Christopher Nolan, Tom Holland & Matt Damon enjoy Chai and Bun Maska: Why Indians love it?

Christopher Nolan, Tom Holland and Matt Damon enjoyed chai and bun maska at Mumbai's Olympia Coffee House. Here's the history and craze behind India's iconic snack.

By  Ritika Nath July 14th 2026 03:07 PM

When Hollywood stars Christopher Nolan, Tom Holland, and Matt Damon stopped by Olympia Coffee House, a 108-year-old café in Mumbai, for a cup of chai and bun maska, it quickly became the talk of the internet. People were surprised to see some of the world's biggest celebrities enjoying one of India's simplest snacks. But for Indians, it wasn't surprising at all. After all, chai and bun maska have always been more than just food they're an emotion.

Simple Snack with a Big Story

The journey of chai and bun maska began in Mumbai's old Irani cafés. These cafés welcomed everyone, from office-goers and college students to artists and travellers, with warm hospitality and affordable food.

One of the most loved items on their menu was bun maska a soft, freshly baked bun sliced in half and generously spread with butter. Paired with a hot glass of sweet, milky chai, it became the perfect meal for any time of the day. The combination was simple, satisfying, and easy on the pocket, which made it popular among people from all walks of life. 


Over time, this humble snack became a part of Mumbai's identity and slowly found its way into cafés and bakeries across the country.

Why Indians Can't Get Enough of It

There is something magical about chai and bun maska. It doesn't need fancy ingredients or stylish presentation to win your heart.

The warm chai and the buttery softness of the bun create a perfect balance that feels comforting with every bite. Whether you're starting your morning or taking a break after a long day, this combination somehow makes everything feel a little better.

Personally, I think everyone has at least one memory connected to chai. It could be chatting with friends after college, spending rainy evenings at a neighbourhood café, or simply sitting with family on a lazy Sunday morning. Those small moments often become our favourite memories, and chai and bun maska are quietly a part of them.

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More Than Just Tea and Bread

In India, chai is not just a drink it's a reason to pause. It brings people together, starts conversations, and turns ordinary moments into special ones.

That's exactly why bun maska became such a perfect companion. For decades, people have dipped buttery pieces of bun into hot chai while discussing cricket scores, office gossip, family stories, or future dreams. It's a tradition that has stayed alive because it is built on togetherness, not trends.

Unlike many viral food items that disappear after a few months, chai and bun maska have remained favourites for generations.

Snack That Won Hearts Around the World

The recent visit of Christopher Nolan, Tom Holland, and Matt Damon to Olympia Coffee House gave this iconic snack global attention. Instead of choosing a luxury restaurant, they chose a café that has been serving locals for over a century.


For many Indians, that moment felt special. It showed that the charm of chai and bun maska goes beyond borders. Sometimes, the most memorable food experiences come from the simplest plates served with warmth and tradition.

Timeless Indian Favourite

Food trends come and go, but chai and bun maska continue to hold a special place in Indian hearts. They remind us that comfort doesn't have to be expensive and happiness doesn't always need a grand celebration.

All it takes is a warm cup of chai, a soft bun filled with butter, and a few good conversations. That's the beauty of this classic combination. It has been bringing people together for generations, and it's easy to see why it remains one of India's most loved comfort foods.

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