Vien Dong in Tacoma's International District offers a heaping bowl of thin, undressed vermicelli noodles made from white rice - and they're especially addictive with sprigs of leafy aromatic cilantro, cucumber, shredded carrot, ground peanut and the option of skewers of grilled meat, seafood (or a combination of these) as topper.  Set up like Vietnamese pho soup, some ingredients are not mixed in. You are expected to use your hands to tear cilantro leaves, pull grilled pork or beef from wooden skewers or add mung beans. Once your are finished customizing, drizzle (or pour) a dressing of fish sauce, carrot, rice wine vinegar and other taste bud-tripping ingredients on top and get to it.

[3801 Yakima Ave., Tacoma, 253.472.6668]