For the Pork Meatballs
2 tbsp. sugar
5 tbsp. water
1 lb. ground pork
1 large shallot, minced as small as possible
3 tbsp. fish sauce
1⁄4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
For the Sauce and Serving
2 tbsp. fish sauce
2 tbsp. rice vinegar
1 tsp. brown sugar
1 1⁄2 cups water
1⁄2 tsp. minced or grated garlic
1 red thai chile, minced
2 tbsp. green papaya, cut into 1⁄4"-thick slices (optional)
1 lb. thin rice noodles
1⁄2 head red leaf lettuce, torn into small pieces
2 cups loosely packed selection of Asian herbs, such as cilantro, perilla, mint, sawtooth coriander, ngo herb, shiso, or Thai basil