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.


Burger Singh Raises INR 82 Crore in Series B and It's Building Something Bigger Than a Burger Chain

Burger Singh Raises INR 82 Crore in Series B and It's Building Something Bigger Than a Burger Chain

By Author

Published on March 24, 2026

Burger Singh just closed its Series B round and the numbers tell a strong story. The Gurugram-based burger chain has raised INR 82 crore at a valuation of INR 520 crore, with the round led by Artal Asia Pte Ltd and participation from Negen Undiscovered Value Fund, Aurum Rising India Fund, and a mix of new and existing investors.

But what makes this funding round interesting isn't just the size of it. It's what Burger Singh plans to do with it.

The brand is not simply opening more outlets. It's building what Founder and CEO Kabir Jeet Singh describes as India's franchise-first restaurant growth platform, a structured, scalable system that allows local entrepreneurs to open and run successful franchise-owned outlets with the right support behind them. That's a meaningfully different ambition from just expanding a burger chain.

India's quick-service restaurant industry has grown significantly over the past two decades, but most of that growth has come through company-owned stores or master franchise arrangements. What hasn't developed at the same pace is a well-organised platform that genuinely enables individual entrepreneurs to succeed in the restaurant business at scale. Burger Singh sees that as the gap worth solving.

With 200 plus stores already operational across 100 plus cities including Delhi NCR, Mumbai, Pune, Bengaluru, Kolkata, Jaipur, Chandigarh, and Amritsar, the franchise backbone is already in place. The fresh capital will now go towards deepening that infrastructure across store design, training systems, operating manuals, supply chain integration, technology, and on-ground market support.

The brand's FY 2024-25 revenue of INR 117 crore reflects consistent growth across both metro markets and emerging cities. Products like Nikku Singh, Udta Punjab 2.0, Churmur Pandey, and Bunty Pappeh Da Aloo have built genuine recall in a crowded category, helped along by accessible pricing and a menu that has been built specifically for the Indian palate rather than adapted from somewhere else.

Kabir Jeet Singh was clear about the larger mission behind the raise. "India has no shortage of entrepreneurs. What it lacks is enough high-quality operating platforms that allow those entrepreneurs to succeed in the restaurant business at scale. That is the gap we are solving. We are not just opening outlets; we are building the platform Indian entrepreneurs can plug into to create successful restaurant businesses."

Founded in 2014, Burger Singh was built with a specific premise: not to imitate foreign burger chains but to reinvent the burger for Indian tastes at an affordable price. More than a decade later, that premise is now the foundation of a platform play with real scale ambitions.


The Filter Coffee Expands in Bengaluru with Three New Outlets

The Filter Coffee Expands in Bengaluru with Three New Outlets

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on March 24, 2026

The Filter Coffee has expanded its presence across Bengaluru with the launch of three new neighbourhood outlets in Sadashivanagar, Jayanagar, and Church Street. With these additions, the brand now operates ten outlets across the city, bringing its signature filter coffee and familiar South Indian meals closer to more communities.

The Sadashivanagar outlet, opened on February 9th, 2026, is spread across 2,300 sq. ft. and features a 66-seater casual dine-in space with full service. It also offers the traditional banana leaf dining experience, reflecting the brand’s roots in everyday South Indian food culture. Located in one of the city’s well-known residential areas, this outlet marks a key step in the brand’s growth.

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The Church Street outlet, opened on February 23, 2026, is located at 1 Sobha Mall and spans 1,100 sq. ft. This is the brand’s first food court format outlet, designed to serve a high-footfall area in central Bengaluru while maintaining the same consistency in taste and quality.

The upcoming Jayanagar outlet, spread across 2,100 sq. ft., will follow a casual dining format with full service and a traditional banana leaf experience. Located in a neighbourhood known for its strong vegetarian dining culture, the outlet aims to connect with customers who appreciate classic South Indian cuisine.

“With every new outlet we open, our commitment to food quality and consistency remains unchanged. Consistency is the foundation of trust, and it’s what enables us to expand without diluting the experience our customers expect,” said Sankrit Iyer, Co-founder of The Filter Coffee.

Known for its focus on authenticity and simplicity, the brand has built a strong connection with customers looking for comforting South Indian meals served with warmth. Each outlet is designed to offer a relaxed and welcoming space, staying true to the idea that food is best enjoyed in a comfortable setting.

“We’ve seen strong demand from customers asking for The Filter Coffee closer to where they live. Expanding into these well-known neighbourhoods allows us to serve a wider audience while staying true to the everyday dining experience we’re known for,” said Avinit Bagri, Co-founder of The Filter Coffee.

With these new openings, The Filter Coffee continues to grow steadily across dine-in, takeaway, and delivery formats. The brand remains focused on offering familiar meals rooted in tradition while adapting to modern dining preferences, making each outlet a regular go-to spot for coffee breaks and everyday meals.


Bangalore’s Top Spots for IPL Live Screenings This Season

Bangalore’s Top Spots for IPL Live Screenings This Season

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on March 24, 2026

As the IPL season brings excitement across the country, Bangalore is all set to offer some of the most engaging live screening experiences for cricket fans. From lively neighbourhood bars to vibrant breweries, the city has plenty of spots where every match turns into a shared celebration.

Located in JP Nagar, Sector 144 invites fans to enjoy IPL matches in a relaxed and social setting. With multiple high-definition screens placed across the space, guests can catch every moment of the game while enjoying good company. The venue offers a well-curated à la carte menu with a mix of bar bites, flavourful dishes, and refreshing cocktails, making it ideal for long match evenings. The easy and familiar vibe makes it a go-to neighbourhood hangout where guests can return throughout the season.

Tropika Brewing Co. in Marathahalli brings a more immersive match-day experience with its tropical-themed ambience and lively setting. With large screens and a vibrant crowd, the venue creates the perfect environment to enjoy every over and last-minute finish. Adding to the experience is a specially curated IPL menu featuring dishes like Spinny Spring Roll Veg, Power Play Plum Chilly Baby Corn, Super Over Fried Chicken, Googly Ghee Roast Lamb, All Out Appolo Fish, and Hatrick Habanero Prawns. Desserts like Dot Ball Doughnuts and Catchy Carrot Halwa with Ice Cream complete the experience, along with a range of craft brews that keep the energy going.

For those looking for a familiar and easy-going space, Chin Lung offers multiple outlets across Bangalore, making it a convenient option for fans across the city. Known for its laid-back brewery vibe, comfort food, and fresh beers, it transforms into a lively match-day destination during IPL. With big screens, a buzzing crowd, and a steady flow of food and drinks, it creates an atmosphere where every run and wicket is celebrated.

Across these venues, the focus remains the same, bringing people together to enjoy cricket in a social and engaging way. Whether it’s cheering with friends, sharing food, or simply soaking in the match-day energy, Bangalore’s IPL screening spots offer something for every kind of fan this season.

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