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.


Sheraton Grand Palace Indore Hosts Sri Lankan Food Festival

Sheraton Grand Palace Indore Hosts Sri Lankan Food Festival

By Author

Published on March 27, 2026

Sheraton Grand Palace Indore is hosting a special Sri Lankan food festival, bringing the flavours of the island nation to diners in a warm and familiar setting. Titled The Spirit of Sri Lanka, the experience offers a week-long celebration of comforting and flavourful dishes.

The menu has been carefully curated to showcase a mix of traditional home-style recipes and popular street food favourites. Guests can explore dishes like Polos Ambula, Kiri Kaju Maluwa, and Annasi Maluwa, along with well-loved bites such as Elawalu Kottu, Batu Moju, Amba Anama, Sinhala Achcharu, and Ala Beduma. For those looking for something light and crunchy, Parippu Wade adds a familiar touch to the spread.

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Sharing his thoughts, Chef Luxman said, “Sri Lankan cuisine is a celebration of bold spices and subtle balance, deeply rooted in simplicity yet rich in flavour and character. Each dish on this menu reflects traditional recipes that have been passed down through generations, bringing authentic, home-style flavours to the table. We’ve focused on maintaining this authenticity while ensuring the dishes feel enjoyable for our guests.”

Designed as an easy and relaxed dining experience, the festival is ideal for casual meals, family outings, or catching up with friends. The menu focuses on flavours that are both distinctive and approachable, making it a great introduction to Sri Lankan cuisine.

The festival is available for dinner service at the hotel, starting from 7:30 PM onwards.

With this initiative, Sheraton Grand Palace Indore continues to bring global culinary experiences to the city, offering guests a chance to explore new flavours in a comfortable setting


KICO Bengaluru Brings a Fresh Take to All-Day Breakfast

KICO Bengaluru Brings a Fresh Take to All-Day Breakfast

By Hariharan U

Published on March 27, 2026

KICO is quickly becoming a go-to morning spot in Bengaluru, offering an all-day breakfast experience that blends comfort food, café classics, and a strong sense of community. Backed by Yazu Hospitality, the space has been designed as a relaxed social hub where guests can drop in for coffee and stay through the day.

Serving breakfast from morning until evening, KICO’s menu is simple yet thoughtfully put together, with a focus on reinterpreting familiar dishes rather than reinventing them. The offerings move between global influences and local favourites, catering to both leisurely brunches and quick weekday meals.

Popular dishes include the Parsi-style Akuri Soft Scramble, a rich and spiced take on eggs, along with options like Forest Mushroom Soft Scramble and Smoked Salmon Scramble that bring in lighter, balanced flavours. The menu also nods to Bengaluru’s breakfast culture with Benne Dosa, served in both classic and contemporary styles.

Café staples form a big part of the experience, with sandwiches, croissants, and bagels such as the Caprese Croissan’wich, Smoked Salmon & Dill Cream Bagel, and Juliette’s Club Sando offering familiar yet indulgent choices. For those looking at something sweet, the Japanese Fluffy Soufflé Pancakes and French Toast made with Japanese milk bread add a dessert-like touch to the menu. Health-focused options like smoothie bowls and Quinoa Upma ensure there’s something for everyone.

The beverage programme is equally diverse, featuring wellness drinks like Green Glow and Beet Boost, alongside matcha-based options and kombucha. The café’s coffee programme, created in association with Nandan Coffee, anchors the experience with offerings like Vietnamese Iced Coffee and Cascara Lemonade.

KICO was always imagined as a place where people would want to spend time, not just drop in and leave,” said Ranbir Nagpal, Founder, Yazu Hospitality. “Breakfast naturally became a big part of that because mornings in Bangalore are social. People meet, work, catch up and ease into the day.”

Adding to this, Atul Chopra, Partner at Yazu Hospitality, said, “We wanted KICO to feel like a space that evolves with the guest through the day. Breakfast is just the starting point, it’s about creating an environment where good food, coffee, and conversations come together effortlessly.”

While evenings at KICO shift towards cocktails and music, mornings remain its most relaxed and inviting side. With its easygoing vibe and thoughtfully curated menu, KICO is shaping up to be a favourite for café regulars, remote workers, and brunch lovers across the city.


Farro Pune Celebrates Chaitra Navratri with Special Festive Menu

Farro Pune Celebrates Chaitra Navratri with Special Festive Menu

By Author

Published on March 27, 2026

Farro is celebrating Chaitra Navratri with a specially curated menu that brings together tradition and modern flavours. Known for its ingredient-led approach, the restaurant has created a festive dining experience that is both mindful and flavourful.

The menu features a range of sattvic-inspired dishes made using seasonal ingredients, keeping in line with the spirit of the occasion. Designed to suit both those observing the fast and guests simply looking for lighter, wholesome meals, the offerings focus on balance and taste.

Guests can enjoy favourites like Aloo Chaat, Raw Banana Kofta, and Tender Coconut Payasam, along with refreshing beverages that complement the festive mood. The dishes reflect a clean and thoughtful approach while still delivering on flavour.

Set in a warm and inviting space, Farro offers the perfect setting for family outings, intimate gatherings, or a relaxed festive meal.

The Chaitra Navratri menu is currently available at the Pune outlet, Evening service begins at 7:00 PM onwards.

With this seasonal offering, Farro continues to bring together tradition and contemporary dining, creating a festive experience that feels both familiar and refreshing.

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