Michelle Ward Trainor/People
What do you eat when you’re the most powerful man in America and visiting Vietnam on a state visit? For President Barack Obama, bun cha Hanoi was his dish of choice and his date? Anthony Bourdain.
The Parts Unknown host grabbed a casual meal with President Obama at Bún chả Hương Liên, a restaurant near the capital city’s old quarter. (Bún chả is a traditional dish from the area that includes grilled pork served in a broth or dipping sauce, with by rice noodles and fresh herbs.) The sit-down will air on the chef’s CNN show in September when the culinary travel series returns for its eighth season.
US President Barack Obama (C) shakes hands with locals after eating dinner at Bun cha Huong Lien with CNN’s Anthony Bourdain in Hanoi late on May 23, 2016. Obama praised ‘strengthening ties’ between the United States and Vietnam at the start of a landmark visit on May 23, as the former wartime foes deepen trade links and share concerns over Chinese actions in disputed seas. (Photo: JIM WATSON/AFP/Getty Images)
When word of the President’s appearance got out, people flocked to catch a glimpse of one of the world’s most famous faces. Many took to social media to share photos from his visit, including Carol Lee, a White House correspondent for The Wall Street Journal, who posted pictures of swarms of people outside the restaurant.
“The President’s chopstick skills are on point. #buncha #hanoi,” said the chef. He also tweeted another with the caption: “Low plastic stool, cheap but delicious noodles, cold Hanoi beer.”
So, who paid? That would be Bourdain, “Total cost of bun Cha dinner with the President: $6.00,” he tweeted. “I picked up the check.”
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