Hue-Style Hot and Spicy Beef Stew

Originating in Hue, this soup reflects Central Vietnam’s love for hot, spicy foods and lemongrass. The heat of the broth, contrasted with the cool fresh herbs (cilantro and Thai basil) and the tang of lemongrass, creates bright bold tastes and an extraordinary bowl of soup. Use the thickest vermicelli noodle here (bun day), which has the thickness of spaghetti. These noodles are not often used in Asian dishes, which adds to this dish’s distinctive taste and texture. Ideally, bun bo Hue incl