Make it at home
How to make Bun Maska at home.
Bun Maska takes 10 minutes and serves 2. This guide gives the ingredients in cups and spoons, the steps in order and the mistakes that most often go wrong.
From the Tapri Chai kitchen · November 2026 · 2 min read
Time
10 minutes
Serves
2
Skill
Easy
Method
Assemble and toast
What you need
Quantities serve 2. Use the softest buns you can find and good, cold butter.
- 4 soft buns or dinner rolls
- 4 tbsp cold salted butter, sliced thickly
- 1 tbsp sugar (optional)
- 2 tbsp sweetened whipped cream (optional)
- Hot chai, to serve
Step by step
Keep the butter cold. Cold butter is thick enough to stay in layers.
Warm the buns
Heat the buns in a 150 C (300 F) oven for 3 to 4 minutes, or in a covered pan, until warm but still soft. Do not let them brown.
Split
Cut each bun through the middle, leaving one side attached.
Add the butter
Lay thick slices of cold butter inside each bun, close it and press gently. The warmth softens the butter slowly.
Add the extras
If you like, sprinkle sugar on the butter or add a spoonful of sweet cream before closing.
Serve
Serve immediately with a cup of hot chai for dunking.
01
Tips for a better result
Simple ingredients need care.
- Use a very soft, fresh bun. Stale buns cannot be dunked.
- Cold butter in thick slices melts into the bun better than soft butter spread thin.
- Do not toast too long. The aim is warm and soft, not crisp.
02
Mistakes to avoid
Easy errors:
- Using a dense or crusty roll, which does not soak up the tea.
- Melting the butter completely, which makes the bun greasy.
- Making it ahead, since the bun dries out as it sits.
03
Shopping for it in Canada
Almost everything is available at the supermarket.
- Buns: soft dinner rolls, brioche buns or Hawaiian rolls work well.
- Butter: salted, good quality.
- Cream: whipped cream from a can works for a sweet version.
- For the real thing, look for Indian bakeries that sell pav or bun.
04
Or let us make it
It is a simple dish to make, but the perfect combination of fresh bun and hot chai is something to enjoy in a cafe. Bun Maska is $3.49 CAD on our menu, at 200 Kennevale Dr Unit 104, Barrhaven, Ottawa, Tuesday to Sunday, 11am to 11pm, closed Mondays.
Questions, answered.
How long does Bun Maska take to make?
About 10 minutes from start to finish for 2.
Can I make Bun Maska ahead of time?
Assemble just before eating. The bun softens and the butter melts quickly.
Can I use brioche buns?
Yes. Brioche buns are rich and soft and work very well, although they are sweeter than the traditional bun.
What do I serve with Bun Maska?
A cup of hot kadak chai, and a savoury snack such as samosas.
Where can I order Bun Maska in Ottawa?
Tapri Chai in Barrhaven serves it. Bun Maska is $3.49 CAD on our menu. Tapri Chai is also listed on DoorDash and SkipTheDishes for delivery in Barrhaven and nearby parts of south Ottawa, so check which app serves your address.
At Tapri Chai
Taste it for yourself.
Our kitchen in Barrhaven is 100% vegetarian. 200 Kennevale Dr Unit 104, Ottawa. Tuesday to Sunday, 11am to 11pm. Closed Mondays.