The story
Huong Lien became world-famous in May 2016, when President Obama and chef Anthony Bourdain ate bun cha and drank Hanoi beer here while filming Parts Unknown. The shop still shows the bowls and chopsticks from that meal in a glass frame, and sells an 'Obama combo'. Reviewers praise the sweet-sour garlic-chilli dipping sauce most. The shop is still busy with local and foreign visitors well after lunchtime.
A long-established bun cha shop, often named alongside Dac Kim, Sinh Tu and Duy Diem.
Run by successive generations of the same family, and open for more than 20 years as of 2016.
What to order
Obama combo
Special bun cha, a seafood spring roll and a Hanoi beer.
120,000₫Bun cha
Grilled pork with noodles; the sweet-sour garlic-chilli dip is the highlight.
Seafood or crab spring roll
The classic add-on.
Local tips
Order the Obama combo if you want the full story meal; a regular bun cha costs less.
Look for the glass-framed bowls and chopsticks from the 2016 visit.
Expect a longer wait at peak times; food comes fairly quickly once you have a seat.
Say it in Vietnamese
“Cho em một phần bún chả, ít cay nhé.”
One portion of bun cha (grilled meat with rice noodles), not too spicy, please.Plan your visit
Opening hours
- Monday
- 08:00–20:00
- Tuesday
- 08:00–20:00
- Wednesday
- 08:00–20:00
- Thursday (today)
- 08:00–20:00
- Friday
- 08:00–20:00
- Saturday
- 08:00–20:00
- Sunday
- 08:00–20:00
When to go
It stays crowded even well after lunch, and waits get longer at peak times.
Getting there
24 Le Van Huu, in the Thi Sach – Le Van Huu – Ngo Thi Nham neighbourhood.
Open in Google Maps →Good to know
Not suitable for vegetarians
Works well with kids
Where this comes from
History and details come from named press or official sources. Hours and prices can change — travelers help keep them current.
- Google Maps listing · Traveler reviews · 2026
- Kenh14 – Hàng bún chả Obama sau 6 năm · Press · 2022 · kenh14.vn
- Eva.vn – 4 quán bún chả hot nhất Hà Nội · Press · 2026 · eva.vn
- Ngôi Sao (VnExpress) – 5 quán bún chả theo gợi ý Michelin · Press · 2025 · ngoisao.vnexpress.net
- VnExpress – Ông Obama gọi 2 suất bún chả Hà Nội · Press · 2016 · vnexpress.net
- VnExpress · Press
