In praise of the miracle of chao - Vietnam's rice porridge

Over the past week, I’ve been hit hard in Saigon by a nasty bug, complete with fever, aching bones and stomach cramps. One of the more unpleasant health episodes of my time here. I normally enjoy excellent health - well, apart from two bouts of cancer, one in 1998 and the other in 2000. I’m feeling much better now - thanks to an essential comfort.  When you’re feeling grim in Vietnam, the locals insist that you have a steaming bowl of chao - a rice porridge that can be taken plain, with chicken, seafood, intestine and other combinations. It's perfect. Irrespective of its medicinal properties - of which I have no idea - it always makes me feel better. So this is a little note in praise of chao - a loyal companion throughout the week. The image features a bowl of chao ga (chicken porridge) that I demolished on the street in District 3 yesterday afternoon. It's dead simple as you can see.  The Vietnamese also eat chao when in perfect health. But if you’re unwell during your travels, be sure to tuck into a bowl. You’ll see signs for it everywhere and it’ll certainly make you feel better.