5 things you might not know from photo of Obama enjoying Bun Cha noodles

To insiders and those who track his restaurant jaunts in America and abroad, Barack Obama is the first foodie president of the United States.

And the fan of cheeseburgers and steaks finally gets a spot on celebrity TV host Anthony Bourdain's food show just when he is wrapping up years of work in his final months at the White House.

On Monday night (May 23), waiting crowds on the street cheered when the pair showed up at a budget shophouse eatery in Hanoi in a convoy of cars for its famed Bun Cha or grilled pork with noodles.

As opposed to the fancy feasts he had been hosted to by world leaders at top fine-dining eateries such as sushi restaurant Sukiyabashi Jiro in Tokyo and L'Ambroisie in Paris, the meal Obama had at Bun Cha Huong Lien is humble everyday fare in Vietnam.

Many Vietnamese were delighted when photos of the president and Bourdain tucking into Bun Cha went viral online and were splashed in newspapers.

Their meal cost a mere US$6 (S$8.20), a teeny weeny fraction of a $400-$500 bill for Michelin-starred eateries.

Bourdain, who posted a photo of their dinner together on Instagram, tweeted: "Total cost of Bun Cha dinner with the President: $6.00. I picked up the check."

Here are 5 things you might not know from just looking at the now historic photo:

1) Move over Pho, here comes Bun Cha

It is an everyday North Vietnamese dish but Hanoi people would claim theirs is the best. Just like their Pho or beef noodles.

Bourdain's photo shows both of them having the grilled pork belly (Cha Tit) served in a bowl, which contained the dip. It is usually made with ingredients like fish sauce, sugar, garlic, and slices of green papaya and carrot.

Cooked rice vermicelli was served at the side. It's picked with chopsticks and dipped into the sauce before eating. Also served was a platter of herbs such as coriander, mint, basil and perilla, which were meant to be eaten with the meat and noodles.

The two men also had fried seafood spring rolls (Nem Hai San), which could be enjoyed with the noodles and the same sauce too.

Did the President know that he could have a freeflow of the noodles and herbs if he wanted more? That's how such restaurants in Vietnam treat all guests.

2) Sisters run the restaurant

Helmed by two sisters, Bun Cha Huong Lien is a budget family-style restaurant well known as having one of the best Bun Cha in Hanoi.

Its look is functional compared to the stylish new eateries popping up in Vietnam. But patrons like its hygiene practices, and clean, cool feel.

President Obama and Bourdain sat on their blue plastic stools and shared small wooden tables which are covered with a metal sheet. They dined in a room which had other diners too. It appears they ate on an upper floor.

Obama was there at the right time - the place reopened some months ago after refurbishment. If you're interested to check it out, the restaurant is located at: 24 Le Van Huu, Hanoi, Vietnam. Local telephone: 0439434106

3) Beer Hanoi or Beer Saigon?

Both Obama and Bourdain drank beer straight from the bottle. Hard to tell from the photo which beer they had. Both Bia Ha Noi and Bia Saigon were available at the restaurant.

We wonder whether the beer was cold enough as beer is usually not chilled at many budget eateries in Vietnam. They serve ice in mugs instead. The photo shows mugs on the tables of other diners.

Anyway, Obama did roll up his sleeves to enjoy his happy hour.

4) Did fellow diners know it's Obama?

They probably knew who the important guest was but kept to themselves mostly to give respect and privacy to him. There's a likelihood they were told beforehand who would be sitting next them so as to prepare them for it.

Some diners were seen whispering to one another with covered mouths, as if sharing some classified gossip. After all, officials and security officers were hovering nearby. Besides, Bourdain's crew were there too.

The owners and the staff certainly knew who the VVIP was - at least one photo shows the President together with and one of the owners.

5) Bun Cha in Singapore

This is a North Vietnam specialty but many Vietnamese restaurants in Singapore focus more on the cuisine of the south while offering their variations of northern cuisine.

Vietnamese grilled meat or chicken served with rice vermicelli is gaining favour here with the opening of more Vietnamese eateries at malls and in the CBD area. Female office workers welcome it as a lighter and healthier alternative, to say, a rich curry lunch.

Many Vietnamese regard the version at Tonkin Vietnamese Restaurant as authentic. Located opposite M Hotel in Anson Road, the restaurant is run by a team from Hanoi. Address: 70 Anson Road #01-03/04 Hub Synergy Point. Phone:6444 4406. It has a branch at the basement food court in Clifford Centre.

chenj@sph.com.sg