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. https://fc88.it.com/ Khám Phá Hệ Sinh Thái Giải Trí Trực Tuyến Đa Dạng

    1
  2. https://fabet8x.com/ Nền Tảng Giải Trí Trực Tuyến Đa Dạng Và Hấp Dẫn

    2
  3. https://uk88az.com/ Nền Tảng Giải Trí Trực Tuyến Với Nội Dung Phong Phú

    3
  4. https://lu88.casino/ Không Gian Giải Trí Trực Tuyến Với Nhiều Nội Dung Hấp Dẫn

    4
  5. https://five888.br.com/ Điểm Đến Giải Trí Trực Tuyến Với Nhiều Lựa Chọn Thú Vị

    5
  6. Each flag has a tale, from triumphs to tragedies; it’s incredible how a whole lot historical past is living in cloth! sources for war memorabilia

    6
  7. Each flag has a tale, from triumphs to tragedies; it’s incredible how a whole lot historical past is living in cloth! ##anyKeyword##

    8
  8. https://lucky88.foo/ Khám Phá Thế Giới Giải Trí Trực Tuyến Đa Sắc Màu

    9
  9. What makes a neighborhood Bar feel welcoming on a first visit?
    Comfortable seating and a friendly greeting would be high on my list.
    A clear Bar menu makes choosing something much easier.
    I like being able to browse the drink options before arriving Bar

    12
  10. lucky_ryan42 says:

    wowgirls

    13
  11. медицинская техника купить Надежная медтехника делает процесс лечения и контроля показателей максимально простым и безопасным. Качественная медицинская техника купить которую можно на нашем сайте имеет все необходимые разрешительные документы. Выбирайте проверенных поставщиков и заказывайте современное оборудование для медицинских учреждений.

    15
  12. Inspiring illustration of AI-assisted determination make stronger. We’re development a loop for clinicians at Innovative Healthcare Solutions reviews

    17
  13. Inspiring illustration of AI-assisted determination make stronger. We’re development a loop for clinicians at ##anyKeyword##

    18
  14. The article does a good sized task connecting how TPAs get paid with authentic-world declare processing workflows. See: sla incentives performance bonuses

    19
  15. The article does a good sized task connecting how TPAs get paid with authentic-world declare processing workflows. See: ##anyKeyword##

    20
  16. Nice breakdown of what to monitor for. If you want experienced roofers, First Class Roofing has you blanketed—visit: First Class Roofing reviews

    21
  17. Nice breakdown of what to monitor for. If you want experienced roofers, First Class Roofing has you blanketed—visit: ##anyKeyword##

    22
  18. Awesome article! Discover more at maps.app.goo.gl .

    24
  19. Helpful suggestions! For more, visit share.google .

    26
  20. I’m researching Cosmetic Dentistry Bakersfield CA for a smile makeover.
    This guide made Cosmetic Dentistry Bakersfield CA much easier to understand Cosmetic Dentistry Bakersfield CA

    27
  21. I’m researching Cosmetic Dentistry Bakersfield CA for a smile makeover.
    This guide made Cosmetic Dentistry Bakersfield CA much easier to understand

    28
  22. Thanks for the insightful write-up. More like this at K&D Development .

    29
  23. Thanks for the insightful write-up. More like this at ##anyKeyword##.

    30
  24. What information should a facility manager prepare before contacting an Industrial Electrician?
    A checklist for discussing shutdown work with an Industrial Electrician would be useful Industrial Electrician

    31
  25. What information should a facility manager prepare before contacting an Industrial Electrician?
    A checklist for discussing shutdown work with an Industrial Electrician would be useful

    32
  26. What makes a neighborhood Bar feel welcoming on a first visit?
    Comfortable seating and a friendly greeting would be high on my list.
    A clear Bar menu makes choosing something much easier.
    I like being able to browse the drink options before arriving Bar

    33
  27. What makes a neighborhood Bar feel welcoming on a first visit?
    Comfortable seating and a friendly greeting would be high on my list.
    A clear Bar menu makes choosing something much easier.
    I like being able to browse the drink options before arriving

    34
  28. What should homeowners ask before planning a New Roof Installation?
    A clear project checklist would be helpful for New Roof Installation.
    I would appreciate a simple overview of the New Roof Installation process New Roof Installation

    36
  29. What should homeowners ask before planning a New Roof Installation?
    A clear project checklist would be helpful for New Roof Installation.
    I would appreciate a simple overview of the New Roof Installation process

    37
  30. What should someone ask before booking catering for an event?
    A clear catering menu would make planning much easier.
    I would appreciate a simple checklist for comparing catering options Catering

    40
  31. What should someone ask before booking catering for an event?
    A clear catering menu would make planning much easier.
    I would appreciate a simple checklist for comparing catering options

    41
  32. ткань Универсальные цвета и благородные фактуры натуральных тканей никогда не выходят из строя и моды. Это вневременная классика которая актуальна как для офиса так и для прогулок. Соберите идеальный вневременной гардероб вместе с интернет-магазином CUCTEX

    42
  33. Well done! Find more at Flood Fire Pro .

    44
  34. Thanks for the insightful write-up. More like this at https://maps.app.goo.gl/xmHa6hfXhVm6jEcy6 .

    45
  35. Thanks for the insightful write-up. More like this at ##anyKeyword##.

    46
  36. This post brings in an excellent point regarding behaving quickly when plumbing system concerns appear. For those in Amarillo, Emergency Plumbing Amarillo TX could be a valuable resource.

    47
  37. This post brings in an excellent point regarding behaving quickly when plumbing system concerns appear. For those in Amarillo, ##anyKeyword## could be a valuable resource.

    48
  38. This is highly informative. Check out K&D Development for more.

    49
  39. This is highly informative. Check out ##anyKeyword## for more.

    50


Leave a Reply