In a delightful fusion of diplomacy and deliciousness, Japan’s Ambassador to India and Bhutan, Keiichi Ono, has taken social media by storm with his love for Gujarati cuisine — and his unexpected favourite: panki.
During a recent visit to Gujarat, the envoy shared snapshots of his culinary exploration, showcasing not just a taste for Indian flavours but a genuine affection for the culture behind them. His post on X, which quickly went viral, featured a spread of traditional delicacies — dhokla, patra, dahi puri, handvo and khandvi — with one star dish stealing the spotlight.
“Gujarat has so many saras (wonderful) local delicacies,” Ono wrote. “My favourite is panki, what about you?”
For the uninitiated, panki is a humble yet beloved Gujarati snack — a lightly spiced rice flour batter delicately steamed between banana leaves. In one photo, the ambassador is seen sharing a plate of the dish, his expression mirroring the joy of discovery. Another captures a moment of cultural harmony: khandvi, eaten gracefully with chopsticks, served beside sushi.
His posts sparked a wave of appreciation across Indian timelines. Users lauded not just his palate, but his spirit of connection.
“Mr Ambassador is having a great time. I’m happy to see him relishing Indian delicacies,” one comment read. Another added, “Every time I see your post, it makes me realise how much you embrace the culture of my country.”
Some offered recommendations for his next culinary stop — from Swati Snacks in Mumbai to street food staples across Gujarat — while others praised the ambassador’s respectful and joyful engagement with Indian traditions.
“Khandvi with chopsticks — adorable,” one user gushed, summing up the sentiment shared by many.
As diplomatic ties between India and Japan continue to grow, Ono’s food journey has offered a refreshing reminder that sometimes, the best bridges between nations are built over a shared meal — banana leaves, chopsticks, and all.
