“Low plastic stool, cheap but delicious noodles, cold Hanoi beer”.

US President Barack Obama is touring Asia this week in an effort to “increase US diplomatic, economic, and security engagement with the countries and peoples of the region”, according to the White House.

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And what better way to increase engagement than to engage with the local cuisine?

The president’s schedule in Vietnam has included fully lifting its decades-old ban on weapons sales to Vietnam, making historic speeches — and having a meal with celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain.

Mr Obama and Mr Bourdain discussed the country over Vietnamese beer and bun cha, a traditional beef and noodle dish at Bun Cha Huong Lien in Hanoi.

And while dining with the president might be a costly affair, this particular meal cost a breezy $US6.

“I picked up the check,” Mr Bourdain tweeted.

The US administration hopes to bolster better ties with the one-party, communist country as China’s influence in the area spreads.

During his tour of Asia, Mr Obama will also travel to Ho Chi Minh City, participate in the G-7 summit and end the week by visiting the Hiroshima memorial site.