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.


The Supper Club Mumbai Marks One Year of Building Community Through Food and Storytelling

The Supper Club Mumbai Marks One Year of Building Community Through Food and Storytelling

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on June 24, 2026

The Supper Club Mumbai, founded by culinary entrepreneur Chef Rajshri Gupta, has completed one year of creating experience-led dining gatherings that bring together food, culture and meaningful conversations.

In a city known for its diverse culinary landscape, The Supper Club Mumbai has carved a niche by offering more than just a dining experience. Over the past year, the platform has evolved into a space where food enthusiasts, creators and culture seekers come together to share stories, discover regional cuisines and build genuine connections around the dining table.

Marking its first anniversary, the initiative highlights a growing demand for intimate and immersive experiences that go beyond traditional restaurant dining. Through carefully curated gatherings, Chef Rajshri Gupta has focused on showcasing India's rich culinary diversity while celebrating seasonal ingredients, heritage recipes and the stories that accompany them.

One of the defining aspects of The Supper Club Mumbai's journey has been its efforts to spotlight lesser-known culinary traditions, particularly from Karnataka. Its Yele Oota experiences have introduced guests to regional flavours, traditional serving styles and cultural practices that are rarely experienced in mainstream dining spaces. These gatherings often spark conversations around food heritage, diversity and shared memories.

The anniversary also reflects an important chapter in Chef Rajshri Gupta's entrepreneurial journey. A contributor writer for Hospitality Horizon Magazine, she transitioned from food journalism into hospitality entrepreneurship with a vision to create a platform focused on cultural storytelling through food. Her belief that dining should encourage meaningful conversations, deeper cultural understanding and appreciation of traditional ingredients ultimately led to the creation of The Supper Club Mumbai.

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Sharing her thoughts on the milestone, Chef Rajshri Gupta said, "When The Supper Club Mumbai was founded, I never envisioned just serving food but to create a space where people could unwind, share their unique experiences, absorb the cultural value, and connect around a table. With a year gone by, I've seen strangers turn into friends, forgotten food traditions driving conversations, and dining experiences evolve into meaningful memories. In the coming times, I look forward to continuing to curate immersive experiences while bringing people closer together through food."

The anniversary comes at a time when experiential dining continues to gain momentum within the hospitality industry. Consumers are increasingly looking for experiences that offer personal engagement, authenticity and cultural relevance alongside great food.

Looking ahead, Chef Rajshri Gupta plans to expand the platform's portfolio of regional culinary experiences while collaborating with artisans, storytellers and cultural practitioners, further strengthening The Supper Club Mumbai's mission of connecting people through food and shared experiences.


High Note Opens in Bandra, Bringing Back the Spirit of Mumbai’s Retro Music Culture

High Note Opens in Bandra, Bringing Back the Spirit of Mumbai’s Retro Music Culture

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on June 24, 2026

High Note, a music-first retro bar inspired by the golden decades of the 1960s, 70s, 80s and 90s, has opened its doors in Bandra. Spread across 2,000 sq. ft., the new venue is designed to celebrate the neighbourhood’s rich musical heritage while offering a contemporary space for food, drinks and community gatherings.

Created by a team that grew up surrounded by live music, vinyl records and vibrant local social scenes, High Note draws inspiration from a time when Bandra’s pubs, parish fêtes and late-night hangouts were central to the area's identity. Rather than recreating the past, the concept blends nostalgic elements with a modern hospitality experience.

“For me, this is about reclaiming a space Bandra once had: where a people would gather around records and stories,” said founder Shreyas Rathod. “High Note is a total of all those sensibilities, adapted for now.”

The interiors reflect the venue’s retro inspiration, featuring vinyl-lined walls, illuminated portraits and intimate seating areas designed for long conversations. The music programming spans classic rock, rock n roll, retro pop, old skool Hip-Hop, One Hit Wonders, chart-topping favourites, themed nights and dedicated vinyl listening sessions.

A major highlight of the venue is its focus on sound quality. High Note features a state-of-the-art L-Acoustics sound system, with side-fills designed by industry veteran Roger Drego. The audio setup has been carefully engineered to deliver a high-fidelity listening experience, whether guests are attending a live performance or enjoying a vinyl playback session.

“We wanted to honour the Catholic subculture that shaped a good part of Bandra’s musical identity without making anyone feel like an outsider. The result is a venue that feels less of a bar and more of a house party – much like our big, open living rooms filled with great music, fun company, scrumptious food, and high spirits,” said DJ Russel, Resident DJ and Chief of Music.

The food menu, curated by Chef Gracian De Souza, focuses on shareable plates and flavour-packed bar bites designed to complement the social atmosphere. Signature dishes include the Adobo Smash Buff Burger, Cremini Mushroom Cafreal Kebab, Kimchi Fried Rice, Sambal Olek Prawns, Triple Cooked Pork Sausages, and Tequila Marinated Buff Tenderloin Asado.

“With High Note, we wanted to create a home for music, not a theme bar,” said Chef Gracian De Souza. “Hence, every element in the food and the way a table is arranged supports the music and the people who love it, and not the other way round.”

The beverage programme, crafted by beverage and alcohol industry specialist Eluther Gomes, takes inspiration from classic cocktails and retro drinking culture. The menu features timeless favourites, pre-prohibition cocktails, Sangrias and Beer Cocktails from the disco era, alongside signature creations such as SoundCheck Highball, High Note No. 5, Cassette Negroni and BackStage Pass.

With seating for 80 guests, High Note aims to offer a space where music takes centre stage and people can come together over great food, drinks and shared experiences. Led by a team including Shreyas Rathod, DJ Russel, Delba Ponnappa, Chef Gracian De Souza, Eluther Gomes and branding studio Dallas Company, the venue hopes to become a modern gathering place rooted in Bandra’s enduring musical legacy.

  • Address: High Note, 38, Waterfield Road, Ground Floor, Hotel Metro Palace, Off Hill Road, Bandra West, Mumbai 400050
  • Operational Hours: 6:00 pm onwards


Ben's Cookies Opens First Gurugram Store at Ambience Mall

Ben's Cookies Opens First Gurugram Store at Ambience Mall

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on June 24, 2026

Ambience Mall, Gurugram has expanded its premium food and beverage portfolio with the arrival of Ben's Cookies, the popular British cookie brand, marking the opening of its first store in the city.

Founded in 1984 in Oxford's historic Covered Market, Ben's Cookies started as a small bakery and has grown into an internationally recognised brand. Known for its freshly baked cookies, authentic British heritage and focus on quality ingredients, the brand has built a loyal customer base across several global markets.

The new outlet at Ambience Mall introduces Gurugram consumers to the brand's signature range of cookies, baked fresh every day. Made with premium ingredients such as fresh butter, eggs and generous chunks of real Belgian chocolate, the cookies stay true to the brand's well-known philosophy of "CHUNKS, not chips," delivering a rich and indulgent experience.

In addition to its wide variety of cookie flavours, the store also offers thoughtfully curated gifting options, making it suitable for both everyday indulgence and special occasions. Designed to appeal to dessert enthusiasts, the outlet aims to offer freshly baked treats in one of India's most vibrant retail destinations.

Commenting on the launch, Arjun Gehlot, Director, Ambience Group, said, "At Ambience Mall, we are committed to curating world-class brands and experiences that elevate our visitors' shopping and lifestyle journey. The arrival of Ben's Cookies, a globally loved brand with a rich British heritage, aligns perfectly with our vision of bringing the finest international concepts to our patrons. We are delighted to welcome the brand to its first Gurugram location and are confident it will become a favourite destination for dessert lovers."

The launch comes at a time when demand for premium international food experiences and artisanal desserts continues to grow across the NCR region. With the addition of Ben's Cookies, Ambience Mall further strengthens its position as a preferred destination for globally renowned brands, exceptional dining concepts and memorable lifestyle experiences.

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