Hanoi Pork and Vermicelli Noodle Soup

THIS NOODLE SOUP ORIGINATED IN HANOI BUT I HAVE SEEN DIFFERENT VERSIONS OF IT IN SAIGON. THIS RECIPE IS MY BLEND OF THE TWO REGIONS AND IS VERY SIMPLE TO PREPARE. YOU CAN BUY THE PORK PASTE (GIO SONG) FROM AN ASIAN BUTCHER AND THE FRIED PORK TERRINE (CHA QUE) FROM AN ASIAN FOOD MARKET. IT’S A GOOD IDEA TO WRITE DOWN THE VIETNAMESE NAMES AND BRING THE LIST WITH YOU IN CASE THEY DON’T SPEAK ENGLISH. WHILE YOU’RE THERE, BUY A JAR OF SHRIMP PASTE - IT’S ESSENTIAL TO THE FLAVOUR OF