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.


Garden Café Brings the Joy of Christmas Alive With Santa Visits and Seasonal Comfort Food

Garden Café Brings the Joy of Christmas Alive With Santa Visits and Seasonal Comfort Food

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on December 24, 2025

Garden Café is all set to spread festive cheer this Christmas by welcoming families into a warm and joyful setting filled with seasonal flavours, cheerful décor and the timeless magic of togetherness. As part of the celebrations, the café will be hosting Santa Claus, offering children an opportunity to interact, celebrate and create memorable festive moments.

Adding to the holiday spirit, Garden Café has curated a special menu that brings together comforting favourites and much-loved classics. Guests can enjoy popular offerings such as Garlic Cheese Pizza and Mushroom Cheese Pizza, along with a selection of South Indian staples including Mysore Dosa, Cheese Butter Masala Dosa, Podi Dosa, Thatte Idli, and freshly prepared Vada.

To complete the festive experience, the café will also be serving cosy winter beverages such as Hot Chocolate and the refreshing, aromatic Orange Blossom, creating a perfect balance of warmth and seasonal indulgence.

With festive décor, kid-friendly celebrations and a menu designed to appeal to all age groups, Garden Café aims to offer a heart-warming Christmas experience for families, friends and food lovers alike.

Speaking about the celebrations, Mr. Sandip Nowlakha, Owner of Garden Café, said, “Christmas is a time for togetherness and joy, especially for children. At Garden Café, we wanted to create a space where families can relax, enjoy comfort food and let kids experience the magic of Christmas with Santa. We look forward to welcoming everyone for a warm and memorable celebration.”


Mumbai Welcomes Indulge Creamery Café in Bandra West, Redefining Specialty Coffee and Premium Ice Cream Experiences

Mumbai Welcomes Indulge Creamery Café in Bandra West, Redefining Specialty Coffee and Premium Ice Cream Experiences

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on December 24, 2025

Mumbai’s vibrant café culture welcomes a fresh addition with the opening of Indulge Creamery Café in Bandra West, introducing a thoughtfully curated destination that blends premium ice creams, specialty coffee, indulgent comfort food, and artisanal bakes. Designed for one of the city’s most trendsetting neighbourhoods, Indulge aims to elevate everyday cravings into memorable indulgent moments.

The concept brings together world-class ice creams, decadent milkshakes, artisanal single-origin coffees, premium burgers, and freshly baked treats under one roof. Every item on the menu follows a focused philosophy of doing the basics exceptionally well, with uncompromised quality, bold flavours, and consistent craftsmanship at its core.

The vision behind Indulge Creamery Café draws inspiration from founder Pawan Saluja’s global travels and passion for exceptional food experiences. Influences range from the playful creativity of ice cream brands in New York to the refined craftsmanship of European gelato and the adventurous flavour profiles discovered in Seoul. While India has embraced specialty coffee and artisanal bakes, the ice cream and café category still offered room for innovation, which led to the creation of Indulge.

At Indulge, indulgence goes beyond a single category. The menu features patented-recipe 87+ grade single-origin coffees sourced from India’s finest estates, alongside indulgent burgers, artisanal cookies, milkshakes, and premium ice creams. Each offering is intentionally curated to reflect precision, balance, and a commitment to delivering best-in-class café experiences. The brand also places strong emphasis on creating burgers that match global standards seen across the West and the Middle East.

Indulge Creamery Café seamlessly blends two emotions. The creamery experience evokes nostalgia and joy through classic scoops, while the café extends the experience into comfort, conversation, and food that encourages guests to linger. This dual identity positions Indulge as more than a dessert stop, transforming it into a vibrant social space.

The interiors, designed by Natasha and Parzan of Studio 6158, balance playful charm with premium aesthetics. Soft pink walls contrast with bold green tiled backdrops, mirrored accents, and a glowing ceiling that adds visual rhythm. The 500 sq. ft. space is open, inviting, and designed to be inherently shareable, making it ideal for casual café visits and celebratory moments alike.

Sharing his thoughts, Pawan Saluja, Founder, Indulge Creamery Café, said, “Indulge Creamery Café was shaped by a simple thought: why should indulgence stop at just one thing? I wanted to create a space in Bandra where an exceptional scoop of ice cream, a handcrafted coffee, a delicious burger, or an indulgent shake all feel equally special. Seeing guests connect not just with the food, but with the emotion and nostalgia behind it, truly fuels us.”

Looking ahead, Indulge Creamery Café plans to introduce seasonal specials, collaborate with culinary talent, and follow a thoughtful expansion strategy. With Bandra as its first landmark location, the brand aims to expand across India before exploring international markets within the next six years.

Address: Indulge Creamery Café, Hira Villa Apartments CHS Ltd., Shop No. 02 & 03, Opposite HSBC Bank, Dr Ambedkar Road, Pali Hill, Bandra (W), Mumbai – 400050

Operational Timings: 8:00 AM to 12:00 AM


All Things Breakfast Launches ‘Darcy & Company’, a Jane Austen–Inspired Artisanal Granola Brand from Pondicherry

All Things Breakfast Launches ‘Darcy & Company’, a Jane Austen–Inspired Artisanal Granola Brand from Pondicherry

By Hariharan U

Published on December 23, 2025

All Things Breakfast Pvt. Ltd. (ATB), a new-age food venture focused on reconnecting food with happiness, has announced the launch of its first flagship brand, Darcy & Company. Based in Pondicherry, the micro-bakery introduces a thoughtfully crafted range of artisanal, small-batch breakfast essentials, beginning with protein- and fibre-enriched granolas.

Marking the brand’s debut is The Jane Austen Anthology, a limited-edition granola collection launched to celebrate the 250th birth anniversary of the legendary author. The collection draws inspiration from the timeless charm, romance, and refined simplicity of Jane Austen’s literary world, translating it into flavours designed for modern Indian mornings.

Darcy & Company is founded by Rashmi Naik, who brings over two decades of corporate experience into a purpose-driven food venture. Inspired by a personal journey towards better nutrition and meaningful work, Rashmi, along with a close group of friends, set out to address a familiar dilemma—choosing between food that is healthy but dull or indulgent but unhealthy.

Darcy & Company was born from the belief that food should bring joy, not guilt,” says Rashmi Naik. “Our aim is to create breakfast options that are clean, nourishing, and genuinely enjoyable. Using activated seeds, local grains, and single-origin Indian ingredients allows us to strike that balance.”

The Jane Austen Anthology features four distinctive granola blends, each inspired by settings and themes from Austen’s novels. From the buttery comfort of Pride and Prejudice to the refined elegance of Emma, the blends marry global flavour inspirations with locally sourced Indian ingredients. Oats are sourced from Kerala, nuts and seeds from Auroville, and single-origin chocolate from Pondicherry and Wayanad, reinforcing the brand’s strong local sourcing philosophy.

At its core, Darcy & Company is built on principles of quality, trust, and sustainability. Each batch is mixed and slow-baked only after an order is placed, ensuring freshness. Nuts and seeds are activated through traditional soaking methods to enhance nutrition and digestibility, while ethical sourcing and responsible production remain central to the brand’s ethos.

More than a food brand, Darcy & Company positions itself as a mindful lifestyle choice—one that celebrates slow mornings, thoughtful eating, and simple pleasures. With its literary inspiration and ingredient-led approach, the brand aims to make breakfast the most anticipated meal of the day.

Darcy & Company’s granola range, including the Jane Austen Anthology, is now available for nationwide orders.

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