Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Monday commended Ono Keiichi, the Japanese Ambassador to India, for highlighting Odisha’s staple dish, ‘Dalma,’ on his social media platform.
The Japanese Ambassador had previously shared a post on his X account stating, “Enjoyed #Dalma in #Odisha. Delicious, and a wonderful reflection of Odisha’s rich culinary culture!” He also included three photographs of himself enjoying ‘Dalma’ in the post.
Enjoyed #Dalma in #Odisha😋
Delicious, and a wonderful reflection of Odisha’s rich culinary culture!ଧନ୍ୟବାଦ ଓଡ଼ିଶା🙏✨ pic.twitter.com/uzU2hh3684
— ONO Keiichi, Ambassador of Japan (@JapanAmbIndia) April 26, 2026
During his visit to Odisha’s Sambalpur on April 24, where the JSW Group and Japan’s JFE Steel Corporation formalised a joint venture to invest over Rs 32,000 crore in a steel project expansion, Ambassador Keiichi was served ‘Dalma’ as part of his meal.
The diplomat expressed his appreciation for Odia cuisine and lauded the state’s vibrant food culture after relishing a traditional meal of rice and Dalma – a wholesome signature dish made from lentils, vegetables, and subtle spices that embodies the region’s culinary heritage.
The envoy’s social media post garnered massive attention and showcased his genuine fondness for local flavours. His previous posts have also demonstrated an appreciation for other Odia delicacies, such as ‘chhena poda’ (baked cheese), reflecting his personal interest in India’s regional cuisines.
Appreciating the guest’s gesture, CM Majhi stated, “Delighted to see you enjoying the flavours of Odisha, Ambassador Ono San! Dalma is the heart of our kitchen, and we are honoured by your kind words. May our bond continue to grow over many more such meals. Ono San, Arigatou Gozaimasu! ”
Delighted to see you enjoying the flavors of Odisha, Ambassador Ono San! Dalma is the heart of our kitchen, and we are honored by your kind words. May our bond continue to grow over many more such meals.
Ono San, Arigatou Gozaimasu! 🇯🇵🤝🇮🇳ଓଡ଼ିଶାର ପାରମ୍ପରିକ ସ୍ୱାଦକୁ ଆପଣ ଏତେ ଭଲ… https://t.co/OQCkTWMvIq
— Mohan Charan Majhi (@MohanMOdisha) April 27, 2026
The Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) stated in a release that traditional Odia food was served to the Japanese Ambassador at the event in Sambalpur.
“The Ambassador was very happy with the taste of traditional Odia food. He especially liked the taste of Dalma,” it said.
