Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro has drawn opprobrium over a video showing him being served slabs of prime steak by a celebrity chef in Istanbul, at at time when food shortages are inflicting misery and malnutrition on millions at home.

Mr Maduro and his wife, Celia Flores, were accused of spending public money on a “banquet” after the chef, Nusret Gökçe, also known as “Salt Bae”, posted Instagram videos of their visit to his restaurant Nusr-Et

In one clip, the couple are seen looking on admiringly as Gökçe theatrically carves meat at their table.

“This is a once in a lifetime moment,” Mr Maduro can be heard remarking. Other footage shows Maduro puffing on a cigar offered to him from a box bearing his name on a plaque, and receiving a gift of a t-shirt bearing the chef’s image.

The videos, later taken down, have stirred disgust in Venezuela and abroad amid a profound humanitarian crisis which has forced millions to flee the country.

Hyperinflation and food shortages have led to record levels of child malnutrition and the average Venezuelan has lost 10 kg (22lb) in the past year.