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Several restaurants in Delhi appeal to both locals and tourists from around the globe. ONO Keiichi, the Japanese ambassador, posted a video on 20 January of himself eating biryani at the city's Andhra Pradesh Bhavan. It was evident from his response that he enjoyed the flavour. Andhra Pradesh Bhavan is one of the most popular restaurants in the city, known for its traditional methods of cooking.
Ono Keiichi shared a video of himself eating biryani at Delhi's Andhra Pradesh Bhavan. "Tried eating biryani by hand — following my Indian friends," he added. He also said, “Like sushi, it tastes even better when eaten by hand. I feel I’ve come a little closer to my friends!” This Andhra restaurant next to India Gate provides a peaceful respite from the bustle of the city, giving you the impression that you have entered a serene, historic house.
How The Japanese Ambassador Eating Biryani With Hand Went Viral In Seconds
At Andhra Pradesh Bhavan, gourmet dining is not the focus. People come for casual, cosy meals and simple home-style cuisine. This restaurant is worth a visit if you're searching for real South Indian tastes in Delhi. The food is made using traditional methods, Indian spices, and proper home-style seasoning.
The ambassador can be seen learning how to mix and eat biryani by hand from a canteen employee in the video that was uploaded on X. Keiichi, who embraced a tradition strongly ingrained in Indian dining culture, stated with a smile that the meal tasted much better when eaten this way. Social media users praised his candour and passion for Indian culture after the tweet swiftly gained popularity.
Image Credit: Pexels
Eating Sushi With Your Hands, Fashion Or Faux Pas?
In Japan, eating sushi with your hands is quite common. In actuality, sushi was originally intended to be picked up and consumed by hand as a quick snack offered at street booths during the Edo period. Many upscale sushi restaurants are still pleased to serve their patrons in this manner. The only rule is to keep your hands clean and gently lift the sushi with your fingers so it doesn’t fall apart. Eating with your hands is quite common in many Asian cultures. While it may feel unusual to some at first, embracing local food habits often makes the meal feel more relaxed and enjoyable.
Also Read: Here's Why Indians Prefer Eating With Hands
Using your fingers to hold sushi improves control and keeps the rice and topping firmly in place. Additionally, this preserves the delicate balance of flavours by making it simpler to dip just the topping in soy sauce. If you want to be extra refined, gently flip the sushi over before dipping to ensure only the topping absorbs the soy sauce.
Image Credit: Pexels
"I absolutely love eating with my hands," someone commented. “Yes! You've mastered the method! Another commented, "Well done for reaching out to a different culture across the divide." This is not the ambassador's first experience with biryani. He visited a 25-year-old biryani restaurant last year while on an official visit to Telangana to try the local speciality. He had shared his happiness online.
Catching The Attention Of Andhra Pradesh CM N Chandrababu Naidu
Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu of Andhra Pradesh was equally intrigued by the ambassador's culinary adventure. In response to a team lunch that Andhra Bhavan arranged for Japanese diplomats, Naidu cordially invited them to come to Andhra Pradesh. “There is a lot more in store for you and any Japanese visitor who wants to come to our state,” he said on X. He also mentioned how excited they are to welcome all to Andhra Pradesh.
Japanese diplomats posted on social media on 20 January, a Tuesday, about their experience eating a real Andhra thali, calling it “full of bold flavours and spice." “I'm glad you enjoyed our traditional food at AP Bhawan today,” Naidu wrote in response to the post.
Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Why Andhra Pradesh Bhavan Is So Popular Among Delhites?
Every meal, whether you choose a plate of biryani or a vegetarian thali, is full of flavour and comfort. You depart with an even happier heart and a full stomach. Andhra Pradesh Bhavan offers more than only biryani, despite the Japanese Ambassador's fondness for it.
The restaurant is known for its South Indian thali, which includes white rice, poori, vegetable curries, papad, rasam, sambar, and more. Fish fry, prawn fry, chicken curry, and chicken fry are popular non-vegetarian foods. Their Hyderabadi dum chicken and mutton biryani, served with mixed raita, take the entire experience a notch higher. You can also enjoy hot cups of tea and coffee here. Apparently, Andhra Pradesh Bhavan in Delhi is said to have a great tea selection for diners!
