Bird's eye chili are those really small chili peppers (tiny little things) that pack so much heat per piece that you can't believe a small thing could be so spicy! A dash of Vietnamese or Thai hot sauce (sriracha) - even Tabasco! - works in a pinch! ^_^

Palm sugar is what you get from the sap of the coconut palm; very dark brown sugar works just as well.

Rice is a great buffer for the spiciness, and a light salad balances the richness of the pork belly. ^_^