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.


Adrift Kaya Launches Experiential Japanese Sunday Brunch at JW Marriott New Delhi

Adrift Kaya Launches Experiential Japanese Sunday Brunch at JW Marriott New Delhi

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 31, 2025

Adrift Kaya, the celebrated Japanese dining destination by Michelin-starred Chef David Myers, is introducing its much-anticipated Sunday Brunch at JW Marriott New Delhi on 14th September 2025. Designed as an immersive experience, the brunch promises to transform Sundays into the city’s most awaited culinary ritual.

Blending bold Japanese flavours, innovative drinks, live entertainment, and family-friendly activities, the brunch channels the vibrant spirit of Tokyo in the heart of Delhi. At its centre is the Kaiseki Bento Box, a showcase of seasonal Japanese delicacies such as sake-marinated salmon glazed with miso, crisp tempura, and traditional miso soup. For younger guests, the Little Kaya Bento Box brings playful creations like Kawaii Onigiri, Japanese Croquettes, and a mini Chicken Katsu Burger.

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The Dessert Station is designed to delight, featuring freshly flipped Japanese soufflé pancakes in matcha and chocolate, alongside a Build-Your-Own Sundae Bar with house-made ice creams in indulgent flavours including Sakura, Kaya Miso Salted Caramel, and Black Sesame.

Beverages take centre stage with a curated line-up of signature cocktails, zero-proof creations, and themed bars. Guests can enjoy unique offerings at the Matcha Bar, refreshing twists at the Mimosa Bar with its live trolley, and a curated Sake Bar highlighting Japanese craftsmanship.

Enhancing the experience, the brunch includes live DJ beats, a dedicated Kids’ Zone with Manga comics and Polaroid keepsakes, and a vibrant setting ideal for families, couples, and groups of friends.

“With ADRIFT Kaya’s Sunday Brunch, we wanted to create something fresh for Delhi, a Japanese-inspired experience that feels fun, delicious, and interactive. From Japanese-style soufflé pancakes and Kaiseki bento to the Little Kaya Bento with its playful mini chicken katsu burger, plus the matcha whisking and mimosa bars, it’s about creating moments that families and friends will remember,” said Chef David Myers.

With its trend-forward menus, spirited beverages, and lively ambience, the Adrift Kaya Sunday Brunch is set to become Delhi’s coolest weekend ritual.

  • Launch Date: Sunday, 14th September 2025.
  • Venue: Adrift Kaya, JW Marriott New Delhi.
  • Timings: 12:30 PM – 3:30 PM.

Brix & Barrells Craft Brewery Opens in Whitefield, Blending Beer, Food, and Music

Brix & Barrells Craft Brewery Opens in Whitefield, Blending Beer, Food, and Music

By Hariharan U

Published on August 30, 2025

 Whitefield has a new hotspot for beer lovers and food enthusiasts with the opening of Brix & Barrells Craft Brewery. Spread across 30,000 square feet and designed to seat 500 guests, the two-story venue combines craft brewing, global dining, and live performances, setting a fresh standard for Bengaluru’s ever-evolving beer scene.

At the heart of the brewery lies a 3,500 sq. ft. microbrewery serving six in-house brews  from Hefeweizen and Stout to IPA, Wheat, Lager, and American Pilsner. Each beer is crafted with precision to cater to both casual drinkers and true connoisseurs.

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The design of Brix & Barrells draws heavily from nature and international inspirations. Light-filled interiors, water walls, and lush greenery indoors and outdoors create an inviting escape from the bustle of the city. A sprawling central bar anchors the space, encouraging conversations and social connections. Adding to its charm, the brewery is pet-friendly and even features a curated menu for furry companions.

The vision behind Brix & Barrells comes from its founders and managing directors, Mr. Arvind Murthy, Mr. Daksh Vedanth Gowda, and Ms. Renuka Limbavali, supported by business partners Mrs. Beena Arvind and Ms. Pragna Saahithya. Leaving behind their professional careers to follow their passion for brewing and hospitality, they’ve created a community-first destination.

Sharing his excitement, Arvind Murthy said, “Brix & Barrells is our vision of a space where people come together to share conversations, good food, and great beer. Whitefield has such a dynamic beer culture”.

Adding to this, Daksh Vedanth Gowda noted, “We’re excited to add our own signature brews to it, each crafted with passion and detail. At the same time, we wanted to go beyond the pint, offering a global culinary experience and a welcoming atmosphere that makes Brix & Barrells a true destination for the community”.

The culinary offerings match the ambition of the brewery. With over 200 dishes, the menu draws from Asian, South Indian, Italian, and continental influences. Highlights include smoky tandoori platters like Achari Mushroom Tikka and Malai Broccoli, fiery delights such as the Naga Ghost Seekh, and comfort classics like the Chicken Smash Burger.

The drinks list extends beyond beer, with a range of innovative cocktails. Guests can sip on the tropical richness of Mango Madness or enjoy the tangy kick of Tonic Twist, alongside craft beers like the smooth Heavenly Suspension (Hefeweizen), the refreshing Wit Wall (Wheat), and the crisp Punch Line (Pilsner).

With its blend of craft brewing, diverse food, and live music, Brix & Barrells positions itself as more than a brewery, it’s a destination where Bengaluru’s community can connect, celebrate, and unwind.


Cellar & Cup Debuts at AIPL Joy Central, Offering a Premium Café Experience in Gurugram

Cellar & Cup Debuts at AIPL Joy Central, Offering a Premium Café Experience in Gurugram

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 30, 2025

AIPL Joy Central in Sector 65, Gurugram, has welcomed Cellar & Cup, a 2,250 sq. ft. European-inspired café on its first floor, blending European elegance with Northeastern warmth. The café-restaurant is designed as a haven for coffee connoisseurs, food lovers, and wine enthusiasts, offering an eclectic mix of global flavors and curated experiences.

Sourcing its coffee from the lush estates of Meghalaya, Cellar & Cup highlights a rich, earthy brew that pairs seamlessly with fine Italian dishes, handcrafted sourdough pizzas, and an exclusive range of Georgian wines, a rare indulgence for wine enthusiasts in the city. The interiors reflect a contemporary European charm with wooden accents, warm lighting, artistic wall murals, and cozy seating, creating a welcoming yet vibrant ambience.

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Speaking on the new addition, Ishaan Singh, Director at AIPL, said, “With this new addition, our endeavour is to craft experiences that go far beyond dining. AIPL Joy Central has already emerged as a perfect F&B hub with multiple options and some of the finest brand names, making it a destination in itself. Our vision is to create spaces where people can connect, unwind, and celebrate life in settings that are vibrant, welcoming, and memorable.”

Adding his perspective, Aman, Founder of Cellar & Cup, shared, “Having ventured into the restaurant space earlier, Cellar & Cup marks my second step in this exciting journey. With this concept, I wanted to create something more immersive where specialty coffee, eclectic cuisine, and fine wines come together under one roof. It’s about building a place that not only serves but also inspires people to connect, unwind, and celebrate life in a vibrant yet welcoming ambience.”

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The opening of Cellar & Cup reflects AIPL’s vision of developing lifestyle-centric destinations that go beyond dining to foster culture, community, and meaningful experiences. With its unique combination of artisanal coffee, global cuisine, and fine wines, the café is poised to become Gurugram’s latest go-to spot for those seeking refined flavours and a relaxed yet lively atmosphere.

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