Japanese Ambassador ONO Keiichi Savours ‘Dalma’, Praises Odisha’s Culinary Heritage

Bhubaneswar/Sambalpur: Japan’s Ambassador to India, ONO Keiichi, has expressed his appreciation for Odia cuisine, highlighting the state’s vibrant food culture after relishing a traditional meal during his recent trip to Odisha.

The diplomat visited the state primarily to attend the high-profile unveiling of a major Indo-Japanese industrial collaboration in Sambalpur. Amid the official engagements, he took time to enjoy a classic Odia thali featuring rice and Dalma — a wholesome signature dish prepared with lentils, vegetables, and subtle spices that embodies the region’s culinary traditions.

Sharing his delightful experience on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Ambassador ONO posted: “Enjoyed #Dalma in #Odisha Delicious, and a wonderful reflection of Odisha’s rich culinary culture! ଧନ୍ୟବାଦ ଓଡ଼ିଶା ”

The post, accompanied by images of the meal, quickly drew attention and reflected the envoy’s genuine fondness for local flavours.

On April 24, the state government facilitated a 50:50 venture between JSW Steel Limited and JFE Steel Corporation, attracting an investment of over Rs 15,000 crore from Japan for the expansion of a steel project in Sambalpur district. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, JSW Group Chairman Sajjan Jindal, JFE Steel president Masayuki Hirose, and other dignitaries attended the JV formation event.

The Japanese Ambassador to India and Consul General Yoshihisa Ishikawa were also present.

Ambassador ONO’s light-hearted engagement with Odia food added a warm cultural dimension to the otherwise industry-focused visit, underscoring the deepening people-to-people and economic bonds between India and Japan. His earlier posts have also shown appreciation for other Odia delicacies, such as chhena poda, reflecting a personal interest in Indian regional cuisines.