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.


Chef Hari Nayak Is Back at Four Seasons Maldives — and the Menu Looks Absolutely Stunning

Chef Hari Nayak Is Back at Four Seasons Maldives — and the Menu Looks Absolutely Stunning

By Hariharan U

Published on March 10, 2026

If you've been looking for a reason to plan a Maldives trip this April, Chef Hari Nayak just gave you one.

The celebrated chef is returning to Baraabaru, the award-winning Indian restaurant at Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa for another residency that promises to be every bit as special as his previous visits. Baraabaru, named among CNN Travel's Top 10 Maldives' Finest Tables, is already one of the most respected Indian dining destinations in the region. With Chef Nayak back in the kitchen alongside Head Chef Kishan Singh, the combination of coastal Indian tradition and global culinary technique is going to be firing on all cylinders.

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This season's menu is a confident journey through India's regional flavours but done with personality and a contemporary edge that makes each dish feel fresh. Gujarat's Anda Ghotala makes an appearance alongside Kolkata's Beguni, while black garlic naan and barbecue butter chicken chops bring bold, satisfying flavours to the table. And then there's the gulab jamun crème brûlée, a playful, East-meets-West dessert that sounds like exactly the kind of thing you'd remember long after the meal ends.

The dish that's likely to turn the most heads, though, is Chef Nayak's signature whole baked lobster with coconut turmeric sauce and lemon rice. Bold, fragrant, and unmistakably his, it's the kind of dish that captures everything great about modern Indian cooking in a single plate.

Chef Nayak will be in residence at Baraabaru from 30th March to 4th April 2026. It's a short window, so if this is on your radar, now is the time to make it happen.


Gadda Da Vida at Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach Just Got a Major Upgrade, Meet GDV 2.0

Gadda Da Vida at Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach Just Got a Major Upgrade, Meet GDV 2.0

By Hariharan U

Published on March 10, 2026

If Gadda Da Vida was already your go-to for sundowners in Mumbai, GDV 2.0 is about to give you even more reasons to show up. The beachfront restaurant at Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach has just launched a full culinary and cocktail reinvention,and it's a confident, coastal-forward step up from everything that came before it.

This isn't just a menu tweak. GDV 2.0 is a proper reimagination of what the space can be,leaning hard into the seafood-driven identity that a venue sitting right by the Arabian Sea honestly should have. The food is bolder, the cocktails are sharper, and the whole experience feels more alive and social while still holding on to the relaxed sundowner energy that made the place a favourite in the first place.

The Food - Coastal, Layered and Genuinely Exciting

The new menu reads like a tour of coastal flavours done with real finesse. Headlining the seafood section are dishes like Lobster Tail with Mustard Butter, Seared Salmon with Lemon Butter, Caribbean Blackened Snapper with Plantain Purée, and Miso Glazed Seabass,each one bringing something distinct to the table. Charcoal-Grilled Prawns in Jerk Marinade and Fish Cafreal with Smoked Potato Mash round out a lineup that's as thoughtfully composed as it is satisfying.

For the table-sharing crowd, the shareable plates section is equally strong,Fennel-Smoked Fried Prawns, Jerk Chicken Skewers, and Crispy Calamari Rings sit alongside some genuinely interesting vegetarian options like Malvani Soy Tacos and Truffle Mushroom Xacuti Tartlets. The kind of spread that makes ordering for the whole table actually fun.

Desserts close things out on a tropical high,Tropical Fruit Pavlova, Coconut Mango Panna Cotta, and an Espresso Tiramisu that feels like the perfect full stop to a coastal meal.

The Cocktails - Built to Match

What sets GDV 2.0 apart from a standard menu relaunch is the intentional pairing of cocktails with the food. The drink menu has been designed to complement the seafood-forward dishes, with signature creations,Angel's Delight, Synapse Sour, Temple Smoke, Gadda's Secret, and Plumnori each bringing layered aromatics and vibrant profiles to the mix. Progressive infusions and a strong element of mixology theatre add visual drama to the whole experience, turning what could be a regular evening out into something genuinely multisensory.

Kunal Shanker, General Manager at Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach, explained the thinking behind it all,"With GDV 2.0, our vision was to go beyond a menu refresh and reimagine the entire beachfront experience at Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach. Gadda Da Vida has always been synonymous with sundowners, and this change allows us to align the culinary narrative more closely with our seaside setting. With this menu revamp, we aim to elevate the value proposition of our F&B portfolio while reinforcing our standing as one of Mumbai's most dynamic beachfront hospitality destinations."

Sunset, seafood, cocktails with personality, and the Arabian Sea as your backdrop,GDV 2.0 makes a strong case for being Mumbai's most complete beachfront dining experience right now.


Courtyard by Marriott Bengaluru Hebbal Celebrates ‘Macaron Month’ at Glazed

Courtyard by Marriott Bengaluru Hebbal Celebrates ‘Macaron Month’ at Glazed

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on March 10, 2026

Courtyard by Marriott Bengaluru Hebbal is bringing a delightful celebration of French confectionery to the city this March with The Macaron Month, an exclusive dessert showcase at its patisserie, Glazed.

Running throughout the month, the festival highlights a vibrant selection of handcrafted macarons designed to celebrate delicate textures, refined sweetness, and playful flavours. The all-day offering invites dessert enthusiasts to indulge in an elegant lineup of colourful treats, each crafted with precision by the hotel’s pastry team.

The curated menu features an enticing variety of flavours created to appeal to every palate. Guests can savour indulgent options such as Strawberry Cheesecake Macaron, Hazelnut with White Chocolate Ganache Macaron, and Red Velvet Macaron, alongside unique selections like Taro, Mocha, and the refreshing Lemon Blueberry Macaron.

Each macaron offers the signature balance that defines the classic French confection—crisp, delicate shells paired with smooth, flavourful fillings that melt effortlessly on the palate.

Designed as both a visual and culinary delight, the collection highlights the artistry behind pastry craftsmanship while offering guests a playful and indulgent dessert experience. With their vibrant colours and refined flavours, the macarons promise to deliver small bites of sweetness that leave a lasting impression.

Guests visiting Glazed can enjoy the macarons throughout the day, making it a perfect stop for a mid-morning treat, afternoon indulgence, or a sweet takeaway.

With The Macaron Month, Courtyard by Marriott Bengaluru Hebbal invites dessert lovers to step into a world where flavour meets artistry, transforming each macaron into a moment of pure indulgence.

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