Patna: When ‘litti’ meets ‘chokha’, it is Bihar on a plate. Smoky, spicy, earthy and soul-stirring, this humble delicacy has long been the pride of kitchens in Bihar. And now, it has charmed a special guest from the Land of the Rising Sun.
Japan’s ambassador to India and Bhutan, ONO Keiichi, has become an overnight favourite among people of Bihar after sharing a heartfelt post of him relishing the iconic litti-chokha during a recent visit to Bodh Gaya, the sacred land of Buddha.
“Namaste, Bihar! Finally had the chance to try the world-famous litti chokha – Gajab Swad Ba! (It has a great taste),” he wrote, blending diplomacy with a Bhojpuri flair that immediately won over hearts on social media. The post, accompanied by a photo of him enjoying the dish with a spoon, captured the moment a foreign dignitary connected with Bihar not just through policy, but through litti and chokha.
Keiichi’s post on X racked up over 2.66 lakh views, sparking a frenzy of affectionate and humorous replies. People of Bihar, known for their warmth and wit, responded with passion.
One user suggested, “I highly recommend trying the Champaran-style mutton from Bihar; it is a delicious dish that you won’t regret experiencing!” Another user chimed in with a friendly tip, “Ungali bor ke khawal jayela… tab asal swad bujhay!” (Dip your fingers, not a spoon… then you will understand the real taste).
And Ram Tiwari offered a nugget of wisdom – “Gajab Bihar me swagat ba. Please carry some sattu with you, sir. Fast food nahin, fastest food hai hamara!”
The ambassador’s visit was not all culinary exploration. Ryutu Saito, an official accompanying Keiichi, said the envoy also visited the Bihar National Highway Improvement Project, funded by the Japan govt. “The project is expected to greatly reduce travel time within the state and contribute significantly to its tourism and economy,” Keiichi wrote in another post, striking a perfect chord between cultural curiosity and developmental commitment.
Bihar’s litti-chokha has long held celebrity status beyond its borders. Bollywood superstar Amir Khan made headlines in 2014 when he stopped by a roadside stall near Patna zoo to relish the dish while promoting his film. And none other than Amitabh Bachchan has also sung its praises.
Japan’s ambassador to India and Bhutan, ONO Keiichi, has become an overnight favourite among people of Bihar after sharing a heartfelt post of him relishing the iconic litti-chokha during a recent visit to Bodh Gaya, the sacred land of Buddha.
“Namaste, Bihar! Finally had the chance to try the world-famous litti chokha – Gajab Swad Ba! (It has a great taste),” he wrote, blending diplomacy with a Bhojpuri flair that immediately won over hearts on social media. The post, accompanied by a photo of him enjoying the dish with a spoon, captured the moment a foreign dignitary connected with Bihar not just through policy, but through litti and chokha.
Keiichi’s post on X racked up over 2.66 lakh views, sparking a frenzy of affectionate and humorous replies. People of Bihar, known for their warmth and wit, responded with passion.
One user suggested, “I highly recommend trying the Champaran-style mutton from Bihar; it is a delicious dish that you won’t regret experiencing!” Another user chimed in with a friendly tip, “Ungali bor ke khawal jayela… tab asal swad bujhay!” (Dip your fingers, not a spoon… then you will understand the real taste).
And Ram Tiwari offered a nugget of wisdom – “Gajab Bihar me swagat ba. Please carry some sattu with you, sir. Fast food nahin, fastest food hai hamara!”
The ambassador’s visit was not all culinary exploration. Ryutu Saito, an official accompanying Keiichi, said the envoy also visited the Bihar National Highway Improvement Project, funded by the Japan govt. “The project is expected to greatly reduce travel time within the state and contribute significantly to its tourism and economy,” Keiichi wrote in another post, striking a perfect chord between cultural curiosity and developmental commitment.
Bihar’s litti-chokha has long held celebrity status beyond its borders. Bollywood superstar Amir Khan made headlines in 2014 when he stopped by a roadside stall near Patna zoo to relish the dish while promoting his film. And none other than Amitabh Bachchan has also sung its praises.
