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. This was very well put together. Discover more at ##anyKeyword##.

    1
  2. Whiplash Therapy information is easier to approach when the assessment process is clearly explained.
    A brief appointment outline can help people organize their questions.
    Whiplash Therapy discussions should make space for the person’s main concerns Whiplash Therapy

    2
  3. A pizza restaurant manitou springs search could inspire a relaxed lunch with friends.
    A menu with clear descriptions makes unfamiliar combinations easier to explore.
    When browsing pizza restaurant manitou springs options, crust choices deserve attention pizza restaurant manitou springs

    3
  4. Urge actual consumers to leave truthful testimonials rather than using review links for promo. Residential Plumber Amarillo

    5
  5. Whiplash Therapy information should make the boundaries of an introductory consultation clear.
    A conversation about symptoms may raise questions that need another appointment Whiplash Therapy

    6
  6. Plumbing repair work call for experience and the right tools. This may assist any person hunting for plumbers in Amarillo: Plumbers Amarillo TX

    7
  7. Plumbing repair work call for experience and the right tools. This may assist any person hunting for plumbers in Amarillo: ##anyKeyword##

    8
  8. Appreciate the comprehensive advice. For more, visit casas completas en Galicia pet friendly .

    9
  9. Appreciate the comprehensive advice. For more, visit ##anyKeyword##.

    10
  10. Appreciate the thorough information. For more, visit אלוקובונד מחיר למבנים .

    11
  11. Appreciate the thorough information. For more, visit ##anyKeyword##.

    12
  12. Useful advice! For more, visit ##anyKeyword##.

    15
  13. Thanks for the thorough analysis. More info at professional carpet cleaning near me .

    16
  14. Thanks for the thorough analysis. More info at ##anyKeyword##.

    17
  15. I enjoyed this article. Check out יועץ משכנתאות פרטי for more.

    19
  16. I enjoyed this article. Check out ##anyKeyword## for more.

    20
  17. Great point about seasonal exterior cleaning. A lot of homeowners underestimate how much dirt and mildew can build up over time. We’ve seen similar results at pressure washing madison ms .

    21
  18. Great point about seasonal exterior cleaning. A lot of homeowners underestimate how much dirt and mildew can build up over time. We’ve seen similar results at ##anyKeyword##.

    22
  19. This was very beneficial. For more, visit personal injury law los angeles ca .

    23
  20. This was very beneficial. For more, visit ##anyKeyword##.

    24
  21. I’ve advocated LOCKSMITH IN ORLANDO to pals and family considering the fact that they may be surely the most productive emergency locksmiths in Orlando!

    25
  22. I’ve advocated ##anyKeyword## to pals and family considering the fact that they may be surely the most productive emergency locksmiths in Orlando!

    26
  23. Thanks for the insightful write-up. More like this at divorce lawyer services .

    27
  24. Thanks for the insightful write-up. More like this at ##anyKeyword##.

    28
  25. трансы владивостока

    29
  26. How often should flat roofs be inspected? Ours is only visible from the bathroom window and I honestly cannot remember the last time anyone looked at it closely or cleared the outlet.
    Roofers Cardiff

    31
  27. How often should flat roofs be inspected? Ours is only visible from the bathroom window and I honestly cannot remember the last time anyone looked at it closely or cleared the outlet.

    32
  28. Our family business has been running for three generations and we still do not have a real succession plan. My dad keeps saying he will get to it next year. Articles like this make me realize we need to push the conversation now.
    Law Firm

    33
  29. Our family business has been running for three generations and we still do not have a real succession plan. My dad keeps saying he will get to it next year. Articles like this make me realize we need to push the conversation now.

    34
  30. Well done! Find more at ##anyKeyword##.

    37
  31. Thanks for the useful post. More like this at מונית ספיישל שירות פרימיום .

    38
  32. Thanks for the useful post. More like this at ##anyKeyword##.

    39
  33. I enjoyed this article. Check out תפריט בית קפה חלבי for more.

    40
  34. Thanks for the great tips. Discover more at best carpet cleaning methods .

    43
  35. Thanks for the great tips. Discover more at ##anyKeyword##.

    44
  36. Appreciate the useful tips. For more, visit ארוחת בוקר חלבית .

    45
  37. So impressed with the provider from LOCKSMITH ! They made my stressful issue plenty less demanding to deal with.

    46
  38. Appreciate the useful tips. For more, visit ##anyKeyword##.

    47
  39. So impressed with the provider from ##anyKeyword##! They made my stressful issue plenty less demanding to deal with.

    48


Leave a Reply