Pan-India street stalls

Masala Corn Cup

Buttery sweetcorn tossed with lemon, chilli and chaat masala, served in cups. A crowd-pleaser in ten minutes.

Prep5 min
Cook5 min
Serves4
HeatAdjustable

On the street

Masala corn cups are a newer street-food classic, sold from carts outside malls and cinemas across India. They're quick, inexpensive and adjustable for every spice level, which makes them a perfect party snack for children and adults alike.

How to make it

  1. Boil or steam the corn for 3–4 minutes until tender, then drain well.
  2. Toss the hot corn with butter and salt until the butter melts.
  3. Add the chaat masala, cumin, chilli powder, lemon juice and coriander and mix well. Add onion if using.
  4. Spoon into small cups and serve warm, with a sprinkle of grated cheese if you like.

Serving a crowd

  • Keep the buttered corn warm in a covered pot and season each batch as you serve.
  • Offer chilli powder on the side so guests can choose their heat.
  • Use small paper cups and wooden spoons for easy serving.
Good to know:
  • Contains dairy (butter, optional cheese). Use oil for a vegan version.
  • Whole corn kernels can be a choking hazard for very young children — supervise and adapt accordingly.
Food safety at parties: don't leave perishable food (especially anything with yogurt, paneer or cooked potato) out for more than 2 hours, or 1 hour in hot weather above 32°C (90°F). Always check ingredient labels for allergens. See our disclaimer.