NEW YORK — President Barack Obama dined in Hanoi, Vietnam, on Monday (May 23) with CNN personality Anthony Bourdain, whose "Parts Unknown" food travelogue is one of the network’s most popular nonfiction series.

Mr Bourdain met with Mr Obama to discuss the purpose of Mr 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. Mr Obama shook a lot of hands and waved repeatedly before vanishing into the motorcade.

Mr Bourdain later tweeted that the meal cost US$6 (S$8.30), and he picked up the check.

Mr 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 Mr Obama will be featured in the eighth season of “Parts Unknown”, which begins in September. AP