Flavor Boulevard

We Asians like to talk food.
Subscribe

Fast pho at Le Cheval

September 17, 2009 By: Mai Truong Category: California - The Bay Area, noodle soup, Vietnamese

There is this McDonald’s pretty much right across the street from the old Physics building where I went to college. It made good business. College kids, tight pockets, tight schedule, empty stomach, of course. But good old days are no more. The Big M is nonexistent here, although all the above conditions still hold. The Physics building is inconveniently located in the middle of campus, which is at least 15 minutes strolling to the nearest food in any direction (on-campus diners don’t count). The shortest voyage if you’re facing south leads to the corner Durant-Bowditch. A yellow sign gently says “Le Cheval – Saigon Cuisine, Est. 1986”, with green vines, sunshine patio, and “cash only”.

Le_Cheval_BerkeleyThe place is usually packed during lunch peak. (This picture was taken at 3 pm.) There are about a dozen dishes on the counter, you pay a fix price for a combo rice plate, and make your own. I haven’t tried those, because it would take more time than to order a bowl of pho. Actually I said “noodle soup”, and the white man at the cashier politely asked, in well-toned Vietnamese, “phở bò?” :-). I paid, poured myself a glass of water, sat down with a number. Two minutes later a guy, tray in hand, zigzagged from the back kitchen through numerous chairs and conversations. My pho was ready, snuggly next to the usual bountiful plate of bean sprouts and mints. I don’t recall my double cheeseburgers coming to me faster than that, especially when there are 50 customers around. Arguably, this phở is a more heart-warming encounter. What else would you expect from a big bowl with lotsa meat?

Speediness aside, Le Cheval has something else worth coming for: phở sans broth and all that steamy business. I haven’t seen this dish anywhere else. It appears under the name “stir-fried phở” on page 3 of the menu. It has the combined quality of pad thai and jap chae. A delicate yet enduring texture. It’s phở you can eat with a fork and ease. It’s phở you can take your time handling without making it disintegrate into the sea of broth. And take time you must, for it’s a big plate.

The veggies and shrimps are just makeup on a natural beauty, and probably for the health-conscious. The noodle is already savoury by itself.

Side note: the chopsticks here might be a little too short, and I always get loaded with guilt when putting my finished bowl (with broth) into the plastic bins for dirty dishes. Fatty liquid streaming out and coating the bowls isn’t a pretty sight. On the plus size, self-service saves you on tips, and all the more reason to order pho xao if you have time.

Address: Le Petit Cheval
2600 Bancroft Way (between Bowditch St and College Ave)
Berkeley, CA 94704
510-704-8018

0 Comments to “Fast pho at Le Cheval”


  1. Thanks for this. The explanation of repair workflows was very informative, especially for drivers around West Palm Beach, FL. It highlights the need for reliable auto shops transmission repair west palm beach

    1
  2. I found these recommendations very helpful. I hadn’t considered the importance of local garage reviews until reading this. West Palm Beach, FL residents will definitely benefit from these insights. Would love a follow-up on budget-friendly repair options auto repair west palm beach

    2
  3. Thanks for the thorough analysis. Find more at ייעוץ משכנתאות .

    3
  4. ส่วนตัวมองว่า ร้าน ตั้งไฟหน้ารถยนต์ใกล้ฉัน เหมาะกับคนที่ขับทางไกลบ่อย เพราะช่วยให้มองเส้นถนนกับป้ายชัดขึ้น โดยเฉพาะตอนถนนมืด

    4
  5. Attending to cultural understandings surrounding mental health & addictions across varied neighborhoods will pave methods towards broader acceptance & understanding !! drug addiction .

    5
  6. This is a useful examine for somebody who enjoys cultural essays, literary observation, or the editorial tradition linked to Harper’s. Link: Restaurants Dobbs Ferry

    6
  7. Thanks for the auspicious writeup. It in fact used to be
    a amusement account it. Look advanced to more delivered agreeable from you!
    However, how could we be in contact?

    7
  8. Appreciate you posting these helpful tips. The section on engine tune-ups was really eye-opening. As someone in West Palm Beach, I can relate to the importance of trusted auto shops. Would love more details on suspension checks for our area transmission shops west palm beach

    8
  9. I appreciate that the skincare professionals I found via Eyebrow Services Las Vegas understand how to treat both locals and tourists dealing with the Las Vegas climate.

    9
  10. Thanks for the detailed guidance. More at alquiler turístico en Arzúa .

    10
  11. Useful advice! For more, visit clínica capilar top .

    11
  12. This is a good overview for homeowners researching ways to improve insulation. Attics and exterior walls are definitely areas worth evaluating when comfort varies throughout the home. spray foam contractors Vancouver WA

    13
  13. This is a good overview for homeowners researching ways to improve insulation. Attics and exterior walls are definitely areas worth evaluating when comfort varies throughout the home.

    14
  14. I believe alcohol detox works best with guidance, and alcohol detox near me can offer exactly that. alcohol detox

    15
  15. Communicating freely about yearnings assists prevent regressions by determining triggers previously on– together let’s build healthier coping systems!!!! ## anyKeyboard #. drug addiction

    16
  16. Quality addiction treatment can improve physical and mental health, and addiction treatment near me helps make care accessible. addiction treatment

    17
  17. Nice breakdown of the difference between public and private utilities. For those in Orange County needing private line locating (like sprinkler, gas, or electric to outbuildings), Orange County hydro excavation has been very helpful.

    18
  18. Nice breakdown of the difference between public and private utilities. For those in Orange County needing private line locating (like sprinkler, gas, or electric to outbuildings), ##anyKeyword## has been very helpful.

    19
  19. Safe drug detox programs can really alter lives by offering individuals a strong foundation for sobriety. drug detox

    20
  20. Safe drug detox programs can really alter lives by offering individuals a strong foundation for sobriety.

    21
  21. I’ve actually been trying to find the best Garage door repair near me in Jacksonville and maintained observing superior evaluations concerning King of Home Solutions in Jacksonville garage door repair near me

    22
  22. Useful advice! For more, visit ##anyKeyword##.

    25
  23. If you need structured aid, alcohol detox deserves checking out, and alcohol detox near me can reveal regional facilities. alcohol detox

    26
  24. If you need structured aid, alcohol detox deserves checking out, and alcohol detox near me can reveal regional facilities.

    27
  25. Yesterday, while I was at work, my sister stole my apple ipad and tested to see if
    it can survive a thirty foot drop, just so she can be a youtube sensation. My apple ipad is
    now destroyed and she has 83 views. I know
    this is totally off topic but I had to share it with someone!

    28
  26. I like how this helps people understand addiction treatment while also guiding them toward addiction treatment near me. addiction treatment

    29
  27. I like how this helps people understand addiction treatment while also guiding them toward addiction treatment near me.

    30
  28. I’m grateful this post explains that medical supervision throughout detox can avoid severe problems. drug detox

    31
  29. I’m grateful this post explains that medical supervision throughout detox can avoid severe problems.

    32
  30. Cultural trade becomes superior whilst persons comprehend the reason why at the back of it. Coffee Shop Stuart

    33
  31. Cultural trade becomes superior whilst persons comprehend the reason why at the back of it.

    34
  32. I never realized how important professional skincare was until I moved to Las Vegas— Facial Treatments Las Vegas helped me narrow down which services were worth trying.

    35
  33. I never realized how important professional skincare was until I moved to Las Vegas—##anyKeyword## helped me narrow down which services were worth trying.

    36
  34. Thanks for the useful post. More like this at piso turístico Arzúa .

    37
  35. Thanks for the great information. More at albergues Palas de Rei Camino de Santiago .

    38
  36. Thanks for the great information. More at ##anyKeyword##.

    39
  37. Thanks for the great tips. Discover more at ארוחות חלביות כשרות .

    40
  38. I found this guide while searching for SAVE40 coupon code . The Bitget Referral Code “SAVE40” may provide eligible new users with potential trading fee savings and access to promotional rewards of up to 6,200 USDT

    41
  39. Many individuals do not realize that drug addiction can occur to anyone, no matter background or status. drug addiction

    42
  40. Many individuals do not realize that drug addiction can occur to anyone, no matter background or status. ##anyKeyword##

    43
  41. This was enjoyable because it connects a specific theme to better questions about culture and society. Related web page: Farm to table restaurant Dobbs Ferry

    45
  42. This was enjoyable because it connects a specific theme to better questions about culture and society. Related web page: ##anyKeyword##

    46
  43. Choosing the right technician can save time and money. Anyone comparing AC repair near me services might find ac repair near me helpful.

    47
  44. Lillian Norris says:

    This aligns perfectly with what we see in the field. On tight infill sites in Orange County, we always call Orange County hydro excavation because accurate utility locating is critical to keep nearby services intact.

    48
  45. Thanks for the valuable insights. More at מסעדה איטלקית חלבית .

    49


Leave a Reply