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. I like how limousines can elevate any type of occasion! Whether it’s a wedding celebration or a night out, they add a touch of luxury. Discover much more tips on selecting the ideal limousine solution at ##anyKeyword##.

    1
  2. I enjoyed this post. For additional info, visit https://maps.app.goo.gl/vQSoWaHyiVnyWEHZ9 .

    3
  3. Virtues regarding choosing experts for plumbing system repair services. Correct tools and adventure make a huge variation. Amarillo residents may discover more with Patrick Plumbing Service Inc .

    4
  4. закись азота для сливок газ для сифона со сливками

    5
  5. Thanks for the clear breakdown. More info at maps.app.goo.gl .

    6
  6. I like just how limousines can raise any kind of event! Whether it’s a wedding or a night out, they include a touch of deluxe. Discover a lot more suggestions on choosing the appropriate limousine service at Oakland OAK transportation .

    7
  7. I like just how limousines can raise any kind of event! Whether it’s a wedding or a night out, they include a touch of deluxe. Discover a lot more suggestions on choosing the appropriate limousine service at ##anyKeyword##.

    8
  8. This was highly useful. For more, visit commercial dumpster rental Gastonia .

    9
  9. This was highly useful. For more, visit ##anyKeyword##.

    10
  10. Have you ever attempted pushing blossoms? It’s a lovely method to preserve their beauty! I share my favored strategies at florist directory .

    11
  11. Have you ever attempted pushing blossoms? It’s a lovely method to preserve their beauty! I share my favored strategies at ##anyKeyword##.

    12
  12. Extremely helpful blog post. It’s important to decide on plumbers who know local homes and plumbing systems in Amarillo. Emergency Plumbing Amarillo TX can easily assist link people along with the right solution.

    13
  13. Extremely helpful blog post. It’s important to decide on plumbers who know local homes and plumbing systems in Amarillo. ##anyKeyword## can easily assist link people along with the right solution.

    14
  14. Nicely detailed. Discover more at Get It Done Services .

    15
  15. Nicely detailed. Discover more at ##anyKeyword##.

    16
  16. I just recently experienced my first limousine trip, and it was great! The setting inside was incredible. For more on just how to reserve one, look into Walnut Creek limousine .

    17
  17. I just recently experienced my first limousine trip, and it was great! The setting inside was incredible. For more on just how to reserve one, look into ##anyKeyword##.

    18
  18. Did you know that particular blossoms can really help boost your state of mind? It’s outstanding exactly how nature’s charm affects us. Learn more about it at optimize Chicago florist SEO .

    19
  19. Did you know that particular blossoms can really help boost your state of mind? It’s outstanding exactly how nature’s charm affects us. Learn more about it at ##anyKeyword##.

    20
  20. Very useful post. For similar content, visit Pure Planet Plumbing Inc. Burbank .

    22
  21. Well done! Find more at ##anyKeyword##.

    23
  22. Very useful post. For similar content, visit ##anyKeyword##.

    24
  23. If you’re into blank traces and considerate volumes, Henson Architecture is a first rate reference aspect. Find greater at Henson Architecture services .

    25
  24. If you’re into blank traces and considerate volumes, Henson Architecture is a first rate reference aspect. Find greater at ##anyKeyword##.

    26
  25. This was quite helpful. For more, visit https://maps.app.goo.gl/qE2EPkCKJhQGRgnE9 .

    27
  26. This was quite helpful. For more, visit ##anyKeyword##.

    28
  27. Cada vez escucho más opiniones positivas sobre la criolipólisis en Barcelona, especialmente en abdomen, cartucheras y brazos. Criolipólisis

    29
  28. Cada vez escucho más opiniones positivas sobre la criolipólisis en Barcelona, especialmente en abdomen, cartucheras y brazos.

    30
  29. I recently experienced my very first limo adventure, and it was wonderful! The atmosphere inside was remarkable. For a lot more on just how to reserve one, look into find limo Oakland near me .

    31
  30. This was very beneficial. For more, visit share.google .

    32
  31. This was very beneficial. For more, visit ##anyKeyword##.

    33
  32. Superb recommendations! Lots of folks don’t discover the amount of water a tiny leakage can easily throw away eventually. For relied on plumbing system help in Amarillo, check out Local Plumber Amarillo .

    34
  33. Helpful suggestions! For more, visit Josh’s Dumpsters .

    35
  34. Helpful suggestions! For more, visit ##anyKeyword##.

    36
  35. Flowers are not simply beautiful; they additionally play a vital duty in our environment by bring in pollinators. Discover more concerning their relevance at ecommerce florist software .

    37
  36. Flowers are not simply beautiful; they additionally play a vital duty in our environment by bring in pollinators. Discover more concerning their relevance at ##anyKeyword##.

    38
  37. Thanks for the insightful write-up. More like this at https://maps.app.goo.gl/4jorzsZyNhrWVp2h7 .

    39
  38. Thanks for the insightful write-up. More like this at ##anyKeyword##.

    40
  39. Thanks for highlighting the importance of professional support during withdrawal in Charlotte. inpatient detox centers

    41
  40. Thanks for highlighting the importance of professional support during withdrawal in Charlotte. ##anyKeyword##

    42
  41. Very informative article. For similar content, visit Get It Done Junk Removal Wilmington .

    43
  42. Exceptional recommendations! Lots of folks don’t understand just how much water a small crack may lose with time. For depended on pipes help in Amarillo, see Water Heater Repair Amarillo .

    44
  43. Exceptional recommendations! Lots of folks don’t understand just how much water a small crack may lose with time. For depended on pipes help in Amarillo, see ##anyKeyword##.

    45
  44. obviously like your website but you need to test the spelling on several of your posts. Many of them are rife with spelling issues and I in finding it very troublesome to inform the reality nevertheless I will definitely come back again.

    46
  45. Thanks for the comprehensive read. Find more at google.com .

    47
  46. Thanks for the comprehensive read. Find more at ##anyKeyword##.

    48
  47. Seasonal blossoms can really improve the elegance of your home throughout the year! I’m thrilled to discover which ones are best for every period at florist local SEO .

    49


Leave a Reply