Probably the most favourite part of my work day is my 12 minute lunch break with my colleagues, Thuy and Linh. As part of my deal here at the office, the ACVN pays for lunch every day.
We normally have two choices. The first, called "Bun Cha", is a lightly flavoured soup broth with green papaya shavings and minced garlic pork meatballs which are lightly barbecued. Cold noodles are served along with this broth, which become tender when they are dunked into the soup broth. This is accompanied by my personal favourite, "nem" - which are small pork and vegetable spring rolls that are also lightly barbecued. DELICIOUS!!
The second choice is a soup shop across the street from the office. The broth at this soup shop is very tasty and is accompanied by green spring onions, mushrooms, bamboo shoots, clear noodles and strips of boiled chicken. I often like to season my soup with a dollop of some sort of hot vinegar marinade and some freshly cracked pepper. DELECTABLE!!
While catching up over the latest office gossip, Thuy, Linh and I happily slurp away sitting on tiny stools and tiny tables, bumping elbows with other office workers and students. It's nourishment for the body and for the soul.
The cost of lunch? 70 cents.
Near my house, there is also a restaurant called "Pho 24" that serves the delicious noodle soup that is synonymous with Vietnam. I normally get a large bowl of noodles with well done beef and season it with a little soy sauce, a little hot vinegar, some cracked pepper and some fresh herbs and spices. It is a warm companion on a cold winter day in Hanoi and a lovely snack in a hurry.
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