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.

image

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.

image

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.


080 Lounges at Bengaluru Airport Introduce Copenhagen Sparkling Tea

080 Lounges at Bengaluru Airport Introduce Copenhagen Sparkling Tea

By Hariharan U

Published on October 25, 2026

Bebida Hospitality and Bengaluru Airport's 080 Lounges have introduced Copenhagen Sparkling Tea at the 080 Domestic Lounge and 080 International Lounge at Terminal 2 of Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru, expanding the lounges' beverage offerings with an alcohol-free Danish sparkling tea.

Founded in 2017 by Jacob Kocemba and Bo Sten Hansen, Copenhagen Sparkling Tea combines traditional tea brewing with the effervescence of a sparkling beverage. Hand-brewed in Copenhagen using up to 13 organic teas, the blends bring together different tea varieties to create layered aromas, distinctive flavour profiles and a crisp finish.

The introduction offers travellers an alternative to conventional lounge beverages, bringing together international beverage craftsmanship and India's established tea culture.

Copenhagen Sparkling Tea is brought to India by Bebida Hospitality Pvt. Ltd., which specialises in introducing international food and beverage brands to the Indian market. The brand is served at more than 200 Michelin-starred restaurants and by hospitality groups including Four Seasons, InterContinental, Ritz-Carlton, JW Marriott, Taj and The Leela.

At the 080 Lounges, the sparkling tea is served chilled in fine stemware and is available in three signature blends:

  • Blå: A blend of jasmine, white tea, Darjeeling and Assam, offering delicate floral notes and a balanced flavour profile.

  • Lysegrøn: Combines sencha and green tea with citrus and first-flush Darjeeling for a bright, refreshing taste.

  • Lyserød: Brings together silver needle, oolong, hibiscus, Darjeeling and Assam, with a delicately fruity character and blush-pink colour.

Commenting on the introduction, George Bennet Kuruvilla, CEO, Bengaluru Airport Services Limited (BASL), and VP Hospitality, Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL), said, “We are constantly looking to elevate the experience for travelers who frequently visit our lounges. Copenhagen Sparkling Tea gives our guests a distinctive choice that matches the care we put into every part of the lounge. It reinforces our commitment to thoughtful hospitality, quality, and creating meaningful experiences for our guests.”

Jacob Kocemba, Founder, Copenhagen Sparkling Tea, said the beverage was created to celebrate meaningful moments and expressed pride in bringing the brand to the 080 Lounges in Bengaluru.

Nadia Sood, Co-Founder, Bebida Hospitality, highlighted the connection between India's tea heritage and the brand's contemporary approach. She noted that the 080 Lounges' emphasis on design and guest experience made them a suitable setting for introducing the sparkling tea to Indian travellers.

Located airside on Level 4 of Terminal 2, both the 080 Domestic Lounge and 080 International Lounge operate 24 hours a day. Managed by Bengaluru Airport Services Limited, the lounges draw inspiration from Karnataka's and India's cultural heritage, with facilities that include dining, spa services, workspaces and artwork by local artists.

The addition of Copenhagen Sparkling Tea further diversifies the lounges' food and beverage programme, offering travellers a distinctive alcohol-free option before departure or during their airport stay.


Nando’s Opens Fifth Mumbai Restaurant at Phoenix Marketcity Kurla

Nando’s Opens Fifth Mumbai Restaurant at Phoenix Marketcity Kurla

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on October 24, 2026

Nando’s, the global restaurant brand known for its flame-grilled PERi-PERi chicken, has opened its fifth outlet in Mumbai at Phoenix Marketcity, Kurla. The new restaurant brings the brand’s signature flavours and Southern African-inspired dining experience to another part of the city.

Known for its distinctive flame-grilling technique and PERi-PERi marinades, Nando’s offers chicken that is marinated for 24 hours, flame-grilled to order and basted according to each guest’s preferred spice level. Diners can choose from a range of flavours, from Mild to Extra Hot, allowing them to customise their meals to suit their taste.

The new outlet comes as Kurla continues to develop as a dining and social destination in Mumbai. Designed as a welcoming space for families, friends and communities, the restaurant follows the brand’s approach of bringing together bold flavours, shared meals and warm hospitality.

“Mumbai has emerged as a strong and exciting market for us, and the launch of our fifth casa reflects the encouraging response we have received from diners in the city,” said Sameer Bhasin, CEO, Nando’s India. “This opening strengthens our presence in the city and brings the signature Nando’s experience, bold PERi-PERi flavours, customisable heat levels, and our distinctive flame-grilled offering, to an even wider audience.”

Founded in Johannesburg, South Africa, in 1987, Nando’s has grown from a single restaurant into an international brand with more than 1,250 locations across 23 countries. Its signature flavour comes from the African Bird’s Eye Chilli, which is combined with lemon, fresh garlic and spices to create its distinctive PERi-PERi marinades and sauces.

The brand uses fresh ingredients in its bastings, marinades and sauces, with no artificial flavours or colourants. Its flame-grilled chicken and range of spice levels form the foundation of its menu, offering diners different ways to enjoy its signature flavours.

Beyond the food, the new Casa brings elements of Southern African culture into the dining space. Contemporary African art, warm hospitality and Afro-Luso music contribute to the restaurant's atmosphere, creating a setting for casual dining, conversations and shared meals. Located on Level 2 of Phoenix Marketcity Mall on L.B.S. Marg, Kurla West, the new Nando’s outlet is open daily from 11:30 AM to 11:30 PM. The opening marks another step in the brand's expansion in Mumbai, bringing its flame-grilled offerings to a wider audience.

Outlet Details

  • Location: Level 2, Phoenix Marketcity Mall, L.B.S. Marg, Kurla West, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400070
  • Timings: 11:30 AM–11:30 PM
  • Milestone: Fifth Nando’s outlet in Mumbai.

Bountyful Opens in Bengaluru, Celebrating India's Overlooked Regional Cuisines

Bountyful Opens in Bengaluru, Celebrating India's Overlooked Regional Cuisines

By Hariharan U

Published on October 23, 2026

Bountyful has opened in Indiranagar, Bengaluru, bringing lesser-known regional Indian dishes to the restaurant table through a vegetarian menu inspired by the country's diverse culinary traditions.

The new restaurant explores approximately 18–20 regional cuisines, moving beyond familiar restaurant staples to highlight everyday food, traditional ingredients and cooking techniques associated with homes, hill villages and small-town kitchens across India.

Built around the idea of abundance and shared experiences, Bountyful focuses on the kind of comforting, home-style food that often remains absent from mainstream restaurant menus. The offering brings together humble everyday preparations and regional specialities in a contemporary setting designed to feel warm, relaxed and inviting.

The menu features dishes such as Hari Moong Dal, Bihari Sattu, Malai Gatta, Bhapa Paneer and Khatte Nadru, alongside soups including Himalayan Thukpa and Tomato Tulsi Rasa. The salad selection includes Green Moong Raw Mango Salad, adding fresh and tangy flavours to the vegetarian spread.

Drinks form another part of the restaurant's regional approach. The selection includes spiced and tangy combinations inspired by ingredients such as kokum, jeera, coriander and chilli, alongside zero-proof creations featuring distinctive flavour profiles. Sweeter options inspired by paan, rose and thandai complement the menu.

The dessert selection includes Kesar Bhapa Doi, a Bengali classic, Rose Milk Cake and Gud Til Chocolate Mousse. Together, the food and beverage offerings aim to showcase the range of flavours found across India's regional kitchens, from savoury and spice-led preparations to familiar traditional sweets.

Speaking about the opening, Pallavii Gupta, Founder, Bountyful, said, “Bountyful is built on memories of the comforting hills, towns and regions across India. It's a true celebration of regional food, familiar ingredients and unfamiliar dishes.”

She added that the name reflects the restaurant's sense of abundance, while its contemporary environment draws inspiration from traditional Indian architecture and patterns derived from everyday cooking vessels. The intention, she said, was to create a dining experience that feels modern while retaining the warmth and familiarity associated with Indian hospitality.

The interiors combine murals, layered materials, lighting and subtle decorative details to create an expressive space with a lived-in character. The restaurant accommodates 40 guests and is intended for diners looking to explore regional food in an informal setting.

By placing everyday dishes alongside less familiar regional preparations, Bountyful adds another dimension to Bengaluru's dining scene, bringing attention to food traditions that are often overshadowed by more widely recognised Indian restaurant dishes.

Restaurant Details

  • Restaurant: Bountyful

  • Location: Indiranagar, Bengaluru

  • Cuisine: Vegetarian, regional Indian

  • Seating Capacity: 40 guests

  • Timings: 12 PM–4 PM and 7 PM–11 PM

  • Weekly Off: Monday

Stay up-to-date with the latest Hospitality news and trends in the Hospitality industry!

Subscribe to Hospitality news e-magazine for free and never miss an issue.

By clicking subscribe for free you agree to the Terms & Conditions and acknowledge our Privacy Policy.

Advertise With Us

We have various options to advertise with us including Events, Advertorials, Banners, Mailers, etc.