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.


Poppadum Brings a Contemporary Indian Dining Experience to Chennai

Poppadum Brings a Contemporary Indian Dining Experience to Chennai

By Hariharan U

Published on May 22, 2026

Poppadum has officially launched in Kilpauk, introducing a contemporary Indian dining concept centred around nostalgia, familiarity, and culinary surprise.

Positioned as a fresh addition to Chennai’s evolving dining landscape, the restaurant celebrates regional flavours and stories from across India while reinterpreting familiar dishes through modern techniques, textures, and presentation styles.

Founded on the philosophy of making guests experience familiar Indian food differently, Poppadum draws inspiration from the humble papad or appalam, a staple accompaniment found across Indian households that often transforms an entire meal through texture and flavour.

Speaking about the concept, Abbas Shahzad said the restaurant aims to revive the excitement of eating Indian food by presenting known flavours in unexpected ways without losing their emotional connection and authenticity.

The menu reflects this approach through a range of small plates and mains inspired by diverse culinary traditions across India. Signature dishes include Khaman Chaat, Burrata “Masala Papad”, Thattai Tostada, Railway Beetroot Cutlet, and My MIL’s Daal Pakwaan, each offering a balance of familiarity and contemporary creativity.

The mains menu further explores layered Indian flavours with dishes such as Burrata Tikka Masala, White Dal Makhani, Tawa Kheema, and Smoked Masoor Pulao. Accompaniments including Scallion Parmesan Chur Chur Parotta and Poppadum Garlic Naan continue the restaurant’s playful reinterpretation of traditional formats.

Desserts such as Nichani’s Filter Coffee Pudding and Falooda Baraf Gola complete the dining experience with nostalgic flavours presented through a modern lens.

Spread across approximately 2,200 square feet with seating for 60 guests, the restaurant has been designed as an intimate and energetic space encouraging conversation, shared dining, and community-driven experiences.

With its launch, Poppadum adds to Chennai’s growing appetite for contemporary Indian dining concepts that blend regional storytelling, innovation, and comfort-led culinary experiences.


Jango Launches All-Day Café and Cocktail Bar in North Bangalore

Jango Launches All-Day Café and Cocktail Bar in North Bangalore

By Author

Published on May 22, 2026

Jango has officially launched in Sahakarnagar, introducing an all-day café and cocktail bar concept aimed at blending work, dining, music, and social experiences under one roof.

Positioned as a neighbourhood-driven social space, Jango reflects Bengaluru’s evolving hospitality landscape where consumers are increasingly seeking flexible and experience-led venues that transition seamlessly through different parts of the day.

The venue operates as a relaxed, coffee-focused café during the daytime before evolving into a more energetic cocktail and dining destination in the evening. Designed to accommodate work sessions, casual meetings, dinners, music-led gatherings, and community events, the concept focuses on creating an adaptable environment for different audiences throughout the day.

Speaking on the launch, the founding team shared that the vision behind Jango was to create a space that guests could return to at different moments, whether for coffee and work during the day or cocktails and music later in the evening.

The menu features comfort-driven dishes with global influences alongside an approachable cocktail programme curated for easy-drinking experiences. The atmosphere also evolves through the day, shifting from quieter daytime energy to a more vibrant social setting by night.

In the coming weeks, Jango plans to introduce a dedicated breakfast menu along with curated community programming including founder meetups, creator gatherings, and music-led experiences.

The launch comes at a time when Bengaluru’s dining and nightlife culture is increasingly moving towards hybrid hospitality formats that combine cafés, social spaces, and experiential dining concepts.


TwentySeven Bakehouse Expands to Goregaon with New Mumbai Suburban Outlet

TwentySeven Bakehouse Expands to Goregaon with New Mumbai Suburban Outlet

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 22, 2026

Mumbai’s popular neighbourhood bakery, TwentySeven Bakehouse, is heading north with the launch of its newest outlet in Goregaon. The opening marks the brand’s fourth physical store in the city, adding to its existing locations in Mahalaxmi, Bandra, and Nepean Sea Road, along with its delivery-only cloud kitchen in Chembur.

Located at Oberoi Garden City in Goregaon, the new outlet expands TwentySeven Bakehouse’s growing presence in Mumbai’s evolving food scene. Following the response to its Mahalaxmi flagship outlet, the new space brings together everything the brand is known for under one roof, fresh breads, artisanal bakes, specialty coffee, sandwiches, and its well-loved New York-style pizzas.

Guests can expect familiar favourites that have helped build the bakery’s loyal following over the years. The menu includes its signature artisanal sourdough range, fresh loaves, and buttery croissants known for their flaky texture.

For quick meals and lunch breaks, made-to-order sandwiches such as Halloumi & Harissa and Pulled Pork Kimchi are among the highlights. Spice lovers can also try Thecha Chip Butty, a flavour-packed option with a spicy kick.

The menu also shines a spotlight on TwentySeven Bakehouse’s New York-style pizzas. Diners can choose from vegetarian options like Fiamma 2.0 and Basil Pesto, or go for the Chermoula Chicken with Vodka Sauce pizza. While waiting for orders, guests can snack on the bakery’s crowd favourite ‘Better Than Dr*gs Garlic Knots’.

Coffee lovers can also stop in for a quick cup of specialty coffee before meetings or work sessions, making the space suitable for both quick visits and long catch-ups.

To celebrate the launch, the bakery has introduced a series of in-store offers. Customers can buy three coffees and get one free until Sunday, May 24, 2026. Pizza lovers can enjoy a special Thursday and Friday offer where buying three pizzas comes with three soft drinks and one portion of Better-Than-Dr*gs Garlic Knots free. There is also a daily 35% discount on all bakes from 7:30 pm onwards, available both in-store and on Swiggy and Zomato.

TwentySeven Bakehouse is located at Restaurant No. 10, Ground Floor Avenue, International Business Park, Oberoi Garden City, off Western Express Highway, Goregaon East, Mumbai, Greater Mumbai, Maharashtra 400063 and is open daily from 8:30 am to 11:00 pm.

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