The story behind the visit: Obama & Bourdain in Hanoi
In May 2016, President Barack Obama made an official state visit to Vietnam as part of a wider diplomatic tour of Asia. During his stop in Hanoi, he carved out time for something more personal—a local meal and conversation with the late Anthony Bourdain, the American chef and travel documentarian known for his deep love of Vietnam.
Bourdain was filming an episode of Parts Unknown for CNN (watch on Youtube) and had invited Obama to join him for a casual street food dinner. The location: a small, family-run restaurant called Bun Cha Huong Lien. While the scene appeared spontaneous on screen, it was carefully arranged in advance. Government officials had already informed the restaurant to prepare for VIP guests, and security was tight around the area. The owners were advised to pay extra attention to food hygiene—though they reportedly said this was no issue, as they already cooked every meal with care.
Despite the official nature of the visit, the dinner was designed to feel as relaxed as possible. Locals were seated nearby (some reportedly staged), and both men sat on low plastic stools like regular customers. Bourdain insisted on paying the bill himself—around $6 for two bowls of bun cha, spring rolls, and Hanoi beer.
Within hours, the images of Obama and Bourdain eating together in a modest Hanoi eatery were broadcast around the world. The moment became iconic, sparking international media coverage and turning Bun Cha Huong Lien into a must-visit spot overnight. From then on, it’s been widely referred to as “Bun Cha Obama”—a nickname that stuck far beyond the headlines.
Inside Hanoi’s Obama Restaurant: Bun Cha Huong Lien
Bun Cha Huong Lien is a humble, family-run restaurant located on Le Van Huu Street in Hanoi. It’s been serving locals for over 20 years, long before it gained worldwide attention. Run by co-owner Nguyen Thi Lien and her family, the eatery has become a symbol of simple Vietnamese hospitality, even as its fame has skyrocketed.
From the outside, there’s little that announces its celebrity status. There are no neon Obama signs or tourist banners—just a narrow, unassuming storefront on a busy street in the Hai Ba Trung District. But step inside, and it’s clear you’re not the first foreigner to visit. The place is usually packed with curious travelers, eager to order the now-famous “Obama Combo.”
The layout is basic and functional: stainless steel tables, small plastic stools, tiled floors, and fluorescent lighting. Walls are decorated with framed photos of the Obama and Bourdain visit, along with media clippings that document the restaurant’s unlikely global moment.
One of the main attractions is on the upper floor—a glass-encased table where Obama and Bourdain once sat. It’s been preserved exactly as it was, complete with staged plates, empty Hanoi beer bottles, and the signature blue plastic stools. For many visitors, it’s a quirky but memorable reminder of how a small local restaurant briefly became the center of global attention.
Hanoi’s specialty: What is Bun Cha?
Local Specialties & Hanoi’s One-Dish Restaurants
One of the great things about eating in Hanoi is that many street food restaurants focus on just one dish—and they do it exceptionally well. Whether it’s phở, bánh cuốn, or bún chả, you’ll often find places that have been cooking the same thing for decades. With fewer ingredients to manage, these kitchens serve food that’s freshly made, fast, and full of flavor. Don’t be surprised if your meal arrives within a minute of sitting down.
Bun Cha explained
Bún chả is one of Hanoi’s most beloved local dishes. It features grilled pork served in a bowl of warm, sweet-sour broth made from fish sauce, sugar, vinegar, and pickled vegetables like green papaya or kohlrabi. There are usually two types of pork: minced pork patties and thin slices of pork belly, both grilled over charcoal for a rich, smoky taste. On the side, you’ll get cold rice noodles, fresh herbs, and leafy greens to mix and dip as you like.
At Bun Cha Huong Lien, most visitors go straight for the Obama Combo—a full set meal that includes a bowl of bún chả, a crispy seafood spring roll, and a bottle of Hanoi beer. It’s not only filling and affordable, but a fun way to eat exactly what Obama had.
Read more in our full guide to What is Bun Cha?
Visiting Bun Cha Huong Lien
Opening times
Bun Cha Huong Lien is open daily from 8:00 AM to 8:30 PM. It serves both lunch and dinner, with continuous service throughout the day. There’s no need to worry about specific meal hours, but expect crowds during peak lunch (12:00–13:30) and early dinner times (18:00–19:30).
General location
The restaurant is located just south of Hoan Kiem Lake, in the quieter part of Hanoi’s French Quarter. Unlike the busy Old Quarter, this area is known for its wide boulevards, colonial architecture, and more spacious layout—making it easier to spot the restaurant and less chaotic to navigate on foot or by Grab.
Address
Bún Chả Hương Liên
24 Lê Văn Hưu, Hai Bà Trưng District, Hanoi
Phone: +84 24 3943 4106
📍 View on Google Maps
Nearby sights
You can easily combine your meal with some sightseeing in the French Quarter. Popular spots within walking distance include:
- Hanoi Opera House – Grand colonial building and cultural icon
- Vietnamese Women’s Museum – One of the city’s most interesting and underrated museums
- Trang Tien Plaza – Upscale shopping mall in a historic building
- Hoan Kiem Lake – Just a short walk north, perfect for a stroll before or after your meal
Tips for visiting Bun Cha Huong Lien
Bring cash
Like many traditional eateries in Hanoi, Bun Cha Huong Lien does not accept credit or debit cards. Make sure to bring enough Vietnamese dong, as there’s no ATM on-site and mobile payment options are not available.
Not vegetarian-friendly
This restaurant is not suitable for vegetarians or vegans. Bun cha is a pork-based dish, and the menu offers very few alternatives. Even the spring rolls typically contain seafood or meat fillings.
Best times to go
The restaurant is open daily from 8:00 AM to 8:30 PM, but it gets extremely busy during peak hours. If you want to avoid long waits or rushed service, skip the lunch rush (12:00–13:30) and early dinner crowds (18:00–19:30). The best time to visit is usually in the mid-afternoon between 15:00 and 17:30.
Seating & Service
Expect basic seating and no-frills service. You’ll sit on small plastic stools at shared metal tables, and staff may be more focused on speed than friendliness. If you want to see the glass-encased Obama and Bourdain table, head to the second floor—but it’s easy to miss, so ask if you’re unsure.
Price guide
- Obama Combo (bun cha, seafood roll, Hanoi beer): ~85,000 VND
- Bun Cha only: ~40,000 VND
- Seafood spring rolls: priced separately
Is it worth visiting the Obama Restaurant?
If you’re curious about where Obama ate in Hanoi, then yes—Bun Cha Huong Lien is worth a visit. The food is solid, the prices are fair, and it’s a fun way to step into a small moment of global history. For many travelers, it’s simply a box to tick: a quick, memorable stop on the Hanoi food trail.
That said, expectations should be managed. The restaurant is usually crowded, service is rushed, and while the bun cha is good, it’s not the best you’ll find in the city. Hanoi has dozens of excellent bun cha spots with better broth, more flavorful grilled pork, and a more relaxed local atmosphere.
So if you’re here for the story, the Obama table, and a bit of food tourism—it delivers. But if you’re chasing the absolute best bowl of bun cha in town, you’ll likely find it somewhere else.
