Mee siam kuah/gravy (vegetarian)

For the kuah/gravy :

• 10 dried red chillies
• 5 shallots
• 1 tbsp taucheo/fermented soy paste
• 5 garlic
• 1 lemongrass (add if you have, otherwise omit ; blend/pound/process to a paste)

For others :

• Rice noodles (or any other you like - as needed ; blanch to soften)
• Tofu pok/white soft tofu (cut into pieces)
• Boiled eggs (omit if you are a pure vegetarian)
• Bean sprouts (pour hot water over and quickly blanch)
• Sawi/Chinese mustard leafy veg (pour hot water over and quickly blanch)
• Spring onion (as needed ; slice thinly)
• Calamansi lime (as needed)
• 3 tbsp oil
• Salt (as needed ; use sparingly because taucheo is salty)