President Xi Jinping of China on Saturday made an unusual visit to a self-service restaurant in Beijing, taking his place in the queue with other customers.
Photos posted on the Weibo social media site showed Mr Xi in a steamed bun shop where he chatted to customers while he ordered and paid for a meal at lunchtime.
Senior Chinese officials are usually surrounded by heavy security.
Since he became president in March, Mr Xi has repeatedly called on officials to give up extravagant lifestyles and get closer to the people.
State media said Mr Xi's meal of steamed buns, fried liver and stir-fired greens cost 21 yuan ($US3.46).
