President Obama dines in Vietnam with Anthony Bourdain
President Barack Obama greets women at the door as he walks from the Bún ch? Huong Liên restaurant after having dinner with American Chef Anthony Bourdain in Hanoi, Vietnam, Monday, May 23, 2016. (AP)
After lifting a decades long embargo against Vietnam on Monday, President Barack Obama worked up quite the appetite, dining with celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain in Hanoi.
Bourdain, who hosts the popular food-meets-travel show “Parts Unknown,” met with Obama to discuss the purpose of the president's trip to Asia and his interest in the people, food and culture of Vietnam, according to CNN.
A huge crowd gathered outside the restaurant Bun cha Huong Lien, then let out a cheer when the president came out. Obama was seen shaking hands with locals who gathered near the eatery and waved at onlookers before vanishing into the motorcade.
After about 65 minutes, Pres Obama emerges from Hanoi dinner out with @Bourdain.(Pool photo by @Kevinliptakcnn)
So what did Bourdain and the president eat during this historic meal?
Bún chả is a traditional dish hailing from the Vietnamese capital that consists of grilled pork served in a broth or dipping sauce, flanked by rice noodles and fresh herbs.
Bourdain later tweeted that the meal cost just $6-- he picked up the check and also reportedly said the president’s chopstick skills are “on point.”
Bourdain's show has been on CNN since 2013. The outspoken chef travels to different parts of the world during each episode to explore that area's culture, primarily by sharing in the area's distinct native cuisine.
The interview with Obama will be featured in the eighth season of "Parts Unknown," which begins in September.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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