There’s something profoundly transformative about the first meal you have in a new country; it’s not just food, but an entire culture presented on a plate—or in my case, a bowl. My introduction to Vietnam was through its soul-warming, aromatic delight known as Pho Ga.

Pho Ga, or Vietnamese chicken noodle soup, is a simpler, yet profoundly flavorful sibling of the more globally known beef variant, Pho Bo. As I learned, each bowl of Pho Ga is a testament to the balance and harmony cherished in Vietnamese cuisine. The dish is a concoction of tender chicken pieces, rice noodles, and a clear yet intensely flavored broth, garnished with a generous handful of fresh herbs.