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 Spice Route at The Imperial New Delhi Introduces Seasonal Menu with New Ethnic Asian Creations

The Spice Route at The Imperial New Delhi Introduces Seasonal Menu with New Ethnic Asian Creations

By Hariharan U

Published on July 31, 2026

The Spice Route at The Imperial New Delhi has introduced a refreshed seasonal menu, presenting a curated selection of new dishes that celebrate the rich culinary traditions of Ethnic Asia through contemporary techniques and premium seasonal ingredients.

Designed to offer a refined dining experience, the latest menu combines vibrant flavours, textures, and aromas inspired by the diverse cuisines along the historic Spice Route, while staying true to the restaurant's signature culinary philosophy.

Among the new additions is the Sesame Chicken Salad, featuring roasted golden chicken paired with snow peas, honey melon, and a sesame dressing. Vegetarian highlights include Golden Tofu, prepared with lotus root, wild mushrooms, kaffir lime, mint, and toasted sticky rice powder, and Jade Noodles, where spinach noodles are tossed in fragrant Thai pesto and finished with coconut flakes.

The menu also introduces Steamed Jiaozi Dumplings, filled with jackfruit and seasonal vegetables and served with a ginger-scallion dip, alongside Onyx Prawn Noodles, combining charcoal-grilled prawns, edamame, and Thai basil for a smoky yet refreshing flavour profile.

Completing the experience is the Imperial Spiced Tiramisu, a signature dessert that blends Indian and Italian influences by combining masala chai-soaked Shahi Tukda with saffron and cardamom-infused mascarpone, offering a contemporary interpretation of the classic tiramisu.

Known as one of New Delhi's most iconic fine dining destinations, The Spice Route continues to showcase the culinary heritage of Asia within its distinctive interiors inspired by ancient temple architecture, hand-painted murals, and traditional craftsmanship. The restaurant's menu reflects flavours from regions stretching across East Asia, Java, and Southern India, offering guests an immersive gastronomic journey.

Restaurant Details

  • Venue: The Spice Route, The Imperial New Delhi
  • Timings: 12:30 PM – 2:30 PM | 7:00 PM – 11:45 PM

LunchBox by Rebel Foods Expands Shravan Specials Menu with New Satvik Offerings

LunchBox by Rebel Foods Expands Shravan Specials Menu with New Satvik Offerings

By Hariharan U

Published on July 30, 2026

LunchBox by Rebel Foods has announced the return of its Shravan Specials menu, introducing an expanded range of satvik dishes for the festive season. Available from 30 July 2026, the limited-period menu will be served across more than 400 kitchens in over 120 cities.

Designed for customers observing Shravan fasts, this year's menu introduces three new additions: Hariyali Malai Paneer, a herb-infused paneer preparation; Masala Arbi, a comforting vrat favourite; and Rajgira Halwa, a traditional festive dessert. The expanded selection aims to offer greater variety while remaining true to the principles of satvik cooking.

Commenting on the launch, Nishant Kedia, Chief Marketing Officer, Rebel Foods, said, "Shravan is one of those occasions where food is deeply rooted in tradition and emotion. At LunchBox, we've seen customers come back to these meals year after year because they deliver the comfort and authenticity people look for during the season. This year, we've expanded the menu with three new additions while staying true to the principles of satvik cooking, making it easier than ever to enjoy wholesome festive meals without compromising on taste."

Prepared specifically for the Shravan season, the menu is 100% satvik, made using Sendha Namak and contains no onion and no garlic. It combines traditional fasting recipes with wholesome ingredients while offering customers the convenience of doorstep delivery.

Alongside the new dishes, LunchBox has also brought back several customer favourites, including the Sabudana Khichdi Curd Meal, Upvas Aloo Pattice, Sabudana Vada, Paneer Makhmali, Kuttu Paneer Pakoda, and Sabudana Paratha, providing a wide selection of festive meals throughout the season.

The Shravan Specials menu is available for delivery through EatSure, Swiggy, and Zomato, catering to customers observing weekly fasts, month-long Shravan traditions, or those simply seeking wholesome satvik meals.


India's Newest Dining Destinations: August Brings Fresh Culinary Experiences to Goa, Delhi and Hyderabad

India's Newest Dining Destinations: August Brings Fresh Culinary Experiences to Goa, Delhi and Hyderabad

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 29, 2026

India's food and beverage landscape is welcoming three distinctive dining experiences this August, each bringing its own culinary identity to Goa, Delhi, and Hyderabad. From authentic Chinese regional cuisine and a thoughtfully curated Japanese-inspired cocktail programme to a rooftop destination celebrating India's diverse regional flavours, these new launches showcase the evolving tastes of modern diners.

Spice Traders Brings China's Eight Great Cuisines to Goa

Perched above Vagator with panoramic views of the Arabian Sea, Spice Traders draws inspiration from China's Eight Great Cuisines, presenting regional flavours under one roof. The menu reflects the culinary traditions of Sichuan, Cantonese, Fujian, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Hunan, Anhui, and Shandong, offering a journey through China's diverse food culture.

The restaurant's interiors are inspired by the ancient spice routes, featuring warm lighting, handcrafted elements, rich red accents, an open staircase, and a mix of communal and intimate seating that complements the dining experience.

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The menu highlights locally sourced seafood alongside regional Chinese favourites such as Mala Chicken, Mapo Tofu, Hunan Sea Bass, Mongolian Lamb Fire, and Lamb Open Bao. Adding another dimension is the introduction of Chifa cuisine, the Chinese-Peruvian culinary tradition that emerged through Cantonese migration to Peru. Dishes including Chifa Sea Bass, Black Cod with Amazonica sauce, Pork Belly and Eggplant with vinegar miso, Lamb Ribs with Sichuan spice and aji amarillo, and Chaufa Fried Rice reflect this cross-cultural influence.

Guests can also enjoy signature experiences such as a gong service for celebrations, private dining at The House of Red, and Spiced Up Sunsets overlooking the Arabian Sea.

"The Eight Great Chinese Cuisines gave Spice Traders its grammar," says Chef Avinash. "Once you begin thinking about heat, fermentation, texture and balance through those regional traditions, following that journey eventually led us to Lima and Chifa. I would never describe our menu as fusion. The influences are flavour-driven, but they remain integral to the restaurant's culinary language."

Adrift Kaya Introduces a Chapter-Led Cocktail Experience in Delhi

Adrift Kaya has unveiled a new cocktail programme inspired by Edo-period Japanese bar discipline and Indian terroir. Led by Michelin-starred Chef David Myers, the contemporary Japanese restaurant continues its focus on precision, craftsmanship, and global influences through a menu that traces flavours from Japan to India along the Silk Route.

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The cocktail menu is presented as a structured narrative, progressing from light and delicate profiles to richer, more layered creations. Using techniques such as fat-washing, broth clarification, and fermentation, the programme combines Japanese methods with Indian ingredients including jaggery, buransh, pickle, kahwa, saffron, and regional herbs.

The first chapter, Edo | Origins of Discipline, features drinks like Broth of Edo and Grain of the Rising Sun, centred on purity and umami. The Silk Route | Controlled Opulence introduces Sunstone Negroni and Silk Root, balancing spices and preserved flavours with refined structure. The Himalayas | Altitude and Reduction highlights Garhwal Snow and Valley of Gold, focusing on herbal freshness and restoration. The final chapter, Delhi | Arrival and Density, reimagines familiar Indian flavours through cocktails such as The Red Fort Old Fashioned and Dilli 6 Spritz.

The programme reflects how geography, trade, and cultural exchange continue to influence flavour while presenting Indian ingredients through globally recognised cocktail techniques.

Vayu Brings Regional Indian Cuisine to Hyderabad's Rooftops

Hyderabad has welcomed Vayu, a new rooftop resto-bar designed as a social destination where food, cocktails, music, and conversation come together. Inspired by the Sanskrit word for wind, Vayu celebrates India's culinary diversity by exploring regional ingredients and traditional flavours from across the country.

The rooftop space combines contemporary architecture with thoughtfully designed interiors, offering intimate seating, communal tables, and a lively bar area suited for after-work gatherings, weekend outings, and evening celebrations.

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The food menu showcases specialties from multiple regions, including Andhra's Gongura Mamsaam, Kundapur Ghee Roast from coastal Karnataka, Kerala's Meen Pollichattu, Kolhapuri Mutton Sukka, Butter Chicken from Old Delhi, Shrimp Pickle with Masala Brioche, Chicken Wings Vepudu, Steamed Kalimpong Momos, and Jeedipappu Pakoda.

Its cocktail programme, The Paper Plane's Logbook, follows a journey across India, with each drink inspired by regional ingredients and memories. Signature cocktails include Crimson Wind with gongura and tequila, Kokum Cloud featuring gin, kokum, and passionfruit, and Firestorm Ember made with ginger-infused tequila and fermented chilli agave.

"Vayu has been envisioned as a social destination that reflects the energy of Hyderabad today," says Mr. Amardeep Singh, Multi Property General Manager, Hyderabad Marriott Hotel & Convention Centre and Courtyard by Marriott Hyderabad. "The focus has been on building a strong cocktail programme alongside a menu that celebrates regional Indian flavours, creating a space where guests can spend an entire evening embracing the cosmopolitan spirit of Hyderabad."

With these three launches, Goa, Delhi, and Hyderabad continue to expand India's vibrant dining landscape, offering experiences that blend regional traditions, global influences, and contemporary hospitality under one roof.

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