I’m a vegetarian. But, I’m a traveler veggie so I will eat meat or meat based food if it is part of the cultural experience. There are many places to eat as a veggie in Vietnam (Buddhist safe) so I don’t really have to venture into meat havens to say I’ve experienced Vietnamese food except when there’s Obama Bun Cha. Les Go Eat Bun Cha!
So, why is a vegetarian in a meat bun cha restaurant, you ask? Because Obama. That’s why. President Obama and Anthony Bourdain visited Hanoi in 2016. They ate a this particular bun cha restaurant and since then, this restaurant has capitalized on it all the way to the bank. And I love it.
I traveled to Accra, Ghana the year Obama got elected. I vividly remember people running up to us smiling, waving and yelling, “Obama’s people!” They were so happy that we were there and we were a representation of him. Flash forward to 2019. The other day I was in the supermarket and a guy asked where I was from. He proceeded to laugh and say, “Mr. Trump.” That shit hurt. The magnitude of #45’s election still has me reeling. His presence and symbolism spreads to all corners of the globe, and not in a positive sense.
I have many questions, comments, and concerns about all US politics and politicians. Many. But, let me tell you, I was legit damn near emotional in this restaurant. The symbolism of the Obama pictures all over is a little over whelming.
Say what you want but all I know is that #45 came to Hanoi not too long ago and no one gives a damn about where he ate.
Even as a veggie I was able to eat the bun (noodles) and enjoy the sweet and savory flavor of the broth. Yea, to make Obama a near saintly figure is a bit much but the experience was worth it.
Les Go... 