beef shank (about 1 kg) • beef bones or beef short ribs (about 1/2 kg) • rock sugar (about 30 grams) • salt • thick rice vermicelli noodles, fresh or dried and cooked (about 1 kg) • water (about 5 liters) • fresh lemongrass • dried chili flakes • Some garlic and fresh lemongrass, finely minced • olive oil • fermented shrimp paste (any brand) • Some green onions, cilantro, and Vietnamese coriander (rau răm) •