‘Like sushi, even better with hands’: Japanese Ambassador ONO Keiichi tries biryani | WATCH

Japanese Ambassador ONO Keiichi has been exploring India’s rich culinary heritage, sharing his experiences on social media and charming fans across the country.

In a recent tweet, he wrote, “Tried eating biryani by hand — following my Indian friends. Like sushi, it tastes even better when eaten by hand. I feel I’ve come a little closer to my friends!”

The ambassador also shared the Telugu phrase “చాలా బాగుంది” (Chaalaa Baagundi), which translates to “Very Good” in English, highlighting his appreciation for local flavours.

During a team lunch at Andhra Pradesh Bhavan, he enjoyed a traditional Andhra thali, commenting, “We enjoyed a delicious and authentic Andhra thali together — full of bold flavours and spice!”

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ONO Keiichi’s foodie adventures in India are extensive. Previously, he visited Telangana to try authentic Hyderabadi biryani, where he was seen smiling with a plate of spicy biryani accompanied by mint-yoghurt chutney. He wrote, “Enjoyed authentic Hyderabadi biryani during visit to Telangana! Amazed by its rich spices and bold flavours — truly addictive!”

 

Fans responded warmly on social media, with one user saying, “You are my favourite ambassador,” while another invited him to Andhra Pradesh to explore destinations like Araku Valley, Vizag beach, Konaseema, and the Godavari River, along with the region’s culinary delights.

Earlier, ONO Keiichi had also sampled Mumbai’s iconic vada pav at Aram Vada Pav, in front of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT), and traditional Gujarati dishes such as khandvi, dhokla, patra, dahi puri, and handvo, as well as Bihar’s famous litti chokha.

Through these culinary experiences, Ambassador ONO Keiichi has highlighted his deep appreciation for India’s diverse food culture, embracing regional dishes and local dining traditions with enthusiasm.