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 the useful suggestions. Discover more at ייעוץ משכנתאות .

    1
  2. I like how this post highlights energy efficiency. A well-maintained HVAC system, smart thermostat, clean ducts, and sealed air leaks can lower utility bills and improve comfort. Here’s a relevant link for local HVAC service: hvac services near me

    2
  3. Thanks for the valuable insights. More at ספיישל מבית שמש לירושלים .

    3
  4. Appreciate the detailed insights. For more, visit local lighting contractor Knoxville .

    5
  5. Martha Ruiz says:

    This is quite enlightening. Check out התקנת חיפוי קירות חוץ for more.

    6
  6. Central plumbing systems are often overlooked until something goes wrong, so this was a useful read. plumber near me

    7
  7. Great checklist! I’d add: document leaks for insurance and get a removal appointment ASAP. I’ve had good luck booking same-day ice dam removal through ice dam removal prices during cold snaps.

    8
  8. Noise control was a game changer in our remodel. I used soundproofing tips sourced from high end home remodel contractors .

    10
  9. Solid advice about not apologizing at the scene. It’s a natural thing to say, but I can see how it gets twisted into an admission of fault later on. Stick to the facts and let the report speak.
    Midland Car Accident Lawyer

    11
  10. It’s great to have local options for people looking for eyeglasses near me. eye doctor

    13
  11. Excellent tips for protecting your AC system from unnecessary wear. central ac repair

    14
  12. rust jackpot skins rust рулетка

    15
  13. Thanks for the helpful article. More like this at Cambridge Somerville foundation repair .

    17
  14. This is very insightful. Check out affordable movers near me for more.

    18
  15. Terry Gonzalez says:

    Thanks for the clear breakdown. Find more at מענה קולי מבוסס AI .

    19
  16. I genuinely enjoy examining on this site, it holds fantastic blog posts. “Something unpredictable but in the end it’s right, I hope you have the time of your life.” by Greenday.

    21
  17. This was a wonderful guide. Check out kitchen contractors Kirkland WA for more.

    23
  18. This was a wonderful guide. Check out ##anyKeyword## for more.

    24
  19. נסיעה נקייה וממוזגת. מונית מנתבג לירושלים דרך מוניות נתב”ג – רכב מטופח.

    25
  20. Appreciate the thorough analysis. For more, visit מנות בוקר חלביות .

    26
  21. Good content that encourages smarter home maintenance habits. plumber near me

    28
  22. This is a great reminder that HVAC problems should not be delayed. A small issue with a capacitor, blower fan, or thermostat can quickly turn into a bigger repair. For anyone searching hvac service near me, check this out: hvac services near me

    29
  23. The OCT scan technology was impressive, and it gave me a lot of confidence in the level of care provided. optometrist

    30
  24. This is a great reminder that HVAC problems should not be delayed. A small issue with a capacitor, blower fan, or thermostat can quickly turn into a bigger repair. For anyone searching hvac service near me, check this out: ##anyKeyword##

    31
  25. The OCT scan technology was impressive, and it gave me a lot of confidence in the level of care provided.

    32
  26. I think more people should understand how often eye problems can be detected before they become noticeable. optometrist near me

    33
  27. Open-concept spaces can be tricky with load-bearing walls. I used structural advice I found on upscale home remodeling company to plan safely.

    34
  28. Open-concept spaces can be tricky with load-bearing walls. I used structural advice I found on ##anyKeyword## to plan safely.

    35
  29. Motorcyclists get blamed for everything around here. My husband rides and he’s the most careful driver I know. People just don’t look before changing lanes. A quick head check before a lane change would save a lot of lives.
    San Antonio Car Accident Lawyer

    36
  30. Motorcyclists get blamed for everything around here. My husband rides and he’s the most careful driver I know. People just don’t look before changing lanes. A quick head check before a lane change would save a lot of lives.

    37
  31. I enjoyed this read. For more, visit home buyers company .

    38
  32. I enjoyed this read. For more, visit ##anyKeyword##.

    39
  33. Good reminder that a failing capacitor can affect startup performance. central ac repair

    40
  34. I used to ignore small icicles—big mistake. Hidden melt-and-refreeze cycles led to ceiling leaks. If you’re seeing early signs, book an inspection via preparing roofs for ice dams before it escalates.

    41
  35. Contenido práctico para emergencias domésticas relacionadas con apertura de puertas Barcelona. Recomiendo cerradura .

    42
  36. I’ve in fact been searching for the best Garage door repair near me and was constantly finding outstanding reviews regarding King of Home Solutions in Jacksonville. It’s always handy to find a firm people really trust fund for quickly, specialist service JAX garage door technicians

    44
  37. I’ve in fact been searching for the best Garage door repair near me and was constantly finding outstanding reviews regarding King of Home Solutions in Jacksonville. It’s always handy to find a firm people really trust fund for quickly, specialist service

    45
  38. I’ve really been actually seeking the very best plumbers near me in Jacksonville and also always kept discovering superb reviews concerning King of Home Solutions in Jacksonville drain cleaning plumber

    46
  39. I’ve really been actually seeking the very best plumbers near me in Jacksonville and also always kept discovering superb reviews concerning King of Home Solutions in Jacksonville

    47


Leave a Reply