8 to 10 ounces rice noodles, OR your preferred noodles (enough for 2 to 3 people)
8 to 12 medium-size to large shrimp, shells removed, OR substitute other seafood OR strips of 1 to 2 chicken breasts or 3 to 4 thighs
2/3 can good-quality coconut milk (preferably not 'lite')
1 cup chicken stock
1 shallot OR 3 to 4 tablespoons minced purple onion
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 thumb-size piece galangal OR ginger, grated or finely chopped
1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
1/2 teaspoon North American chili powder (from your supermarket spice aisle)
1 red chili, minced, OR 1/3 to 1/2 teaspoon dried crushed chili from the spice aisle, to taste
1 to 2 kaffir lime leaves, OR substitute 1 bay leaf
3 tablespoons fish sauce
1 1/2 tablespoons lime juice
1 teaspoon brown sugar

Toppings: 1 to 2 green onions, sliced, and generous handful fresh basil