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. Nicely detailed. Discover more at ייעוץ משכנתאות .

    1
  2. It is nice to have an eye clinic that works well with a busy routine. eye doctor

    2
  3. This was nicely structured. Discover more at DRIFT AWAY NAIL LOUNGE .

    3
  4. Good explanation of open vent vs sealed systems. Helped me talk to my installer. boiler repair near me

    5
  5. Thanks for explaining the importance of proper AC maintenance. Low refrigerant, dirty filters, and blocked vents can make an air conditioning system work harder than it should. I came across this related HVAC service page: hvac service near me

    7
  6. Chuan Grove is such a convenient area, especially with Lorong Chuan MRT nearby. For latest updates and developer pricing: ##anyKeyword##(https://onechuangroves.com.sg/)

    8
  7. Thanks for the great tips. Discover more at indemnización por despido Sevilla .

    9
  8. I’m so glad I discovered this weblog—it’s an splendid aid for any individual brooding about a brand new fence, such as myself, and I’m going lower back routinely by means of  ## residential fencing company

    10
  9. Thanks for the great tips. Discover more at ##anyKeyword##.

    11
  10. I’m so glad I discovered this weblog—it’s an splendid aid for any individual brooding about a brand new fence, such as myself, and I’m going lower back routinely by means of  ##

    12
  11. I found this article while searching for Bitget app code 2026 . The Bitget Referral Code “SAVE40” may help eligible users reduce trading costs and access promotional rewards of up to 6,200 USDT

    13
  12. I found this article while searching for ##anyKeyword##. The Bitget Referral Code “SAVE40” may help eligible users reduce trading costs and access promotional rewards of up to 6,200 USDT

    14
  13. Useful advice! For more, visit bathroom showroom .

    15
  14. Useful advice! For more, visit ##anyKeyword##.

    16
  15. If you’re looking for a contact lens exam Buena Park, this sounds like a solid place to start. It’s nice when a team takes time to explain everything clearly. eye doctor optometrist optometrist near me

    19
  16. Useful advice! For more, visit ##anyKeyword##.

    20
  17. If you’re looking for a contact lens exam Buena Park, this sounds like a solid place to start. It’s nice when a team takes time to explain everything clearly. ##anyKeyword##

    21
  18. Great job! Find more at ##anyKeyword##.

    23
  19. The queso at mexican restaurant is silky and super savory.

    24
  20. The queso at ##anyKeyword## is silky and super savory.

    25
  21. This was very beneficial. For more, visit ##anyKeyword##.

    27
  22. מישהו עם ניסיון בחיפוי מבנה גבוה מעל 10 קומות? רואה שב- התקנת חיפוי אלוקובונד מקצועית יש מענה לעבודה בגובה.

    28
  23. מישהו עם ניסיון בחיפוי מבנה גבוה מעל 10 קומות? רואה שב-##anyKeyword## יש מענה לעבודה בגובה.

    29
  24. This was quite informative. For more, visit SAT Saltillo .

    31
  25. The Chino location sounds ideal for people who want quick access to care. optometrist near me

    32
  26. Great insights! Find more at ##anyKeyword##.

    33
  27. This was quite informative. For more, visit ##anyKeyword##.

    34
  28. Thanks for the helpful advice. Discover more at נציג וירטואלי לשירות .

    35
  29. The Chino location sounds ideal for people who want quick access to care.

    36
  30. Thanks for the helpful advice. Discover more at ##anyKeyword##.

    37
  31. Appreciate the comprehensive insights. For more, visit baja laboral Sevilla .

    39
  32. Appreciate the comprehensive insights. For more, visit ##anyKeyword##.

    40
  33. I like how this post highlights both practical eyewear and personalized vision solutions. eye doctor

    41
  34. I like how this post highlights both practical eyewear and personalized vision solutions.

    42
  35. Great insights! Discover more at nikkinailsflorissantmo.com .

    43
  36. Great insights! Discover more at ##anyKeyword##.

    44
  37. I appreciate that mexican restaurant labels allergens clearly—super helpful.

    46
  38. I appreciate that ##anyKeyword## labels allergens clearly—super helpful.

    47
  39. Fantastic guide for emergency boiler shutdown procedures. Everyone should read this. boiler repair near me

    48
  40. Fantastic guide for emergency boiler shutdown procedures. Everyone should read this. ##anyKeyword##

    49
  41. Thanks for the helpful article. More like this at מומחה למשכנתאות פרטי .

    50


Leave a Reply