In a short video that quickly went viral, ONO Keiichi, Japan’s Ambassador to India was guided by a local friend on how to eat biryani with his hands. He nodded, followed the technique and then declared, “Tried eating biryani by hand — following my Indian friends. Like sushi, it tastes even better when eaten by hand.” He added, “I feel I’ve come a little closer to my friends!” and wrote in Telugu, “చాలా బాగుంది”(very good).

In no time the clip was a hit among Indians

“It’s not the gesture of eating by hand, but your warmth and openness that truly bring people closer,” a user wrote. Another reacted, “Eating with your hands makes the food more tasty. Great to see you have your food like Indians do.” A third commented, “Great to see you embrace a different culture so gracefully! This is exactly why Indians love the Japanese and your culture.” Another individual said, “You’ve got the technique down! Just grasp a handful, keep the mess minimal, and wash hands afterwards. Good on ya for reaching across the divide.”

This isn’t ONO’s first biryani adventure. Last year, during a Telangana tour, he posted a photo of himself enjoying authentic Hyderabadi biryani with a spoon and fork, calling it “truly addictive!”