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 Westin Hyderabad Mindspace Hosts Carnival of Smiles Children's Day Brunch

The Westin Hyderabad Mindspace Hosts Carnival of Smiles Children's Day Brunch

By Hariharan U

Published on November 14, 2026

The Westin Hyderabad Mindspace is marking Children's Day with 'Carnival of Smiles', a special family brunch at Seasonal Tastes on November 15, 2026, featuring playful activities, interactive food experiences and entertainment for young guests.

Centred on the spirit of childhood, the Sunday brunch will combine a dedicated children's food fiesta with creative experiences and carnival-inspired entertainment. The menu will include familiar favourites such as mini burgers, pasta and pizzas, alongside a live pancake and waffle counter and a selection of specially curated desserts.

Children will also have the opportunity to get hands-on with food through pizza-making and cupcake art activities, where they can create their own treats as part of the afternoon's programme.

Beyond the dining experience, the celebration will feature face painting, balloon art, magic shows, mascot appearances and interactive games. A themed Little Stars Photo Booth, complete with props, frames and a Children's Day backdrop, will give families an opportunity to capture moments from the celebration.

Young guests will also receive giveaways to take home as keepsakes. The programme is intended to give children space to play, create and explore, while parents enjoy a relaxed Sunday afternoon with family.

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With its combination of food stations, creative activities and carnival entertainment, Carnival of Smiles offers families an opportunity to celebrate Children's Day through a shared dining and leisure experience at the hotel.

Experience Details

  • Event: Carnival of Smiles – Children's Day Brunch

  • Venue: Seasonal Tastes, The Westin Hyderabad Mindspace, Hyderabad

  • Date: Sunday, November 15, 2026

  • Time: 12:30 PM–4:00 PM


Courtyard by Marriott Bengaluru Hebbal Presents Toon Town Children's Day Brunch

Courtyard by Marriott Bengaluru Hebbal Presents Toon Town Children's Day Brunch

By Hariharan U

Published on November 14, 2026

Courtyard by Marriott Bengaluru Hebbal is celebrating Children's Day with Toon Town Brunch, a cartoon-inspired dining experience at The Hebbal Cafe on November 22, 2026. Bringing together colourful food, familiar favourites and a playful atmosphere, the brunch invites children and families to enjoy an afternoon of food and togetherness.

Inspired by the imaginative world of cartoons and childhood favourites, the special brunch has been curated by Executive Chef Kalpesh Kature. The menu features a selection of child-friendly dishes, combining familiar flavours with bite-sized preparations suited to younger diners.

The savoury spread includes Mini Rainbow Vegetable Sandwiches, Cheese Quesadillas, Mini Margherita Pizza and Macaroni and Cheese. Young guests can also enjoy Crispy Chicken Popcorn, Mini Cheese Sliders and Fish Fingers with Tartar Sauce, adding a mix of vegetarian and non-vegetarian options to the menu.

For dessert, Mini Pancakes with Chocolate Sauce offer a sweet finish to the meal, giving little food explorers another treat to look forward to.

Designed as a family outing, Toon Town Brunch also offers adults an opportunity to revisit the simple pleasures of childhood while spending time with their little ones. With its playful theme and familiar menu choices, the experience centres on shared moments around the table.

Event Details

  • Event: Toon Town Brunch

  • Venue: The Hebbal Cafe, Courtyard by Marriott Bengaluru Hebbal

  • Date: November 22, 2026

  • Time: 12:30 PM – 4:00 PM


Faasos Introduces Paratha Burger, Blending Desi Flavours with a Global Favourite

Faasos Introduces Paratha Burger, Blending Desi Flavours with a Global Favourite

By Hariharan U

Published on November 13, 2026

Faasos, a food brand from Rebel Foods, has introduced its Paratha Burger range, combining the familiar format of a burger with the flaky, layered texture of lachha paratha. Available across 20 cities in India from November 12, 2026, the launch gives a distinctly Indian interpretation to a globally popular fast-food favourite.

Instead of conventional burger buns, the new range uses lachha paratha as its outer layer, enclosing flavourful patties, generous fillings and indulgent sauces. Described by the brand as having a “flaky outside, freaky inside” format, the product is positioned as a loaded burger experience rather than a wrap, roll or stuffed paratha.

The range features six vegetarian and non-vegetarian options across three flavour profiles: Teriyaki, Chipotle and Hot Garlic.

The non-vegetarian selection includes Teriyaki Chicken Dynamite, Chipotle Chicken Blast and Hot Garlic Chicken. The vegetarian options are Teriyaki Paneer Dynamite, OG Chipotle and Hot Garlic Manchurian.

Commenting on the launch, Mohit Mahajan, AVP – Marketing, Rebel Foods, said, “At Rebel Foods, product innovation is about finding new ways to make familiar food formats exciting for consumers. With the Paratha Burger, we have brought together the flaky, layered goodness of Indian lachha paratha with the bold, globally inspired flavours of a burger. The idea was to create something that feels familiar yet new, combining the comfort of a desi favourite with the indulgence of a loaded burger. The pilot across Mumbai and NCR is helping us understand the consumer response to the flavours that resonate the most with them. Our focus remains on expanding our offerings and bringing exciting food experiences to consumers across India.”

The flavour combinations range from the sweet and savoury notes of Teriyaki to the smoky profile of Chipotle and the sharper, more pronounced flavours of Hot Garlic. The concept builds on the appeal of familiar food formats while introducing new textures and internationally inspired flavour combinations.

Customers can order the Faasos Paratha Burger at a promotional price of ₹169. The launch also includes Buy One Get One (BOGO) offers and specially curated combos.

The introduction of the Paratha Burger adds another format to Faasos' menu innovation efforts, bringing together an Indian flatbread and the structure of a burger. The range also reflects the brand's approach of adapting familiar food experiences through new combinations of ingredients, textures and flavours.

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