Step 1

In a medium saucepan, cover the rice with the water. Bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to low and simmer until the rice is tender and porridgelike, about 25 minutes.

Step 2

Meanwhile, cut the piece of ginger into slivers: Thinly slice the ginger crosswise; stack the slices, removing the bottom rounded slice, so the stack is stable and easy to work with; cut the slices lengthwise into thin slivers.

Step 3

Add the chicken stock, fish sauce, salt and sugar to the rice, bring to a simmer and continue cooking over low heat for 10 minutes. Stir in half of the ginger and simmer for 10 minutes longer.

Step 4

Ladle the soup into shallow bowls, garnish with the shredded chicken, sliced scallions, chopped cilantro and the remaining slivered ginger and serve.