Is Bun Maska the new chai-time hero? Here's what you should know
A SNACKING CROSSROADS: TASTE OR HEALTH?
India's relationship with food—especially its snacks—is deeply emotional. Whether it's a samosa on a rainy day or jalebi after exams, these foods carry more than just calories. They carry memories.But here's the truth: modern life needs a modern rethink. With rising rates of obesity, diabetes, and heart disease, there's a growing awareness that what once felt harmless as a rare treat has become a regular habit.And in that quiet shift lies a question: Is there a way to snack smart, without giving up comfort?THE CASE FOR BUN MASKA: UNASSUMING, BUT ADAPTABLEEnter bun maska. Born in the Irani cafs of Mumbai and cherished over generations, this snack—just a soft bun slathered in butter and served with tea—has quietly remained a staple.Unlike deep-fried favourites, bun maska doesn't sizzle in oil or swim in syrup. And when made right, it offers a balance of familiarity and lightness that can be surprisingly nourishing.MODERNISING A CLASSIC WITHOUT LOSING ITS SOULNutritionists suggest small but powerful changes:Swap the white bun for multigrain or whole wheat.Replace processed butter with nut butters, paneer spread, or even avocado mash.Pair it with a no-sugar chai or herbal infusion.These tweaks don't strip away its comfort. They elevate it, making bun maska not just nostalgic—but relevant.THE SNACK THAT DOESN'T SHAMEWhat makes bun maska a quiet hero is that it doesn't shame you into eating it. It doesn't carry the guilt that often follows a plate of greasy food. It sits simply on a saucer, waiting to be dunked in tea, offering just enough indulgence to keep you going—without the crash.A MESSAGE FROM THE MINISTRY, NOT A MANDATEadvertisementLet's be clear: The Health Ministry's advisory was never about demonising traditional snacks. It was a gentle reminder, especially in professional spaces, to make room for better choices.It didn't ban. It didn't warn. It simply said: "Be aware of what's on your plate. Your future self will thank you."So the next time you're eyeing the samosa in the office canteen, pause. Ask yourself: Do I want crunch, or do I want comfort? And maybe—just maybe—a multigrain bun maska will offer you both.Because in the end, healthy doesn't have to mean hollow. And tradition doesn't have to mean unchangeable.- Ends
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