[Hanoi] The shop might as well call itself Obama Bun Cha at this point.
Ever since the meal shared between former US president Barack Obama and Anthony Bourdain, Bun Cha Huong Lien has become one of the most photographed and discussed eateries in Hanoi.
Yet the restaurant itself remains surprisingly ordinary.
It is located on Lê Văn Hưu Street (a long walk from central Old Quarter), spread across several floors, filled mostly with locals grabbing a quick lunch.
Or tourists armed with a “must-eats in Hanoi” pocket list.
If you do not know what to order, there is a “Combo Obama” (VND 130,000) that includes a bowl of bun cha, a fried seafood roll and a Hanoi beer, a set many visitors choose for the story as much as the meal.
Or just go for the classic Bun Cha (VND 60,000) with options to add fried seafood roll, fried vegetable roll, pork skewer and extra vermicelli.
The Bún Chả comes with charcoal grilled pork patties, slices of pork belly, vermicelli noodles, herbs and a bowl of dipping broth.
I found the patties juicy, with a soft texture that held up well in the broth, while the pork belly offered a more layered bite from the mix of fat and lean meat.
The grilling was done in small batches, which kept the meat smoky and slightly caramelised without drying it out.
The broth was light and gently sweet, and I do recommend one of the fried rolls to add some crunch.
Overall, I thought it was an otherwise straightforward, no-frills meal, so do not come expecting fireworks from the flavours.
Obama visited the shop because Bourdain wanted to show him everyday Vietnamese food, not a staged feast.
That modest table is now encased in glass, preserved with the bowls, plates and beer bottles from the meal.
Customers stop to take photos beside it, and staff have become used to guiding people upstairs for a quick look.
Yes, like a tiny museum exhibit.
Bún Chả Hương Liên (Hai Ba Trung)
24 Lê Văn Hưu, Phan Chu Trinh, Hai Bà Trưng, Hà Nội, 113000, Vietnam
Opening Hours: 8am – 8pm (Mon – Sun)
Google Maps – Bún Chả Hương Liên
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