For the owner, Thieu Van Mui, 33, the moment still feels surreal.

Two hours of anxious preparation

At around 7pm on April 23, the President, his wife, and their entourage arrived at the small pho and fried rice shop. Just two hours earlier, Mui had received notice from Korean officials and local police that the high-profile guests might stop by.

Before their arrival, authorities conducted thorough checks on security and food safety. Every ingredient and pot of broth was carefully inspected. Mui and his four staff members rushed to tidy the space, rearrange seating, and prepare fresh ingredients.

Despite the anticipation, the shop continued serving regular customers.

“We operated as we always do, using the same ingredients and processes. But during those two hours, I was both nervous and excited,” Mui recalled.

Ten minutes before the visit, security tightened further. Mui encouraged his staff to stay calm and maintain their usual level of attentive service.

The delegation ordered 17 bowls of well-done beef pho and two servings of fried rice with pickled mustard greens and beef. Aware that many Korean diners do not prefer cilantro, Mui proactively omitted it, using only finely chopped scallions.

Each bowl of pho included noodles, beef, and fresh herbs. The beef had been simmered for two to three hours, cooled, and stored before being sliced for serving. The fried rice featured house-pickled mustard greens stir-fried with fresh beef, one of the shop’s best-selling dishes.

The President and First Lady personally chose two bowls of pho and one serving of fried rice.

“I watched from a distance as they tasted the food,” Mui said.

He noticed their warm smiles and approving nods.

“When I saw them finish even the last spoonful of broth, looking satisfied, I felt both happy and proud,” he shared.

After about 25 minutes, the President praised the meal and even held Mui’s young son for a commemorative photo.

“This will be a cherished memory for my son and our whole family,” Mui said.

A sudden surge of curious diners

Following the visit, Mui received dozens of congratulatory messages from friends and relatives. By the morning of April 24, his shop was noticeably busier than usual.

Many customers, including Korean visitors and first-time diners, came out of curiosity. Most wanted to taste the pho and fried rice - and to take photos at the very table where the President and First Lady had sat.

Mui’s journey with pho began in 2009, though he only opened this shop on Dinh Liet Street in 2021. The eatery operates daily from 7am to 11pm, serving around 300 to 350 customers each day.

In addition to well-done beef pho, the menu includes rare beef pho, mixed cuts, beef stew pho, fried rice with pickled greens, and poached eggs. Mui emphasized that all ingredients are fresh, clearly sourced, and meet safety standards.

Later that evening, after their meal, President Lee Jae Myung and his wife also strolled around Hoan Kiem Lake and enjoyed ice cream at Thuy Ta.