Paneer Tikka - juicy paneer marinated in yoghurt, pomegranate juice, and house spices, grilled to tender perfection. The pomegranate marinade is a lovely touch that sets it apart from the usual tikka.

The Lawrance Road Wali Aloo Tikki brings serious Amritsari street food energy - potato tikkis stuffed with lentils, served with chole, yoghurt, and tangy chutneys. It's hearty, flavourful, and deeply satisfying.

For something a little different, the Afgani Broccoli & Cauliflower is a standout - broccoli in a creamy cashew paste and cauliflower in Kashmiri chilli yoghurt, grilled together for a dish that's both delicate and bold.

The Wraps keep things easy and filling - soft parathas wrapped around hearty fillings that are flavourful and fuss-free, perfect for a relaxed Iftar table.

And to round things off, Dry Fruit Panjiri - traditional roasted semolina in ghee, loaded with almonds, pistachios, and lotus seeds. It's the kind of sweet ending that feels like a hug.

Chef Deepa shared that the menu was created to reflect the warmth, generosity, and joy of sharing meals during Iftar — values that sit at the heart of both the festival and her own cooking philosophy.

The Woman Behind the Kitchen

Chef Deepa Arora's story is one worth knowing. A homemaker-turned-chef, she turned her love for traditional Punjabi cooking into an award-winning cloud kitchen based in Chennai. Her food is built around three things purity, authenticity, and the kind of care that goes into cooking for family. That same spirit comes through clearly in this Ramadan menu.

For orders and collaborations, reach out at +91 9363544123 or follow along on Instagram at @thekitchenbychefdeepa.


Dhaba Indian Cuisine in New York Just Dropped a New Menu and It's All About Real Indian Flavours

Dhaba Indian Cuisine in New York Just Dropped a New Menu and It's All About Real Indian Flavours

By Hariharan U

Published on March 8, 2026

New York has no shortage of Indian restaurants, but Dhaba Indian Cuisine has always stood a little apart. Known for bringing honest, bold North Indian flavours to the city, the restaurant has now gone a step further with a newly curated menu that's as exciting as it is comforting.

The new menu has been crafted by Chef Keshav Kumar Chaudhary, Assistant Chef at Sahib & Dhaba Restaurant, New York and it's clear that the brief was simple: keep it real, keep it flavourful, and make it work for the modern diner without losing what makes Indian food so special in the first place.

Street Food, Tandoor & Everything in Between

The menu kicks off strong with a lineup of appetisers that reads like a tour of India's best street food stops. Achari Paneer Tikka, Kurkuri Bhindi, Lasuni Gobi, and Mushroom Malai Wali sit alongside crowd favourites like Vada Pav, Pav Bhaji, Pani Puri, and Aloo Tikki Chaat. It's the kind of starter section that makes choosing difficult — in the best possible way.

The tandoor section keeps the momentum going with Murgh Tikka, Tangri Kebab, Tandoori Jhinga, and a Dhaba Mixed Grill, all prepared with traditional marinades in a clay oven, the way it's meant to be done.

Curries That Feel Like Home

The curry section is where the menu really shines. Malai Kofta, Kadai Paneer, Sarson da Saag, Rogan Josh, Methi Murgh, and Dhaba Goat Curry, it's a lineup that covers the full range of India's regional cooking. Paired with aromatic biryanis Chicken, Lamb, and Vegetable Paneer and freshly baked breads like Garlic Naan, Laccha Paratha, and Tandoori Roti, it's a proper, satisfying spread.

Chef Chaudhary's Signature Touch

What makes this menu stand out are the signature dishes that Chef Chaudhary has introduced, creations that reflect his own take on Indian cooking. Manahari Paneer Lababdar, Chatpata Imaliwala Aloo, Hari Mutter Nazakat Kebab, and Chuja Khas Chicken Lababdar are the kind of dishes that feel rooted in tradition but carry a creative spark that makes them memorable.

Chef Chaudhary summed up the philosophy behind the menu, "Our goal with this menu is to celebrate authentic dhaba style cuisine while presenting it in a way that connects with today's diners. Each dish reflects traditional recipes, bold spices, and comforting flavors that represent the true spirit of Indian food."

A Sweet Finish

The menu wraps up on a classic note with desserts like Gulab Jamun, Rasmalai, Moong Dal Halwa, Gajar Ka Halwa, traditional Bengali Mithai, and Agra Petha, served alongside refreshing lassis and beverages. It's the kind of ending that makes you sit back and smile.

For anyone in New York craving a proper Indian meal, not a watered-down version, but the real thing — Dhaba Indian Cuisine just made a very strong case for itself.

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