Toast coriander, cumin, cardamom, and peppercorns until fragrant, grind.
Blend soaked chilies, garlic, shallots, ginger, lemongrass, turmeric, and cilantro roots.
Add ground spices and salt. Blend to smooth paste (use splash of water if needed).
Store paste in fridge up to 1 week, or freeze in ice cube trays for 2–3 months.
Heat oil in a pot, fry curry paste for 1–2 minutes.
Add half coconut milk, stir until slightly separated (‘cracked’).
Add remaining coconut milk, stock, soy sauce, and sugar. Simmer 20 min.
Add lime juice just before serving.
Cook noodles fresh (5–6 min boil).
Reheat broth (Instant Pot Sauté or stovetop).
Rewarm tofu (air-fryer 5 min).
Place noodles in bowls, ladle broth over.
Add tofu, top with crispy noodles.
Serve with toppings: pickles, shallots, cilantro, chili oil, lime.