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.

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:

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.
In a separate bowl, combine the tomato paste, red pepper paste, lemon juice, pomegranate molasses, and olive oil. Stir until smooth.
Pour the paste mixture over the softened bulgur and mix thoroughly to ensure the bulgur is evenly coated.
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.)
Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with extra parsley or a few pomegranate seeds if desired.

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.

Boulevard at The Orchid Hotel Mumbai Celebrates Father's Day with Street Food and Royal Delicacies

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on June 21, 2026

Boulevard at The Orchid Hotel Mumbai is set to mark Father's Day with a special brunch that brings together India's vibrant street-food culture, royal culinary traditions and nostalgic childhood favourites. Designed as a celebration of family, flavours and shared memories, the brunch offers guests a chance to enjoy dishes inspired by different regions of India and around the world.

One of the highlights of the experience is a series of interactive live counters showcasing iconic street-food favourites. Guests can explore a lively Chaat Bazaar featuring Muradabadi Chaat from Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow's Chowk Ki Tikki, Gujarat's Dhokla Chaat, Mumbai's popular Pani Puri and Masala Bhutta. A dedicated Galouti Counter will also serve both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options, including mushroom, rajma, soya and mutton varieties.

The culinary spread extends beyond Indian flavours with international street-food favourites such as Sushi from Japan, Tibetan-style momos and Middle Eastern Falafel Pita Shawarma, offering something for every palate.

Adding depth to the menu is a selection of royal and regional specialities, including Paya Shorba, Murgh Shammi Kebab, Mahi Tikka, Maa Ki Dal, Patiala Shahi Gosht, Murgh Tikka Biryani and Subz Dum Biryani. Drawing inspiration from the royal kitchens of Lucknow and Punjab, as well as the rich culinary traditions of Hyderabad, Kerala and Tamil Nadu, the brunch presents a diverse range of flavours under one roof.

To bring back childhood memories, dedicated counters will serve Malai Gola, Candy Floss and freshly popped Popcorn. These nostalgic treats are designed to recreate the joy of family outings, local fairs and weekend indulgences. Guests can round off the meal with a selection of artisanal pastries, traditional Indian desserts and other sweet delights.

The Father's Day brunch offers families an opportunity to celebrate together over a table filled with familiar flavours, treasured memories and dishes inspired by culinary traditions from across India and beyond.

What: Global Street Food Father's Day Sunday Brunch with Indian Royal Delicacies.
Where: Boulevard, The Orchid Hotel Mumbai.
When: Sunday, 21 June 2026.

Le Méridien Ahmedabad Curates Special Father’s Day Dining Experiences at Bayleaf and The Market

By Hariharan U

Published on June 21, 2026

This Father’s Day, Le Méridien Ahmedabad is inviting families to celebrate the occasion with specially curated dining experiences designed to bring loved ones together over exceptional food and memorable moments.

Taking place on June 21, the celebrations will unfold across the hotel’s signature dining venues, offering guests a choice between an intimate fine-dining experience and a vibrant buffet feast.

At Bayleaf, diners can enjoy a thoughtfully crafted five-course menu served in an elegant setting. Warm lighting, attentive service, and a refined ambience create the perfect backdrop for meaningful conversations and a relaxed evening with family. The specially curated experience is designed for those seeking a more intimate and sophisticated Father’s Day celebration.

For guests looking for a lively dining experience, The Market will host an elaborate buffet featuring a wide range of global and regional flavours. The expansive spread is complemented by a vibrant atmosphere, making it an ideal setting for larger family gatherings and festive celebrations.

Adding to the occasion, fathers dining with two accompanying guests at The Market can enjoy a complimentary meal, offering families another reason to come together and celebrate.

Available from 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM, the Father’s Day experiences at Le Méridien Ahmedabad combine culinary excellence, warm hospitality, and thoughtful touches to create an evening dedicated to honouring fathers and father figures.

Whether choosing the elegance of Bayleaf or the lively buffet at The Market, guests can look forward to a celebration centred on great food, family connections, and lasting memories.

For reservations, guests can contact +91 99789 08933.

Ironhill and Smoor Stir Up a Chocolate Cocktail Experience

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on June 21, 2026

Chocolate is finding a new place on the menu at Ironhill, and this time, it is not on a dessert plate. In collaboration with Smoor, the brewery has introduced a limited-edition cocktail menu that brings together artisanal chocolate and craft cocktail making in a unique way.

Designed to offer a different perspective on chocolate, the menu features three signature cocktails, each with its own distinct character and flavour profile. Rather than simply adding chocolate to a drink, the collection explores how the ingredient can create depth, balance and complexity in a cocktail glass.

The Silk Route delivers a smooth and rich experience, with deep chocolate notes that unfold gradually and leave a lasting impression. For those who enjoy contrasting flavours, the Salted Cacao combines cacao and salt to create a balanced drink where sweetness and savoury notes work together seamlessly. Meanwhile, the Tropical Ganache brings a lighter and more vibrant approach, blending bright fruit flavours with chocolate for a refreshing and unexpected combination.

What sets the menu apart is its thoughtful approach to flavour. Each cocktail presents a different interpretation of chocolate, showcasing how the ingredient can move beyond traditional desserts and become the centrepiece of a well-crafted drink.

Available for a limited time, the Ironhill x Smoor collaboration offers guests an opportunity to experience chocolate in a fresh and creative format. Whether enjoyed as a leisurely evening drink or as part of a dining experience, the menu aims to bring a new dimension to cocktail culture.

What: Chocolate Cocktails at Ironhill

Where:

Ironhill Marathahalli, Sy no 90, 7 & 90/8, Marathahalli - Sarjapur Outer Ring Rd, beside Radisson Blu, Marathahalli, Bengaluru.
Ironhill Forum South, 4th floor, Cross Metro Station, Forum South, Anjanadri Layout, Konanakunte, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560062.

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