Featured Image Credit: Anthony Bourdain/Instagram. Dam Ha Phu/Facebook.
Topics: News, World News, Food and Drink, Barack Obama
Charisa Bossinakis
Topics: News, World News, Food and Drink, Barack Obama
A Vietnamese restaurant in Hanoi has preserved the table where former US President Barack Obama and Anthony Bourdain shared a meal.
BBC News reported that the popular street food restaurant in Vietnam’s capital has preserved beer bottles and plates from where the unlikely pair filmed a scene for Bourdain’s Parts Unknown in 2016.
The owners of the Bún chả Hương Liên restaurant where the two men shared a meal for USD $6 (AUD $8.78 or £4.97), said the idea to put their plates, table and cutlery behind glass came from customers.
Co-owner of the Bun Cha Huong Lien, Nguyen Thi Hang Nga told BBC News: “The customers love it, many take photos next to the table.
"For us, it is a nice memory that we will cherish forever. It is not a PR gimmick, I don't think we get more clientele.”
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The owners even organised the set-up similar to how Obama and Bourdain had it while dining, minus the food, of course.
She added: "The display was set up just before the Lunar New Year [in mid-February] and I haven't noticed any change in the flow of diners.
"Of course, the bowls and plates on display have been washed, as well as the empty beer bottles!"
It is said to be the first time a foreign dignitary has been recognised in this way, as this honor is usually reserved for the country's leaders.
The restaurant has even named a dish after the former US president.
Seven years ago, the late Bourdain took Obama to what was then known as a 'locals only' bún chả eatery during the filming of his CNN series.
However, since then, travellers from around the world have flocked to the eatery, with Hương Liên even becoming a popular tourist attraction.
The celebrity chef passed away two years later in his hotel in France, where he was filming for an upcoming series of the show.
Obama shared a touching tribute when the news was revealed to the public.
While reminiscing over the meal they shared in Hanoi, Obama wrote: “‘Low plastic stool, cheap but delicious noodles, cold Hanoi beer.’
"This is how I’ll remember Tony.
"He taught us about food — but more importantly, about its ability to bring us together.
"To make us a little less afraid of the unknown.
"We’ll miss him.”