Place garlic, chili paste and chili in a mortar. With a pestle, pound into a paste. (If you do not have a mortar & pestle, finely mince the garlic and chili.)
Combine the garlic mixture with the remaining ingredients in a small mixing bowl. Stir until the sugar has dissolved. Ladle sauce into serving bowls and float the carrot slivers on top.
Reprinted from "The Best of Vietnamese & Thai Cooking" cookbook. Favorite recipes from Lemon Grass Restaurants and cafes.