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.


Wendy's India Launches Flagship Store in Delhi's Hudson Lane

Wendy's India Launches Flagship Store in Delhi's Hudson Lane

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 10, 2026

Wendy's India, operated by Rebel Foods under the master franchise agreement, has expanded its presence in the capital with the launch of its flagship restaurant in Hudson Lane, GTB Nagar, Delhi. Positioned in one of the city's most popular student and youth hubs, the new outlet has been designed as more than just a dining destination, bringing together food, music, anime culture, and community-driven experiences.

To mark the launch, Wendy's India has lined up a series of events inspired by the interests of Gen Z consumers. The initiative follows the recent introduction of the brand's Teriyaki Burger range and reflects its strategy of creating experiences that extend beyond its menu.

The celebrations begin on July 10, when customers can enjoy Wendy's newly launched Teriyaki Burgers free of cost, along with exclusive giveaways and meet-and-greet sessions with the iconic Wendy mascot.

On July 12, the flagship restaurant will host Wendy's Buns & Bars, a live rap battle celebrating India's growing hip-hop culture. Organised in collaboration with Naam Sujal, runner-up of Hustle Season 4, the event will feature ten finalists selected through online auditions. Winners will receive cash prizes of ₹50,000, ₹30,000, and ₹20,000, along with exclusive Wendy's merchandise and unlimited Wendy's meals during the competition.

The celebrations will continue on July 18 with an Anime Fans Meetup, inspired by the Teriyaki Burger range. For the event, the restaurant will be transformed into a Japanese-themed venue featuring anime-inspired décor, cosplay competitions, interactive fan activities, and exclusive Teriyaki merchandise, including T-shirts and bucket hats. The Wendy mascot will also make a special appearance, while cosplay winners will receive cash prizes of ₹50,000, ₹30,000, and ₹20,000.

Commenting on the launch, Mohit Mahajan, AVP Marketing, Rebel Foods, said:

"Delhi has always been a key market for Wendy's India, and Hudson Lane - with its vibrant student community and dynamic food culture - is the perfect home for our flagship restaurant. More than just a place to enjoy great food, this outlet has been designed as a space where music, fandom and global flavours come together. Through experiences like Buns & Bars and our Anime Fans Meetup, we are creating meaningful cultural moments that allow consumers to connect with Wendy's beyond the menu. As we continue to expand across India, our focus remains on building experiences that resonate with the country's next generation of consumers."

The Hudson Lane flagship reflects Wendy's India's focus on combining globally inspired flavours with locally relevant cultural experiences, strengthening the brand's presence among young consumers while creating a destination where food, entertainment, and community come together.

Outlet Address:  Wendy's, Hudson Lane, GTB Nagar, Delhi


Haldiram's Strengthens Uttar Pradesh Presence with New Store in Gorakhpur

Haldiram's Strengthens Uttar Pradesh Presence with New Store in Gorakhpur

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 10, 2026

Haldiram's has expanded its presence in Uttar Pradesh with the launch of a new store in Gorakhpur, marking another step in the brand's retail growth across emerging markets in India.

Located at Mouza Chaksaila, Tappa Kasba, Golghar, Gorakhpur, the new outlet follows the brand's city-wide "Ache Din Aa Rahe Hai!" teaser campaign, which generated curiosity through red billboards placed across the city. The store opening now completes the campaign by bringing Haldiram's signature dining and retail experience to consumers.

Designed to offer a comprehensive food and shopping destination, the outlet features Haldiram's wide range of freshly prepared dishes and packaged products. Customers can enjoy North Indian and South Indian specialities, chaats, traditional sweets, bakery items, and popular street food favourites.

In addition to its dine-in offerings, the store also stocks Haldiram's packaged snacks, sweets, frozen foods, ready-to-eat products, and gifting options, catering to both everyday purchases and festive occasions.

The launch reflects Haldiram's strategy of expanding beyond metro cities and strengthening its presence in high-growth markets. Gorakhpur, which played a central role in the teaser campaign, represents the brand's continued focus on reaching customers in emerging cities across the country.

By combining an engaging marketing campaign with the opening of its latest outlet, Haldiram's aims to deliver an enhanced retail and dining experience while further expanding its footprint in Uttar Pradesh.


Tattva Bar & Café Launches Limited-Edition Monsoon Menu in Mumbai

Tattva Bar & Café Launches Limited-Edition Monsoon Menu in Mumbai

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 8, 2026

Tattva Bar & Café in Andheri East, Mumbai, is celebrating the arrival of the rainy season with the launch of its Limited-Edition Monsoon Menu. Available throughout the monsoon, the specially curated offering combines comforting flavours, seasonal ingredients, and handcrafted cocktails designed to capture the essence of the rains.

Inspired by the warmth and joy of monsoon dining, the menu blends global culinary influences with Indian favourites, creating a memorable dining experience for guests looking to enjoy the season.

The culinary journey begins with the refreshing Charred Root & Fresh Mozzarella Salad, followed by the crispy Harumaki Spring Roll and the inventive Bruschetta à la Dabeli, which brings together the flavours of Italian bruschetta and Mumbai's iconic street food. Diners can also savour the popular Kurkure Palak Ki Chaat, while The Not Meat Chapli Kebab offers a plant-based interpretation of the traditional North-West Frontier delicacy.

The menu further features Pear & Black Currant Crostini, Fire Roasted Chicken, Spiced Chicken Tart, and Chilly Crab Croquettes, offering a diverse selection of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes crafted especially for the season.

Complementing the food is a thoughtfully curated cocktail menu inspired by different moods of the monsoon. Guests can choose from Purple Monsoon, Storm Brew, Misty Orchard, and Fireside Rain, with each cocktail designed to pair seamlessly with the seasonal menu while reflecting the refreshing and comforting spirit of the rains.

With its contemporary interiors, warm lighting, and vibrant ambience, Tattva Bar & Café provides an inviting setting for monsoon gatherings. Whether catching up with friends over handcrafted cocktails or enjoying comforting seasonal dishes, the restaurant aims to create memorable experiences throughout the rainy season.

The Limited-Edition Monsoon Menu is available all day at Tattva Bar & Café, Andheri East, Mumbai, throughout the monsoon season.

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