For the soup:

• 2 tbsp flavourless oil (canola or grapeseed)
• 1 tsp coriander
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp turmeric
• 1/4 tsp white pepper (or black pepper)
• 1 slice of ginger, 1/2 inch think
• 1 stalk of lemongrass, trimmed and bruised
• 2 lime leaves
• 2 cloves of garlic, split in two
• 1 medium shallot (or cooking onion), split in two
• 1 L chicken stock

Accoutrements:

• Rice vermicelli noodles, cooked according to package
• Cooked chicken, shredded or cubed
• Hard boiled eggs
• Bean sprouts
• Cilantro
• Celery leaves
• Fried shallots
• Green onion, sliced
• Lime wedges
• Red chile, thinly sliced
• Sambal Oelek