Japanese Ambassador Tries Gujarati Food, Says Panki Is His Favourite

Japanese Ambassador to India and Bhutan, Keiichi Ono, recently visited Gujarat and tried some of its famous dishes. He shared photos on social media, which made many people happy.

In the photos, Ambassador Ono is seen eating panki, a Gujarati snack made from rice flour batter cooked between banana leaves. Another photo shows a plate full of popular Gujarati foods like dhokla, dahi puri, patra, and handvo.

One interesting photo shows khandvi served with sushi on the same plate, showing a mix of Japanese and Indian food. In the last picture, he is using chopsticks to eat khandvi.

In his post, the ambassador wrote:

 “Gujarat has so many saras (wonderful) local delicacies, including Khandvi, Dhokla, Patra, Dahi Puri and Handvo...! My favourite is Panki, what about you?”

Gujarat has so many saras✨ local delicacies, including Khandvi, Dhokla, Patra, Dahi Puri and Handvo…!
My favourite is Panki, what about you? pic.twitter.com/SrldZzsr0o — ONO Keiichi, Ambassador of Japan (@JapanAmbIndia) July 12, 2025

Many people commented on his post. One person said, “Mr Ambassador is having a great time. I am happy to see him enjoying Indian food.” Another wrote, “Hope you inspire more Japanese people to visit Gujarat and try vegetarian dishes.”

Also Read: Grand “Jyonar” Feast in Jaipur to Revive 100-Year-Old Tradition: 50,000 People to Be Served Dal Bati Churma

Some people also gave him suggestions. One said, “Swati Snacks is a great place for Gujarati snacks.” Another user wrote, “Every time I see your post, it makes me realise how much you love our culture.”

The ambassador’s post made many people happy and showed how food can bring different cultures together. His love for Gujarati food also helped promote the state’s famous vegetarian cuisine.