As I started my last day in Hanoi, there were a few places that I needed to see before leaving the city.
Typically I do not go to places were well known celebrities dined at since I find that ultra touristy but today I did. So I made my way to Bun Cha Huong Lien which is the restaurant where President Barack Obama and Anthony Bourdain ate lunch together.
Upon entering the restaurant around 12:30pm, I noticed it was crowded on the 1st level (I did not venture up to the 2nd level if you are wondering). I found a seat and sat. Once the server noticed me, he pointed to the menu on the wall which had really just 3 food options. I decided on spring rolls but due to the server’s advice I ended up choosing the “Bun Cha”. This delicacy is mostly soup, pork, noodles, and some vegetables.
When I started eating the pork it was not tender at all as I was left chewing for a while and thought that maybe President Obama and Bourdain were a bunch of frauds for choosing to eat at such a place. Well my next bites of the remaining cuts of pork in my soup were very tender, mouth watering, and seasoned correctly. Whew, I had not made a mistake by coming here.
There are several pictures of President Obama and Anthony Bourdain inside of the restaurant and rightfully so because of the amount of business they receive due to their visit. This place is worth a visit should you ever visit Hanoi.