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.


AAMI Opens in Goa with a Fresh Take on Café Culture and Slow Living

AAMI Opens in Goa with a Fresh Take on Café Culture and Slow Living

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 21, 2026

Goa’s growing café culture has welcomed a new addition with the launch of AAMI Café & Bistro in Candolim. Designed around comfort, community, and a slower way of living, AAMI introduces a space where guests can unwind and connect at their own pace.

The name AAMI translates to “we” in Konkani, a philosophy that forms the foundation of the space. More than just a café, the property combines an all-day dining experience with thoughtfully designed Airbnb stays and a restored Portuguese villa, creating an atmosphere inspired by Goa’s easy and unhurried lifestyle.

Built alongside a restored Portuguese home by the Lobo family, AAMI preserves the charm of traditional architecture through details such as laterite stone walls, terracotta roofs, skylights, high ceilings, and a classic balcao-style porch. Adding to its warm and lived-in character are carefully designed gardens by Vintage Gardens and curated furniture pieces from Pink Elephant.

The interiors continue this calm approach through soft lighting, natural materials, muted tones, and simple design details that reflect Goa’s relaxed rhythm.

The food menu focuses on comfort-led all-day dining with a mix of continental dishes and approachable Asian flavours. Guests can choose from breakfast options such as Turkish Eggs, Eggs Benedict, Avocado Toast, Hawaiian Style Breakfast, and Cinnamon Coffee French Toast. The larger menu includes dishes like Goa-inspired Podi Calamari Rings, Chilli Lime Prawns, Chicken Satay, Thai Curry Bowls, Wild Mushroom Risotto, Sriracha Chicken Pizza, and the signature AAMI Croissanwich.

The beverage menu has also been carefully curated with drinks such as Guava Chilli Martini, Espresso Spritz, Virgin Cosmopolitan, Apple Ginger Spritz, and AAMI Cold Coffee. The café has also collaborated with homegrown brands including Cream Choc artisanal Italian gelato and Mumbai-based TOISE Coffee, adding another layer to its dessert and coffee offerings.

Speaking about the concept, Rohit Lobo, co-founder of AAMI Café & Bistro, said, "There is a lot of value today placed on experiences that are louder, faster, or more visually driven. We wanted to create something that felt quieter and more lasting. A place where people could genuinely make part of their everyday lives."

Adding to this, Sudhir Lobo, co-founder of AAMI Café & Bistro, said, "Goa already has an incredible café culture, but we felt there was room for a space that felt a little softer and more grounded. AAMI isn’t built around occasion dining or spectacle. It’s built around everyday comfort and the idea of belonging."

As part of the larger experience, the property also includes Airbnb stays and a restored heritage villa featuring an indoor pool and media centre, designed for relaxed stays and intimate group experiences.

With Goa’s café culture continuing to evolve, AAMI brings a more grounded and personal approach, reflecting a growing shift towards meaningful hospitality experiences.

  • Address: Casa velha block A, Candolim Rd, opposite Montero, beside Bosio Hospital, Pintos Vaddo, Candolim, Goa 403515
  • Operational Hours: 9 AM to 3 PM | 6 PM to 11 PM
  • Closed on: Tuesday.

Sip Into Summer with Tata Coffee Gold’s Café-Style Indulgent Coffee Range

Sip Into Summer with Tata Coffee Gold’s Café-Style Indulgent Coffee Range

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 20, 2026

As summer temperatures rise and days grow longer, coffee lovers are turning to cooler, more refreshing ways to enjoy their daily brew. Tata Coffee Gold is tapping into this shift with its premium freeze-dried coffee range, designed to bring café-style indulgence right into the comfort of home.

The range is crafted for both hot and cold coffee preparations, making it easy to enjoy everything from iced lattes on warm afternoons to rich, comforting evening brews. With five distinct flavours, each cup is designed to elevate everyday coffee moments into something more indulgent and refreshing.

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The Original variant offers a classic café experience with a rich, full-bodied taste and strong aroma, made possible through freeze-dried technology that locks in freshness and flavour.

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For those who prefer a softer profile, the Vanilla variant adds a smooth, mellow sweetness, making it ideal for creamy lattes or chilled iced coffees. It brings a comforting touch to everyday coffee routines.

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The Hazelnut flavour is designed for coffee drinkers who enjoy a nutty, gourmet twist. It delivers a rich aroma that works perfectly for café-style mochas and mid-day coffee breaks.

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For indulgence seekers, the Brownie variant transforms coffee into a dessert-like experience, offering deep, chocolatey notes that pair well with evening cravings or sweet treats.

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Inspired by the classic Italian dessert, the Tiramisu variant blends coffee with creamy and cocoa-like undertones, creating a layered and luxurious drinking experience with every sip.

With this range, Tata Coffee Gold aims to turn everyday kitchens into personal cafés, offering consumers a simple way to enjoy café-style coffee experiences at home, one flavour at a time.


TWH Hospitality Launches Second Nazeer Foods Restaurant in Zirakpur

TWH Hospitality Launches Second Nazeer Foods Restaurant in Zirakpur

By Hariharan U

Published on May 20, 2026

TWH Hospitality has launched its second Nazeer Foods restaurant at Pooja Plazzio in Zirakpur, marking another milestone in the company’s expanding hospitality portfolio across North India. The newly opened outlet is being positioned as Chandigarh–Tricity’s first authentic Old Delhi-themed Mughlai fine-dining restaurant, combining heritage-inspired interiors with premium hospitality and traditional flavours.

Founded over four decades ago, Nazeer Foods has built a strong reputation for authentic Mughlai cuisine, traditional recipes, and a loyal customer base across Delhi-NCR. The Zirakpur expansion reflects the brand’s continued efforts to take its Old Delhi culinary legacy beyond the capital region while preserving its signature dining experience.

The restaurant has been developed as a premium dine-in destination featuring Mughlai-inspired aesthetics, elegant seating, warm hospitality, and a refined ambience designed for families, professionals, and food enthusiasts across the Tricity region.

The launch follows TWH Hospitality’s earlier strategic partnership announcement with Nazeer Foods aimed at hospitality and culinary expansion. The company had previously integrated Nazeer Foods’ kitchen operations into its Goa hospitality venture to strengthen premium Mughlai dining and online delivery offerings in the region.

Speaking on the expansion, the management stated that demand for premium Indian dining concepts continues to rise in emerging lifestyle destinations such as Zirakpur and Chandigarh–Tricity. The company further shared that it is actively exploring additional opportunities across Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, and Delhi-NCR through fine-dine and high-street hospitality formats.

Backed by ICCPL Group, TWH Hospitality has steadily expanded its presence across cafés, resorts, and premium food ventures. The group has gained visibility through hospitality ventures including Boho By The Beach Resort and The Boho Box Café while continuing collaborations with established hospitality and food brands.

The Zirakpur outlet is expected to emerge as a key dining destination for residents across Chandigarh, Mohali, Panchkula, and nearby regions seeking an authentic Mughlai fine-dining experience inspired by Old Delhi’s rich culinary heritage.

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