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.


Amritsr – The Maharaja of Indian Cuisine Brings Authentic Punjabi Flavours to Mumbai

Amritsr – The Maharaja of Indian Cuisine Brings Authentic Punjabi Flavours to Mumbai

By Hariharan U

Published on November 28, 2025

The flavours of Punjab’s cultural capital have finally arrived in Mumbai. After earning a loyal following in Bangkok, Phuket, Pattaya and Dubai, Amritsr – The Maharaja of Indian Cuisine has opened its first restaurant in Andheri, bringing with it the comforting, homestyle taste of Amritsar that food lovers often miss outside the city.

What sets Amritsr apart is its focus on true Amritsari cuisine. For more than 15 years, the brand has stayed committed to authenticity, using its own masalas, desi ghee, mustard, saag and even soya chunks sourced directly from Amritsar. Every dish is crafted with the flavours, methods and warmth that define Punjabi cooking.

Along with its dine-in restaurant, Amritsr also ensures its food reaches every corner of Mumbai through two delivery kitchens in Bandra and Andheri, promising hot, fresh meals wherever you are.

The brand began its journey in 2018 with its first outlet in Bangkok’s Sukhumvit Soi 22. It was born out of a simple realisation: the authentic taste of Amritsar rarely travels well. Even the iconic Amritsari Kulcha, the pride of the city, often loses its magic once you leave Punjab.

Amritsr’s growth is led by hospitality entrepreneur Vicky M. Sethi, Managing Director of King Group Hospitality (KGH). Known for previously building Kulcha King in Dubai, Sethi has made it his mission to preserve authenticity while taking Amritsari cuisine global.

The Mumbai outlet spans 3,500 sq. ft. and seats up to 150 guests, offering the warmth of Punjab through cultural décor, earthy tones and traditional artefacts. Behind the scenes, chefs trained in-house under Sethi’s original recipes maintain flavour consistency across cities.

The menu celebrates Punjabi classics from slow-cooked Dal Makhni and rich Butter Chicken to winter favourite Sarson da Saag, fragrant Biryani and soft Garlic Naan. The beverage menu complements the meal with refreshing favourites such as Gajar ki Kanji, Pudina Sharbat, Sikanjvi, Mango Lassi and the iconic Punjabi Lassi.

Amritsr also introduces an inventive cocktail programme rooted in Indian-inspired mixology. Highlights include the gin-based Courtesy of Planter, the tangy Pickle Mango Mezcarita, the milk-washed Kulangani Elixir, the purple cabbage–infused White on the Top, and the vibrant Amritasari Jamun made with jamun-infused rum.

For Sethi, opening in Mumbai is deeply personal, Being born and raised in Mumbai, I wanted to bring home what we’ve created globally. This city deserves to taste Amritsar in its truest form. My favourite part of this journey has always been seeing people discover and fall in love with Amritsari food for the first time. For me, it's not just cuisine, it's a legacy,” he shared.

Mumbai marks the beginning of Amritsr’s Indian chapter, with more expansions planned across the country and an upcoming outlet in Bali.

Locations:

Andheri (Restaurant): G-3, 103, Morya Landmark 1, Off New Link Road, Veera Desai Rd, Andheri West, Mumbai 400053
Kalina (Kitchen): Swastik Industrial Estate, Kolivery Village, Bandra East, Mumbai 400098
Andheri (Kitchen): Shop No. 4B, Crystal Plaza, Veera Desai Industrial Estate, Jogeshwari West, Mumbai 400053


5 Premium Coffee Cafés in Delhi That Never Disappoint

5 Premium Coffee Cafés in Delhi That Never Disappoint

By Hariharan U

Published on November 28, 2025

Delhi has no shortage of coffee spots, but a few cafés consistently stand out for quality, service, and atmosphere. Whether you’re looking for a quick espresso, a specialty pour-over, or a cozy spot to work, these five cafés deliver exactly what you need.

1. Barista Coffee
One of India’s earliest café chains, Barista offers a warm, classic vibe paired with a balanced menu of Italian-style drinks and snacks. Their cappuccinos, mochas, and cold frappes are always crowd favourites. With cosy seating and efficient service, Barista is great for casual meetups or relaxed evenings.

2. Third Wave Coffee
Popular among young professionals, Third Wave Coffee focuses on specialty Indian beans and handcrafted brews. Their pour-overs, flat whites, and Vietnamese iced coffee stand out. Modern décor, ample plug points, and work-friendly seating make it ideal for remote working or creative brainstorming.

3. Costa Coffee
With its signature bold red interiors and British café charm, Costa Coffee is perfect for espresso lovers. Favorites include Flat White, Cortado, and indulgent Frostinos. Spacious seating and quiet corners make it a reliable choice for business meetings or solo coffee breaks.

4. Blue Tokai
A pioneer in India’s specialty coffee movement, Blue Tokai uses single-origin beans sourced from Indian estates. Their minimalist cafés highlight brewing transparency — you can even watch beans being freshly roasted and packed. Cold brews, pour-overs, and seasonal specials make every visit refreshing and unique.

5. Café Coffee Day (CCD)
A classic Indian favourite, CCD offers affordable coffee, casual vibes, and familiar comfort. Filter Coffee, Café Mocha, and Crunchy Frappe remain top picks. With multiple locations and easy access, it’s perfect for a quick stop or an unplanned coffee break.

From classic chains to specialty roasters, Delhi’s cafés offer something for every mood, budget, and coffee preference, ensuring every visit is a satisfying experience.


Chinese Wok Launches Black Friday Wok Feast with Special Pricing Across Its Entire Menu

Chinese Wok Launches Black Friday Wok Feast with Special Pricing Across Its Entire Menu

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on November 28, 2025

Chinese Wok, India’s largest home-grown Desi Chinese QSR chain, has launched its annual Black Friday Wok Feast with a special price on its entire menu. The three-day offer will be available across all Chinese Wok outlets in India from 28th to 30th November 2025. This offer is valid for dine-in and takeaway orders, giving customers a great reason to visit their nearest outlet and enjoy bold, flavour-packed dishes.

This year’s celebration builds on the strong consumer response from last year, which recorded a 40% increase in dine-in traffic during the offer period. The Black Friday Wok Feast continues the brand’s focus on value-led experiences as the festive eating season begins. Customers can enjoy the full range of Chinese Wok favourites, including Chinese Bowls, Momos, Hunan Paneer Dry, Fried Rice, Hakka Noodles, Chilli Chicken Dry and more. Every item on the menu will be priced at a special rate, making it easier for people across cities and age groups to enjoy their preferred Desi Chinese dishes.

As India’s largest Desi Chinese QSR, this offer reflects Chinese Wok’s ongoing mission to bring bold and flavour-rich Chinese experiences to customers across the country.

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Speaking about the Black Friday offer, Aayush Madhusudan Agrawal, Founder & Director, Lenexis Foodworks, said: “Chinese Wok has always stood for bold flavours, great value and an experience that brings people back for more. The Black Friday Sale is our way of celebrating the community that has supported us through our decade-long journey. With the entire menu at ₹149, we want to make this weekend not just about great prices, but great memories shared over bold, flavour-packed Desi Chinese.”

Chinese Wok continues to grow its presence across India while strengthening its connection with customers. The brand expects high footfalls during the Black Friday weekend, driven by strong consumer interest in its signature Desi Chinese flavours and attractive pricing.

Walk in, spice it up and enjoy the flavours at your nearest Chinese Wok outlet this weekend.

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