09-07-2025
Is the Buttery Sandwich a truly fine piece or a rancid rowie?
North east purists look away now, the humble buttery has been given a sugary sweet makeover.
The famous delicacies, also known as a rowie or an Aberdeen roll, are known for their flaky, salty layers.
Similar to a croissant, the savoury treat's distinct layers are created with smears of butter and lard folded into a yeasted dough with the knobbly, crispy cratered top shaped with the baker's fingers or knuckles.
Thought to have been created for fishermen, butteries would last for days on end at sea thanks to their high fat content in comparison with traditional bread rolls, or softies. STV News Rowies are thought to have been created for fishermen spending long days at sea.
A popular breakfast item, purists tend to opt for an extra helping of butter on top.
At The Bread Guy in Aberdeen, 35,000 rowies are rolled out at the award-winning family business every week.
But one baker has risen to the challenge to create a truly decadent version.
Meet the Buttery Sandwich – two rowies slathered in icing and filled with whipped cream and a drizzle of jam.
Amber Hurst from The Bread Guy showed STV News just how the newest item on the menu is made. STV News The treat is made with two iced butteries sandwiched with whipped cream and jam
She explained: 'I wanted to create something which was going to be controversial. If you look at it you might think 'oh that's too much'.
When pressed on the calorie content, she joked: 'Honestly, it could be worse!'
It comes as British bakers launch products inspired by Japanese 'sweet sandos', or fruit sandwiches.
Last month, Marks & Spencer revealed a dessert sandwich filled with strawberries and cream. M&S The new M&S Red Diamond Strawberries & Creme Sandwich.
We spoke to people on the streets of Aberdeen to find out exactly what they think of the new treat.
One tourist said: 'Not only tasty, but the texture. Very delicious. Aber-delightful! Aber-give me more!'
A local quipped: 'It's as good as [a traditional rowie]'
But not everyone is impressed.
'I just think a rowie is a rowie,' said one woman. 'Just butter. It's not upsetting me, it's not for me.'
Another said: 'It's all the stuff inside it that doesn't appeal.' STV News The Buttery Sandwich has been a hit with locals in Aberdeen
Amber says the treats have been popular in The Bread Guy's bakeries in the city, but if you're interested in giving it a go, you need to be in the shop early.
She said: 'They have sold out every day we have put them out, before lunch time so you have to be quick to get your hands on one!'
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