A table where former US President Barack Obama enjoyed a $6 meal at a Vietnamese restaurant has been frozen in time.
Sitting on a plastic stool in front of a bowl of pork noodles, Obama was pictured having dinner at the Bun Cha Huong Lien restaurant in Hanoi with US celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain in May 2016.
And nearly two years on, the same table – complete with plates, bowls, chopsticks, empty beer bottles, and plastic stools – have been encased in glass.
Former US President Barack Obama was pictured having dinner at the Bun Cha Huong Lien restaurant in Hanoi with US celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain in May 2016
Nearly two years on, the same table – complete with plates, bowls, chopsticks, empty beer bottles, and plastic stools – have been encased in glass
The restaurant owners said the idea to preserve the setting sprung into mind after curious customers were constantly asking them where Obama sat and what he ate.
‘The customers love it, many take photos next to the table,’ co-owner of the restaurant Nguyen Thi Hang Nga told the BBC.
‘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.
‘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.’
The owners have also set the table exactly how it was arranged for Obama.
‘Of course, the bowls and plates on display have been washed, as well as the empty beer bottles,’ the owner said.
The pair sat on plastic stools as they enjoyed a bowl of pork noodles and beer in May 2016
The former President surprised Vietnamese locals in 2016 when he visited the restaurant
Excited residents eagerly waited outside as Obama left his evening meal with Mr Bourdain
Taking to Instagram, Mr Bourdain shared a photograph of the table where he dined at with the former president, adding: ‘Not sure how I feel about this.’
The honour is usually reserved for the country’s top leaders – and Obama’s display is said to be the first foreign dignity recognised.
The pair stopped by the restaurant in 2016 during Obama’s May trip to Vietnam while filming a scene for Mr Bourdain’s show ‘Parts Unknown’.
Since Obama’s visit, foreigners from all walks of life have been to the restaurant to order the signature dish – dubbed Obama’s bun cha’ – grilled pork patty and bacon in a sweet broth with rice noodles.