In a beautiful blend of cultures, Japanese chef Takamasa Osawa—globally known for his mastery of biryani—recently cooked the iconic dish at the Hyderabad residence of Telugu cinema star Ram Charan. The moment, shared through Instagram stories and short videos, has delighted food lovers and fans alike.

Biryani cooked in a serene home setting

Chef Osawa, who is currently travelling across India, documented his visit to Ram Charan’s home, offering glimpses of the actor’s serene surroundings. The visuals included an outdoor cooking setup, a calm dining space, koi fish swimming in a pond, exotic birds, and the family’s pet dog, Rhyme—described by the chef as a “quiet and warm welcome”.

In one widely shared clip, Ram Charan is seen standing beside the chef as the biryani pot is opened. The actor praised the dish for being “flavourful” and “not too gravy,” appreciating its aroma and balance—remarks that resonated strongly with biryani purists.

A chef known as ‘Biriyani Osawa’

Takamasa Osawa, popularly known online as Biriyani Osawa, is a Tokyo-based chef celebrated for his meticulous, single-pot approach to biryani. A recipient of the Michelin Bib Gourmand, he runs an intimate 10-seater restaurant in Tokyo that serves only biryani, offering carefully curated variations of the dish.

Osawa’s journey with biryani began in 2009 during a visit to Tamil Nadu, when he stumbled upon a modest eatery with a simple signboard that read “Biryani”. Curious, he ordered it—and that single meal changed his life.

Fifteen years of learning biryani

What followed was a 15-year journey across India, Pakistan and Bangladesh, where Osawa immersed himself in regional styles, techniques and the philosophy behind biryani. From Hyderabadi dum biryani to subtle southern and eastern influences, his learning came through patience, repetition and cultural respect.

Food enthusiasts say Osawa’s presence in Hyderabad—and cooking for Ram Charan—symbolises how biryani has become a global language, transcending borders and cuisines.

Fans celebrate cultural connection

Fans of Ram Charan were not surprised by the moment, as the actor is widely known for his love for biryani. Social media users praised the interaction as “pure food diplomacy,” celebrating how a Japanese chef and an Indian actor bonded over one of South Asia’s most beloved dishes.

The viral moment once again proves that biryani is not just food—it is emotion, history and shared culture.