The sun had barely peeked over the horizon when Cubis stirred awake, his little nose twitching at the memory of what was promised the night before. Today wasn’t just any day—it was Bún Riêu day, and Cubis wasn’t about to miss it. With surprising energy for such an early hour, he hopped out of bed, eyes sparkling with anticipation.
Bún Riêu, a comforting Vietnamese noodle soup made with crab paste, tomatoes, and herbs, had quickly become one of Cubis’s favorite dishes. The fragrant broth, the tangy tomatoes, and the soft rice noodles always seemed to brighten his morning. He wasn’t sure if it was the warmth of the soup or the love poured into preparing it, but something about this meal felt extra special.
Padding into the kitchen, Cubis found the air already filled with the mouthwatering aroma of simmering broth. His little paws tapped excitedly against the floor as he peeked around, watching the pot bubble gently. The fresh herbs sat on the counter, waiting to be added, and just the sight made his stomach rumble.
“Good morning, Cubis,” his mother said with a smile, noticing his eager face. “You’re up early!”
Cubis grinned and wagged his tail—well, if he had one, it surely would have wagged. He climbed onto his chair, sitting tall and proud, ready for his bowl. When the steaming Bún Riêu was finally placed in front of him, his eyes widened in pure delight. The rich, savory scent wrapped around him like a hug, and he wasted no time diving in.
Each bite was better than the last. The crab paste gave the broth a depth of flavor, the noodles were soft yet satisfying, and the herbs added that fresh burst of life. Cubis ate happily, savoring every spoonful, as if this was the best breakfast he had ever tasted.
By the time the bowl was empty, Cubis leaned back with a content sigh, his belly warm and full. Waking up early had been worth it—because nothing, absolutely nothing, compared to starting the day with a bowl of Bún Riêu.
