NEW YORK -- U.S. President Barack Obama dined in Hanoi, Vietnam, on Monday with TV personality Anthony Bourdain, whose "Parts Unknown" food travelogue is one of the network's most popular nonfiction series.
Low plastic stool, cheap but delicious noodles, cold Hanoi beer. pic.twitter.com/KgC3VIEPQr
— Anthony Bourdain (@Bourdain) May 23, 2016
Bourdain met with Obama to discuss the purpose of Obama's trip to Asia and his interest in the people, food and culture of Vietnam, CNN said.
A huge crowd gathered outside the restaurant Bun cha Huong Lien, then let out a cheer when the president came out. Obama shook a lot of hands and waved repeatedly before vanishing into the motorcade.
Bourdain later tweeted that the meal cost $6, and he picked up the cheque.
Total cost of bun Cha dinner with the President: $6.00 . I picked up the check . #Hanoi
— Anthony Bourdain (@Bourdain) May 23, 2016
Bourdain's show has been on CNN since 2013. For each episode the chef travels to a different part of the world 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.
