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. Why junk removal Delaware County can be useful after storm cleanup and property maintenance.

    1
  2. The explanation about exit-seeking behaviors and how memory care manages them is so important. Assisted living may not be able to safely handle that. More on behavior care is on senior living .

    2
  3. These are truly impressive ideas in on the topic of
    blogging. You have touched some nice factors here. Any way keep up wrinting.

    3
  4. Great tips for ensuring safe and compliant solar panel install work. More info at solar panel installation .

    4
  5. Financing and payment plans for rehab—see options at drug detox tinton falls .

    5
  6. A professional tree service can improve both safety and the look of a yard. tree removal st george ut

    6
  7. A professional tree service can improve both safety and the look of a yard.

    7
  8. Excellent guidance for families dealing with addiction. Consider resources like drug rehab near me

    8
  9. Excellent guidance for families dealing with addiction. Consider resources like ##anyKeyword##

    9
  10. The way you broke down installation considerations is excellent. For local Lodi installers, visit solar panel installers .

    10
  11. The way you broke down installation considerations is excellent. For local Lodi installers, visit ##anyKeyword##.

    11
  12. Great reminders for summer prep. For professional inspection, ac repair did an excellent job.

    12
  13. Great reminders for summer prep. For professional inspection, ##anyKeyword## did an excellent job.

    13
  14. This is an important conversation. A strong rehab center supports both healing and accountability. rehabilitation center

    14
  15. This is an important conversation. A strong rehab center supports both healing and accountability. ##anyKeyword##

    15
  16. The connection among historic flags and nationwide identity is profound! These symbols really shape how we see ourselves as a country. Visit Ultimate Flags for insights!

    16
  17. The connection among historic flags and nationwide identity is profound! These symbols really shape how we see ourselves as a country. Visit ##anyKeyword## for insights!

    17
  18. If you’re browsing for the “best Sushi near me” around St. Augustine, Ginger Bistro is a no brainer! sushi near me

    18
  19. If you’re browsing for the “best Sushi near me” around St. Augustine, Ginger Bistro is a no brainer!

    19
  20. Great website. A lot of helpful info here. I am sending it to
    several friends ans additionally sharing in delicious.
    And certainly, thank you for your sweat!

    20
  21. I appreciate the reminder to check reviews and licensing before hiring movers. DC moves can get complicated quickly, so planning ahead is key. Another useful resource to consider is Office moving companies Washington DC .

    21
  22. Farm landscaping alongside our fencing project was coordinated really well. Fencing Maple Ridge

    22
  23. Farm landscaping alongside our fencing project was coordinated really well.

    23
  24. Thanks for sharing your info. I really appreciate your efforts
    and I will be waiting for your further write ups thanks once again.

    24
  25. Helpful suggestions! For more, visit ##anyKeyword##.

    26
  26. HVAC tune-ups, maintenance, and filter recommendations can extend system lifespan. This is worth checking: Plumber

    27
  27. HVAC tune-ups, maintenance, and filter recommendations can extend system lifespan. This is worth checking: ##anyKeyword##

    28
  28. If you’re looking for the “finest Chinese food near me” around St. Augustine, Ginger Bistro is a must do! chinese food near me

    29
  29. If you’re looking for the “finest Chinese food near me” around St. Augustine, Ginger Bistro is a must do!

    30
  30. I was impressed by the quick response and professional work provided by Jacksonville Plumbers. Plumbing contactors Jacksonville

    31
  31. I was impressed by the quick response and professional work provided by Jacksonville Plumbers.

    32
  32. Lifetime warranty gave me real peace of mind, especially for the price we paid. Paintless Dent Repair

    33
  33. Seeing improvements taking place within neighborhoods promoting modification inspires hope encourages action leading jointly towards development combating stigma associated disease directly impacting countless lives around the world!!! #AnyKeyWord #. eating disorder treatment

    34
  34. Lifetime warranty gave me real peace of mind, especially for the price we paid.

    35
  35. Seeing improvements taking place within neighborhoods promoting modification inspires hope encourages action leading jointly towards development combating stigma associated disease directly impacting countless lives around the world!!! #AnyKeyWord #.

    36
  36. This is a meaningful subject. When treatment addresses both dependency and psychological health together, people typically have a more powerful foundation for lasting recovery and a much better lifestyle. dual diagnosis

    37
  37. This is a meaningful subject. When treatment addresses both dependency and psychological health together, people typically have a more powerful foundation for lasting recovery and a much better lifestyle.

    38
  38. Choosing the right movers is one of the most important parts of a successful long-distance move. Oakland residents should definitely look for experience, reliability, and clear communication. Oakland moving abroad specialists

    39
  39. Popped in for a quick lunch during the week and service was fast without feeling rushed. Great option for a midweek break. Fusion restaurant Kingsport TN

    40
  40. Popped in for a quick lunch during the week and service was fast without feeling rushed. Great option for a midweek break.

    41
  41. Very satisfied with Gilbert Auto Transport. They handled my vehicle shipment with care and attention to detail. Gilbert car transportation services

    42
  42. Very satisfied with Gilbert Auto Transport. They handled my vehicle shipment with care and attention to detail.

    43
  43. Financing option made a big difference when our AC needed full replacement. HVAC Contractor

    44
  44. “Therapeutic horseback riding programs reveal appealing outcomes as alternative treatments along with conventional rehabilitations!” # # Anykeyword #. drug rehab

    45
  45. Financing option made a big difference when our AC needed full replacement.

    46
  46. “Therapeutic horseback riding programs reveal appealing outcomes as alternative treatments along with conventional rehabilitations!” # # Anykeyword #.

    47
  47. Clear and practical—this explains how junk removal companies can help with garage, attic, and estate cleanouts. Junk Hauling

    48
  48. Clear and practical—this explains how junk removal companies can help with garage, attic, and estate cleanouts. ##anyKeyword##

    49
  49. Let’s continue advocating for psychological health resources along with standard drug abuse treatments; they’re interconnected. # # any Keyword ## addiction treatment

    50


Leave a Reply