Clean the shrimp, remove the black vein, and rinse. Rinse the chicken breast and boil until just cooked. Blanch the cabbage until just tender. Boil the vermicelli noodles until cooked, then rinse with water to remove excess starch. Julienne the carrot (if you have cucumber, add it for extra flavor).

Shred the cooked chicken breast into bite-sized strips. Slice the shrimp in half lengthwise. Cut the vermicelli noodles into pieces about 2 to 2 1/2 inches (5-6 cm) long.

For the sauce: Mix 2 tablespoons water, 1 tablespoon fish sauce, 1 tablespoon lime juice (or vinegar), and 1 tablespoon sugar until dissolved. Add minced garlic, chopped chili, and black pepper. If you have cilantro, add it for extra flavor. Adjust the sweet, sour, and spicy flavors to your taste.