In a delightful moment of cultural diplomacy, Keiichi Ono, Japan Ambassador, recently tried Bihar’s iconic dish litti chokha and described it in Bhojpuri as “Gajab swad ba” – meaning “Amazing taste.” His post, now viral on X (formerly Twitter), has triggered a wave of joy across India, spotlighting not only Bihari cuisine but also the power of language and food in forging global bonds.

A Taste That Spoke Volumes

When food meets culture, magic happens. And that’s exactly what unfolded when Japan’s Ambassador to India and Bhutan, Keiichi Ono, shared a heartwarming post during his visit to Bihar. Sitting with a plate of piping hot litti chokha, Ono didn’t just eat the food—he embraced the sentiment.

His Bhojpuri phrase “Gajab swad ba” was more than just a compliment. It was a moment of respect, warmth, and pure connection, instantly endearing him to Indians—especially those from Bihar.

The Viral Moment: Gajab Swad Goes Global

On Monday, April 14, Ambassador Ono posted on X:

“Namaste, Bihar! Finally had the chance to try the world-famous Litti Chokha – Gajab Swad Ba.”

Accompanied by a cheerful photo of him relishing the dish, the post took the internet by storm. Within hours, it amassed over 180,000 views, with thousands reacting to the ambassador’s gesture.

What truly moved people was not just the praise for the dish—but his effort to speak in Bhojpuri, a local dialect often underrepresented in global conversations.

Litti Chokha: A Humble Dish with a Rich Legacy

For those unfamiliar, litti chokha is more than a meal—it’s an emotion for millions across Bihar, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh.

• Litti is a baked ball made of whole wheat flour stuffed with spiced sattu (roasted gram flour),
  
• Chokha is a mashed mixture of roasted eggplant, tomato, and boiled potato with mustard oil and spices.
  

Traditionally baked over coal or cow-dung cakes and served with ghee, this rural delicacy has now found global fans.

Internet Applauds: “This is Soft Diplomacy at Its Finest”

As reactions poured in, users across India praised Ono’s open-mindedness and cultural sensitivity. Some of the top responses included:

• “You’ve won hearts in Bihar today.”
  
• “When a Japanese envoy praises our litti-chokha, we know our heritage is global.”
  
• “That Bhojpuri line? Priceless. This is the India-Japan friendship we love.”
  

Others humorously suggested a sequel: “Now try sattu paratha, thekua, and litti with chokha cooked on cow dung fire—authentic Bihari style!”

Cultural Connections Through Cuisine

Ambassador Ono’s post is a textbook example of culinary diplomacy—where food becomes a bridge between cultures. By choosing to speak in the local dialect and appreciate a regional dish, he sent a powerful message: Understanding begins with respect, and respect can start with a meal.

This act resonates at a time when India’s diversity often feels complex to navigate for outsiders. Ono, however, walked straight into hearts with humility—and a spoonful of chokha.

Beyond the Plate: Ambassador’s Visit to Bihar’s Highway Project

The Japanese envoy wasn’t just in Bihar for the food. His visit also included a key infrastructure inspection. In a follow-up post, he wrote:

“Together with the Commissioner of the Japan Tourism Agency, I visited the Bihar National Highway Improvement Project, funded by the Govt of Japan. The project is expected to greatly reduce travel time within the state and contribute significantly to its tourism and economy.”

This marks a crucial collaboration between India and Japan, combining hard infrastructure with soft cultural understanding—and the ambassador managed to represent both in a single visit.

Why This Moment Matters?

• Visibility for Regional Cuisine: Litti chokha, often overlooked on national menus, is now in the global spotlight.
  
• Cultural Diplomacy Done Right: Speaking the local language, even briefly, builds deeper connections.
  
• Online Impact: The viral post is a reminder of how small gestures can lead to big ripples in the digital age.
  

Final Thoughts: One Bite, One Bond

Ambassador Keiichi Ono’s Bhojpuri line might have been short—but its impact was long-lasting. In an era of fast news and fleeting attention, this story lingered because it was authentic, relatable, and joyful.

And as one user perfectly summed it up:

“Gajab! Now even foreigners know what we eat with pride.”

FAQs 

Q1. Who is Keiichi Ono?
A: Keiichi Ono is the Japanese Ambassador to India and Bhutan.

Q2. What is litti chokha?
A: A traditional Bihari dish made of wheat balls stuffed with sattu, served with mashed vegetables.

Q3. Why did Keiichi Ono’s post go viral?
A: His use of Bhojpuri (“Gajab swad ba”) and appreciation of Indian food struck a chord with Indian netizens.

Q4. What is the Bihar National Highway Improvement Project?
A: A Japanese-funded infrastructure initiative aimed at improving road connectivity and tourism in Bihar.