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.


Sheraton Grand Bangalore Showcases Flavours of Kongunadu at High Ultra Lounge

Sheraton Grand Bangalore Showcases Flavours of Kongunadu at High Ultra Lounge

By Hariharan U

Published on April 10, 2026

Sheraton Grand Bangalore Hotel at Brigade Gateway brings the bold and rustic flavours of western Tamil Nadu to the city with its latest culinary showcase, Flavours of Kongunadu, hosted at High Ultra Lounge.

Celebrating the rich culinary heritage of Kongunadu, the experience highlights a cuisine known for its robust spices, earthy ingredients, and deeply rooted agrarian traditions. The showcase offers guests an opportunity to explore flavours that are both hearty and intensely satisfying.

Curated by Chef Gopinath, the menu brings together a thoughtful mix of vegetarian and non-vegetarian delicacies. Highlights include Kongu Mushroom Milagu Fry and Karuveppilai Baby Potato Roast, alongside signature dishes such as Mutton Kola Urundai and Pallipalayam Chicken Fry, each reflecting the authentic taste and character of the region.

Complementing the food is a curated selection of gin-based cocktails designed to enhance the flavour profile of the cuisine. Creations such as Pepper Leaf Gin Smash, Curry Leaf Gin Fizz, Spiced Tamarind Gin Sour, and Smoked Botanical Gin Tonic add a contemporary edge to the traditional spread.

Set on the 31st floor, High Ultra Lounge offers sweeping views of the Bengaluru skyline, pairing the culinary journey with a vibrant, high-energy ambience that transitions seamlessly from sunset to late evening.

With its blend of regional authenticity and elevated dining, Flavours of Kongunadu presents a unique opportunity for guests to experience the essence of Tamil Nadu’s western region in a contemporary rooftop setting.


Brigade Hospitality Relaunches The Baking Company with a Fresh, Urban Concept

Brigade Hospitality Relaunches The Baking Company with a Fresh, Urban Concept

By Hariharan U

Published on April 10, 2026

In a strategic move to align with evolving urban consumer preferences, Brigade Hospitality has relaunched its flagship bakery brand, The Baking Company (TBC), introducing a refreshed concept focused on quality, convenience, and contemporary design.

Currently operating at prominent locations including the World Trade Center and The Woodrose, the brand continues to position itself within high-end commercial and lifestyle spaces. Strengthening its presence, a third outlet is set to open later this month at Brigade Tech Gardens, with three additional outlets planned across Bengaluru within the year.

The relaunch reflects a conscious effort to reimagine the brand for today’s fast-paced, quality-conscious consumers. With a strong emphasis on freshness and accessibility, The Baking Company aims to seamlessly integrate into everyday urban routines while maintaining a premium positioning.

The Baking Company holds a special place in our portfolio, and this relaunch reflects our effort to reimagine the brand for today’s fast-paced, quality-conscious consumer. With a strong focus on freshness, convenience, and design, we aim to create a bakery experience that fits seamlessly into everyday urban life,” said Gurmeet Singh.

The menu has been curated to cater to diverse tastes, offering a wide range of bite-sized savouries, desserts, and beverages. Guests can expect an assortment of sandwiches, sliders, doughnuts, macarons, tartlets, and gourmet cakes. In line with changing consumer preferences, the brand is also expanding its focus on healthier options, incorporating fresh ingredients and select superfoods.

Operationally, the brand leverages a central kitchen model supported by a hub-and-spoke distribution system, ensuring consistency in quality, food safety, and efficiency across all outlets. This structured approach positions The Baking Company for scalable growth while maintaining product integrity.

With this relaunch, Brigade Hospitality blends the familiarity of a well-loved brand with a modern, forward-looking vision. As the brand expands its footprint, it aims to establish itself as a preferred urban bakery destination for India’s evolving consumer base.


Tipsy Tiger Garden Bar Hosts Korean Food Festival in Mumbai

Tipsy Tiger Garden Bar Hosts Korean Food Festival in Mumbai

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on April 10, 2026

Tipsy Tiger Garden Bar in Mumbai is currently hosting a Korean Food Festival, bringing the vibrant and bold flavours of Korean cuisine to the spotlight. The limited-time menu celebrates comfort food with a modern twist, inspired by the growing popularity of Korean dishes around the world.

As part of the festival, the restaurant has introduced two special additions that stand out for their flavour and presentation. The Big Bowl Ramen is a highlight, created as an oversized and filling dish for those who enjoy generous portions. Known as one of the biggest ramen bowls in Mumbai, it offers a hearty and shareable experience that adds a fun element to dining.

For those looking for something more indulgent, the Cheese Baked Ramen offers a rich and satisfying option. This oven-baked dish comes layered with gooey cheese and bold flavours, delivering a comforting and decadent experience. With only 10 portions prepared each day, it also adds a sense of exclusivity to the menu.

To go along with the food, the bar features eight beers on tap, including a seasonal mango cider that brings a fresh and fruity balance to the rich dishes. The combination of bold flavours and refreshing drinks adds to the overall appeal of the festival.

With its focus on flavour, portion size, and limited-time offerings, the Korean Food Festival at Tipsy Tiger Garden Bar creates a dining experience that is both enjoyable and memorable.

  • Address: Hotel peninsula redpine, Andheri - Kurla Rd, Bori Colony, Marol, Andheri East, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400059.
  • Timings: 4pm to 1am.

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