Hanoi Chicken and Vermicelli Noodle Soup

THIS VERMICELLI SOUP IS AS POPULAR AS PHO IN THE STREETS OF HANOI AND, LIKE PHO, IT CAN BE EATEN FOR BREAKFAST, LUNCH OR DINNER. I HAVE NEVER FOUND THIS DISH ANYWHERE ELSE IN VIETNAM, SO BE SURE TO TRY A BOWL OF THE LOCAL SPECIALITY IF YOU EVER FIND YOURSELF IN HANOI. IF YOU DECIDE TO MAKE IT AT HOME, PLEASE ADD THE SHRIMP PASTE. I KNOW THAT SHRIMP PASTE CAN BE TOO INTENSE FOR SOME PEOPLE’S PALATES (AND NOSES), BUT I ASSURE YOU THAT WHEN DISSOLVED INTO THE BROTH, YOU WON’T BE