In a remarkable fusion of culinary passion and cross-cultural exchange, a celebrated Japanese chef recently had the unique opportunity to prepare one of India's most beloved dishes in the home of a Telugu superstar. The event highlights how food can transcend borders and create unforgettable memories.
A Day to Remember in Hyderabad
Chef Takamasa Osawa from Tokyo, Japan, renowned for his deep expertise in crafting authentic biryani, recently lived a chef's dream. He was invited to cook at the Hyderabad residence of acclaimed actor Ram Charan. The chef took to his Instagram stories on January 5, 2026, to share glimpses of this special private cooking session.
Reflecting on the honour, Osawa wrote, "Today I cooked biryani in a private home. Grateful for the trust. This city keeps teaching me what biryani is." He later summed up the experience with a heartfelt note: "A day I won't forget." The visit was arranged during a break in Charan's busy filming schedule.
Inside the Star's Home Kitchen
The chef offered a rare peek into the actor's personal space. His posts included images and videos of the kitchen, an outdoor cooking setup, and what he called a "quiet welcome" featuring exotic birds, koi fish, and the family's pet dog named Rhyme.
Osawa documented the traditional biryani-making process step by step. He was seen prepping ingredients indoors before moving outside to cook everything in a single pot, showcasing his signature style. One poignant picture captured Ram Charan, his pregnant wife Upasana Konidela, and his mother Surekha waiting patiently as the chef presented the finished biryani.
In another video, Ram Charan stood beside the chef as the lid was lifted from the pot, revealing the aromatic dish. The actor praised the biryani, noting it was "flavourful" and "not too gravy," indicating a perfectly balanced dish.
The Journey of Biryani Osawa
This Hyderabad experience is not a casual foray for Chef Osawa but the culmination of a 15-year dedicated journey. Known on social media as Biriyani Osawa, he is a self-described "single-pot biryani specialist" and a recipient of the prestigious Michelin Bib Gourmand award.
His commitment goes far beyond novelty. In a 2025 interview with Gulf News, he revealed that he runs a unique 10-seater restaurant in Tokyo that serves only biryani. His culinary epiphany began with a life-changing trip to Tamil Nadu. "It didn't matter that I didn't know the language," he shared. "I learned by smell, taste, touch, and sight."
To master the dish, Osawa has spent years travelling extensively between Japan, India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, immersing himself in the subtle regional variations and deep-rooted traditions of biryani.
More Than Just a Recipe
This event underscores several profound themes. It shows how mastering a cuisine from a foreign culture requires immense respect, patience, and years of practice. It demonstrates that true cooking is an act of listening and understanding, not mere imitation.
Most importantly, it highlights how food builds trust and connection. For a Japanese chef to earn the confidence to cook a quintessential Indian dish in the home of a major film star speaks volumes about the universal language of gastronomy. The story of Chef Takamasa Osawa and his day in Hyderabad is a delicious reminder that some of the most meaningful bridges between cultures are built one grain of rice at a time.
