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.


Chennai Gets a New Rooftop Address for Alfresco Evenings at Taj Club House

Chennai Gets a New Rooftop Address for Alfresco Evenings at Taj Club House

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on February 13, 2026

Taj Club House, Chennai has introduced LAVA, Grill at the Roof, a contemporary rooftop dining venue designed for relaxed alfresco evenings. Positioned as a sundowner destination, the new space brings together open-air charm, sweeping city views and a menu that celebrates bold global flavours.

Perched at the top of the hotel, LAVA, Grill at the Roof offers both an intimate air-conditioned indoor section and a breezy rooftop area. Soft mood lighting and panoramic views of the Chennai skyline set the tone for easy conversations and laid-back dining under the open sky. The alfresco section forms the heart of the venue, making it an inviting spot for after-hours gatherings and special evenings.

The menu focuses on global grilling traditions with a noticeable Asian accent. Guests can explore a range of Asian tapas, sushi, dim sum, sliders and signature grill dishes. Small bites include Edamame with Sea Salt or Pepperoncino and Marinated Gordal Olives with Beetroot Tzatziki. The selection also features Chicken Katsu Bao with Tonkatsu Sauce, Duck Rillette Sliders with Jalapeño and Mint Chutney, and sushi options such as California Roll, Spicy Tofu Roll and Crispy Prawn Uramaki.

Vegetarian diners can choose from Water Chestnut & Mushroom Dumplings and Corn & Spinach Dumplings, while grill highlights include Persian Lamb Skewers and Harissa-spiked Prawns served with Roasted Grape Salsa. The dishes are complemented by a curated list of wines, craft cocktails and premium beverages, carefully paired to enhance the grill-focused menu.

With its blend of indoor comfort and alfresco elegance, LAVA, Grill at the Roof is set to become a preferred choice for sundowners, intimate dinners and celebratory evenings in the city. At Taj Club House, Chennai, the new rooftop address promises evenings where fire-led flavours, fresh air and city lights come together effortlessly.


Celebrate Valentine’s Offline with SOCIAL’s New Campaign

Celebrate Valentine’s Offline with SOCIAL’s New Campaign

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on February 13, 2026

This Valentine’s season, SOCIAL is inviting guests to take love offline with its nationwide campaign, लव like the OGs, running from 10th to 28th February across all SOCIAL outlets. Inspired by the simplicity of old-school romance, the campaign encourages people to slow down, have real conversations, and reconnect without screens in the way.

At a time when love often plays out over DMs and dating apps, SOCIAL is tapping into a growing desire among Gen Z for something more intentional and personal. The idea behind लव like the OGs is not about going back in time, but about bringing back what truly matters, showing up, speaking honestly, and giving someone your full attention.

Speaking about the campaign, Divya Aggarwal, Chief Growth Officer at Impresario Entertainment & Hospitality Pvt. Ltd., said, “Love today is fast, filtered, and often fleeting. With लव like the OGs theme, we wanted to slow things down and bring back the charm of old-school romance, where effort mattered and conversations weren’t rushed. SOCIAL has always been about belonging and real connections, and this Valentine’s, we’re inviting people to step away from screens and rediscover what love feels like offline.”

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As part of the experience, guests can write handwritten postcards while waiting for their food and exchange notes the old-fashioned way. The idea is simple, whether you’re on a first date, with your partner, or just out with friends, sit across the table and share a moment that feels real.

A major highlight of the campaign is the limited-edition Valentine’s menu titled Do Dishon Ka Mel. Celebrating cross-cultural love stories through bold food pairings, the menu blends flavours from different regions with SOCIAL’s signature twist. Dishes include Sev Puri Toastada, bringing Puraani Dilli and Mexico together; Bhuna Ghost Cheese Tart; Chicken Biryani Burrito; and Andhra Chilli Paneer & Chicken Chopsuey.

Other special creations include Krapow Aglio Olio in plant-based, chicken, and lamb options, Kebab Paella, Cheeseburst Smash Burgers, and desserts like Snicker Samosa and Gajar Halwa Sizzler. The Valentine’s special menu will be available across SOCIAL outlets from 10th to 28th February. Select dishes will also be offered for delivery through Swiggy and Zomato for those celebrating at home.

Staying true to its community-first approach, SOCIAL will also host curated in-outlet experiences and events at select locations. Designed to be inclusive and warm, the celebration welcomes everyone: single, taken, or somewhere in between.

With लव like the OGs, SOCIAL reinforces its space as more than just a café-bar. This Valentine’s, the brand reminds guests that love doesn’t need an algorithm, just a table, a postcard, and a little effort.


Third Wave Coffee Unveils Limited-Edition Valentine’s Beverages Nationwide

Third Wave Coffee Unveils Limited-Edition Valentine’s Beverages Nationwide

By Hariharan U

Published on February 12, 2026

Third Wave Coffee is marking Valentine’s Day with a limited-edition beverage lineup crafted to celebrate connection and everyday indulgence. Launched nationwide on February 11, 2026, the seasonal range features four themed creations - La Vie en Rose Frappe, La Vie en Rose Latte, Red Velvet Milkshake, and Red Velvet Mocha Frappe - each designed to bring a playful yet comforting touch to coffee breaks.

The rose-inspired offerings lead with floral, creamy notes, where the La Vie en Rose Frappe blends delicate rose flavours with whipped cream and dehydrated rose petals, while the La Vie en Rose Latte offers a smoother, mellow sip with subtle sweetness. Complementing the floral profiles are dessert-style red velvet creations: the Red Velvet Milkshake delivers a rich, thick indulgence topped with whipped cream and velvet crumbs, and the Red Velvet Mocha Frappe combines bold coffee and cocoa with a decadent finish.

Priced from ₹305 onwards, the collection is positioned as an accessible festive treat. Available across all outlets till February 22, the range reflects the brand’s structured, insight-led approach to seasonal innovation, aligning menu development with cultural moments and evolving consumer preferences. Founded in 2016 by Sushant Goel, Anirudh Sharma and Ayush Bathwal, Third Wave Coffee has grown to over 200 cafés nationwide and continues to focus on a coffee-first experience driven by quality beans, accessible locations and technology-enabled engagement.

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