The humble Bun Maska has become a sensational food trend across Kerala, and it’s easy to see why. This iconic snack from Mumbai’s Irani cafés offers a perfect blend of warm, soft bread and decadently creamy butter, creating an irresistible comfort food. Now, you can easily recreate the magic of this viral sensation in your own kitchen and experience the simple joy that has everyone talking.
The star of the show is the “Maska,” which is far more than just plain butter. The authentic version is a uniquely light and creamy spread made by whipping together high-quality salted butter, a splash of fresh cream, and a hint of powdered sugar. This creates a dreamy, spreadable mixture with a characteristic sweet-and-salty flavor profile that melts luxuriously on warm bread. For an extra touch of authenticity, some recipes include a dash of rose water or cardamom powder, infusing the maska with a subtle, fragrant aroma.
The foundation of a great Bun Maska is, unsurprisingly, the bun. You cannot use any ordinary bread roll for this recipe. The goal is to achieve a soft, pillowy, and “melt-in-your-mouth” texture. Seek out fresh, soft milk buns or slightly sweet buns from a local bakery. Buns studded with tutti frutti (candied fruit) are also a popular and delightful choice, adding little bursts of sweetness. The key is freshness—a dry or stale bun will ruin the entire experience, as it won’t have the necessary softness to complement the creamy maska.
To assemble, gently warm your soft buns without toasting them, just until they are soft and warm to the touch. Slice them open and generously slather the inside with a thick layer of your freshly whipped maska. The warmth of the bun will begin to melt the butter-cream mixture slightly, making it even more divine.
Serve immediately with a steaming hot cup of strong Irani Chai or Masala Chai. The classic and essential way to enjoy Bun Maska is to tear off a piece of the buttered bun and dunk it directly into the hot tea. This allows the bread to soak up the spiced, robust flavors of the chai, creating a perfect bite that is warm, creamy, sweet, and savory all at once. This simple combination is more than a snack; it’s a moment of pure, viral-worthy comfort.
