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.


Sudhanshu Rai Inaugurates Nayvedyam, New South Indian Dining Spot in Bengaluru

Sudhanshu Rai Inaugurates Nayvedyam, New South Indian Dining Spot in Bengaluru

By Hariharan U

Published on July 6, 2026

Bengaluru has a new addition to its dining scene with the launch of Nayvedyam, a pure-vegetarian restaurant dedicated to authentic South Indian cuisine. The restaurant was officially inaugurated by filmmaker and storyteller Sudhanshu Rai, marking its entry as a new destination for traditional, comfort-driven dining in the city.

Positioned as a space for those who value heritage recipes and simple, honest flavours, Nayvedyam brings together the diverse culinary traditions of South India under one roof. The menu focuses on timeless favourites such as crisp dosas, soft idlis, aromatic sambhar, freshly prepared chutneys and wholesome regional thalis.

The restaurant is inspired by the Sanskrit term Naivedyam, which refers to food offered with devotion. Staying true to this philosophy, Nayvedyam aims to serve meals that reflect purity, tradition and care, using fresh ingredients and age-old cooking methods.

Among its signature offerings are the Ghee Pudi Masala Dosa, Temple Ghee Thatte Idli, and a variety of curated thalis that showcase the richness and diversity of South Indian regional cuisine. Each dish is designed to deliver a nostalgic yet refined dining experience.

For Sudhanshu Rai, the inauguration was also a personal experience, as he appreciated the restaurant’s focus on authentic flavours and traditional preparation. He noted that the experience felt deeply rooted in culture, with food that carries a sense of storytelling through taste and presentation.

Speaking on the launch, Saurabh Mehra, Founder of Nayvedyam, said the vision is to make the restaurant a preferred destination in Bengaluru for authentic South Indian dining, built on tradition and genuine hospitality. He also expressed gratitude for having Sudhanshu Rai inaugurate the space, calling it a meaningful start to the brand’s journey.

While South Indian cuisine remains the highlight, Nayvedyam also offers a selection of North Indian and Indo-Chinese dishes, including curries, breads, Gobi Manchurian, Hakka noodles and fried rice. This makes it a versatile dining option for families and group gatherings.

Located on Gopalakrishna Adiga Road near Sarjapur Road, Chikkanayakanahalli, Nayvedyam operates daily from 7:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., offering dine-in, takeaway, online ordering and catering services.


Conan Expands Its Beer Portfolio with Launch of Conan Platinum Strong Lager

Conan Expands Its Beer Portfolio with Launch of Conan Platinum Strong Lager

By Hariharan U

Published on July 6, 2026

Conan has expanded its beverage portfolio with the launch of Conan Platinum, a new premium strong lager introduced in Delhi. Positioned in the high-strength beer category, the 8% ABV offering aims to deliver a more refined and balanced drinking experience for evolving consumer tastes.

Crafted to stand out in India’s growing premium beer segment, Conan Platinum combines intensity with smoothness, offering a flavour profile that is both bold and approachable. The lager features rich notes of toasted grain and subtle caramel, supported by a balanced hop bitterness that leads into a clean, crisp and long finish.

The beer’s texture is full-bodied yet smooth, designed to offer a creamy mouthfeel without any harsh alcohol aftertaste. Alongside its taste profile, Conan Platinum carries delicate fruity esters and light floral aromas, enhancing its layered drinking experience. Its amber-gold appearance and elegant lacing further reflect the attention to brewing detail.

The vision behind Conan Platinum comes from entrepreneur Arvind Bajaj, who has interests across exports, lifestyle, hospitality and real estate. Drawing from global brewing inspiration and shifting consumer preferences, he aimed to create a strong beer that prioritises both strength and sophistication.

Speaking on the launch, Arvind Bajaj, Founder of Conan Beer, said, “Today’s premium beer drinkers are not just looking for strength. They want flavour, balance and a smoother overall experience. With Conan Platinum, we focused on creating an 8% ABV strong beer that remains exceptionally smooth, flavourful and easy to enjoy.”

He added that every element from aroma to finish was carefully developed to ensure a more elevated strong beer experience that aligns with modern drinking preferences.

With this launch, Conan continues its focus on offering crafted beer experiences tailored to India’s changing consumption patterns. Conan Platinum is positioned as a versatile strong lager suitable for social occasions, celebrations and casual moments alike.

Conan Platinum is currently available in Delhi.


Poppy Udaipur Showcases Artisanal Italian Cuisine with Signature Pizzas and Heritage Flavours

Poppy Udaipur Showcases Artisanal Italian Cuisine with Signature Pizzas and Heritage Flavours

By Hariharan U

Published on July 6, 2026

Poppy Udaipur is strengthening its reputation as one of the city's standout dining destinations with an Italian menu built around craftsmanship, quality ingredients, and traditional cooking techniques.

Housed in a restored heritage bungalow, the restaurant has carved a niche for itself by combining artisanal Italian cuisine with authentic Rajasthani flavours. At the heart of its menu is a thoughtfully curated pizza programme that focuses on slow fermentation, precise techniques, and carefully sourced ingredients to deliver pizzas inspired by classic Italian traditions.

Among the restaurant's signature offerings are the Pomodori Pepe, featuring sun-dried tomato pesto, the Almond Florentine Pie, the Ecstasy with aubergine pesto, and The Italian Grandma, a six-cheese pizza finished with a subtle touch of spice. Each pizza has been crafted to offer its own distinct flavour profile while remaining true to authentic Italian styles.

Beyond pizzas, Poppy's Italian menu features a selection of oven-baked specialties, including the Smoked Scamorza Doughball, Smoked Chicken Pepperoni Panuozzo, and a range of stuffed garlic breads. Guests can also enjoy handcrafted pastas such as Radiatori, Mafaldine, Girelle, Gnocchi, and Ravioli, highlighting the restaurant's focus on comfort-driven Italian cuisine made from scratch.

Complementing its Italian offerings is a menu rooted in Rajasthan's culinary heritage, inspired by recipes from the Bedla family legacy. Signature dishes include Smoky Laal Maas, Banjara Aaloo, Gobhi Lal Shorba, and Hari Mirch ka Paneer, bringing regional flavours that are rarely found on contemporary restaurant menus.

The combination of authentic Italian craftsmanship and heritage Rajasthani cuisine has become the defining identity of Poppy. Every section of the menu has been designed to encourage guests to explore new flavours while maintaining a balance between familiar favourites and regional specialties.

Sharing the restaurant's philosophy, the team at Poppy said, "Every dish is built with intention, whether it's pizza, pasta, or traditional Rajasthani food. Our focus is on flavour, balance, and making sure guests always want to explore more of the menu."

As Udaipur continues to emerge as a prominent culinary destination, Poppy is positioning itself as a restaurant that celebrates both global and local gastronomy. By bringing together handcrafted Italian dishes and authentic regional cuisine under one roof, it offers guests a dining experience that blends heritage, craftsmanship, and contemporary hospitality.

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