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.


Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach Introduces Mediterranean Nights at The Square

Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach Introduces Mediterranean Nights at The Square

By Hariharan U

Published on June 4, 2026

Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach has introduced a new dining experience titled “Mediterranean Nights” at its signature restaurant, The Square, bringing together the vibrant culinary traditions of the Mediterranean coastline and Middle Eastern regions.

Designed as an immersive and elegant evening experience, Mediterranean Nights focuses on fresh ingredients, aromatic herbs, handcrafted mezze, and interactive live cooking stations that highlight the richness and diversity of Mediterranean cuisine.

The ambience at The Square has been thoughtfully curated to reflect coastal European charm, featuring soft lighting, Mediterranean-inspired décor elements, and soothing background music. The setting aims to create a relaxed yet premium atmosphere ideal for an elevated dining experience by the sea.

Guests can explore an elaborate buffet spread featuring a wide selection of mezze, artisan breads and dips, seafood preparations, roasted meats, and signature Mediterranean desserts. The live cooking stations further enhance the experience by offering freshly prepared dishes that bring an interactive and engaging dimension to the evening.

Mediterranean Nights is designed as a social dining experience suitable for gatherings with friends, family, and colleagues. The concept focuses on offering guests a flavourful escape that captures the essence of Mediterranean hospitality, known for its warmth, simplicity, and celebration of shared meals.

Through this initiative, Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach continues to expand its culinary programming, offering curated dining experiences that blend global flavours with immersive hospitality settings.

Event Details:

Venue: The Square, Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach, Balraj Sahni Road, Juhu, Mumbai – 400049
Days: Every Friday & Sunday
Time: 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM


Dandy & Dandy Debuts in Hyderabad with an All-Day Dining and Nightlife Concept

Dandy & Dandy Debuts in Hyderabad with an All-Day Dining and Nightlife Concept

By Hariharan U

Published on June 4, 2026

Hyderabad’s evolving food and nightlife landscape has welcomed a new addition with the launch of Dandy & Dandy, a contemporary hospitality destination located in HITEC City. Conceptualised by Rehan Guha, the venue combines dining, cocktails, music, and nightlife within a single space designed to transform throughout the day.

Built around the philosophy of “Two Dandies. One Door. Same Room. Two Moods,” Dandy & Dandy offers guests a dual-experience concept that shifts seamlessly from a relaxed dining environment during the afternoon to a high-energy social and nightlife destination as the evening unfolds.

Located on the fifth floor of THE LOFT at Nexity, HITEC City, the venue has been designed to create an immersive atmosphere through cinematic interiors, a striking central bar, and carefully curated lighting. Deep reds, blacks, and warm neutral tones dominate the design palette, creating a setting that evolves alongside the venue’s changing mood and energy levels throughout the day.

The culinary offering focuses on globally inspired shareable plates designed to encourage social dining and communal experiences. The menu has been curated to complement the venue’s dynamic concept, catering to guests seeking everything from casual lunches to intimate dinners and late-night gatherings.

A key feature of the experience is its cocktail programme, which follows a progressive ABV (Alcohol by Volume) journey. Guests can begin with lighter and more approachable cocktails during the early evening before transitioning to bolder, spirit-forward creations as the night progresses.

Music also plays a central role in shaping the guest experience. Carefully curated programming gradually transitions from subtle daytime sounds to energetic late-night sets, reinforcing the venue’s transformation from a refined dining destination into a lively nightlife hotspot.

Positioned within the accessible premium dining segment, Dandy & Dandy aims to cater to a broad audience looking for versatile experiences within a single venue. Whether for business lunches, after-work drinks, celebratory dinners, or nightlife gatherings, the concept has been designed to adapt to different occasions throughout the day.

With its evolving atmosphere, design-forward interiors, and integrated food, beverage, and entertainment offering, Dandy & Dandy seeks to establish itself as one of Hyderabad’s notable new hospitality destinations.


Loya Bar Blends Music and Mixology Through Its Unique S.P.I.C.E Cocktail Philosophy

Loya Bar Blends Music and Mixology Through Its Unique S.P.I.C.E Cocktail Philosophy

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on June 3, 2026

Loya Bar is bringing together music, flavour, and creativity through its distinctive S.P.I.C.E cocktail philosophy. Designed to create a multi-sensory experience, the concept connects food, beverages, and music, transforming cocktails into stories that guests can explore through taste.

The philosophy is built around five musical elements: Scale, Pitch, Instrumentation, Chords, and Expression. Each cocktail on the menu reflects one of these elements, resulting in a collection of drinks that celebrate craftsmanship, innovation, and flavour in equal measure.

One of the standout creations under this philosophy is the Malwa Highball, inspired by the concept of Scale. In music, an octave is formed by eight notes that work together in harmony. Reflecting this idea, the cocktail is crafted using eight carefully selected ingredients that complement one another.

The Malwa Highball combines aged rum, Campari, kinnow cordial, banana-mint seltzer, and fresh mint to create a refreshing and layered drink. Each sip reveals different notes and flavours, offering an experience similar to listening to a carefully composed musical piece.

Another notable cocktail is Kafuli, which draws inspiration from the musical element of Pitch. Just as pitch defines whether a note sounds high and bright or low and deep, this cocktail explores flavour through contrast and depth.

Kafuli is crafted using ghee-washed rum, spinach cordial, and brine, resulting in a savoury and distinctive drink. The cocktail highlights Loya Bar's ingredient-focused approach while delivering a rich and unexpected flavour profile.

Through creations such as the Malwa Highball and Kafuli, Loya Bar continues to push the boundaries of mixology by translating musical concepts into memorable drinking experiences. The S.P.I.C.E philosophy offers guests a fresh perspective on cocktails, where every drink tells a story through flavour, creativity, and craftsmanship.

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