Beef mince caramelises in a chilli-garlic paste and a quick stir-fry sauce, then homemade chilli fish sauce (prik nam pla), fresh basil and a crispy-edged egg topping bring extra flavour dimensions.

From Boston, you can reach Portland, Maine, in about two hours by bus from South Station or by train from North Station, and many of the city’s impressive restaurants are conveniently clustered on a ...