Pho

We learned our very first day that pho, a wonderful soup of broth with rice noodles and vegetables (chicken or beef optional, as well as peppers and a host of other condiments*) is the meal of choice for the Vietnamese. It can be eaten at any time of day; many people pause at their favorite neighborhood pho restaurant on the way to work, to begin their day with a bowl.

Pho (pronounced "fur" but without the "r") became a sort of comfort food for us too, a delicious and dependable staple. It is really, really good.

*The condiments lined up at breakfast yesterday (yes, we are at a nice hotel) were: carmelized anchovies, salted eggs,salted white radish, fried onion, fish sauce, soya bean sauce, fresh lemon (lime), fresh chili, chili sauce, salt and pepper, ginger, spring onion...and ketchup.