Cao Lau as comfort food — exactly what I needed

Some dishes exist to comfort and Cao Lau is absolutely in that category. The clean and deeply savoury quality works on something almost primal — you feel the warmth of it immediately. fish sauce does work that no substitute can replicate.

Vietnamese cuisine shows French colonial influence alongside traditional Southeast Asian techniques. There's something about the a Hanoi pho stall at breakfast context that reinforces the comfort effect. bia hoi draught beer alongside is the traditional way and it makes complete sense. I come back to this dish when I need something dependable and restorative.