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. Many thanks for sharing these plumbing knowledge. Individuals in Amarillo ought to not wait extremely long to phone specialists, and also ##anyKeyword## could be a practical contact.

    1
  2. I’m researching Cosmetic Dentistry Bakersfield CA for a smile makeover.
    This guide made Cosmetic Dentistry Bakersfield CA much easier to understand clear aligners Bakersfield

    2
  3. I enjoyed this post. For additional info, visit Denver residential contractor .

    3
  4. bestclaire9247 says:

    mora scopata

    4
  5. This was quite helpful. For more, visit residential waste disposal near me Paterson .

    5
  6. 会心と速度だけでなく、必殺技に支援効果を重ねる順番まで確認できる点が参考になります。 スターレイルの壊滅アタッカーの行動順調整

    6
  7. 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

    7
  8. 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

    8
  9. 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

    10
  10. 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

    11
  11. Empty cleaning, water leak fixing, and component installment are actually all jobs greatest managed by seasoned plumbers. Amarillo individuals may explore Leak Detection Amarillo

    12
  12. Appreciate the comprehensive advice. For more, visit Modern Elegance Kitchen and Bath Manasquan .

    13
  13. Empty cleaning, water leak fixing, and component installment are actually all jobs greatest managed by seasoned plumbers. Amarillo individuals may explore ##anyKeyword##

    14
  14. Good points about maintenance and monitoring after installation in Lodi. best solar energy company

    15
  15. Appreciate the comprehensive advice. For more, visit ##anyKeyword##.

    16
  16. Good points about maintenance and monitoring after installation in Lodi. ##anyKeyword##

    17
  17. 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

    18
  18. I acknowledge that preventative pipes maintenance is worth it. Amarillo homes can easily take advantage of regular assessments and well-timed fixings. Amarillo Plumbing Company

    19
  19. 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

    20
  20. I acknowledge that preventative pipes maintenance is worth it. Amarillo homes can easily take advantage of regular assessments and well-timed fixings. ##anyKeyword##

    21
  21. 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

    22
  22. 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

    23
  23. 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

    25
  24. I’m researching Cosmetic Dentistry Bakersfield CA for a smile makeover.
    This guide made Cosmetic Dentistry Bakersfield CA much easier to understand

    26
  25. This was highly useful. For more, visit share.google .

    27
  26. The network selector was straightforward. I selected the chain supported by my wallet and reviewed the deposit details.

    28
  27. 会心と速度だけでなく、必殺技に支援効果を重ねる順番まで確認できる点が参考になります。 ギルガメッシュ会心の整え方

    30
  28. 会心と速度だけでなく、必殺技に支援効果を重ねる順番まで確認できる点が参考になります。

    31
  29. I’m researching Cosmetic Dentistry Bakersfield CA for a smile makeover.
    This guide made Cosmetic Dentistry Bakersfield CA much easier to understand affordable cosmetic dentistry Bakersfield

    32
  30. I’m researching Cosmetic Dentistry Bakersfield CA for a smile makeover.
    This guide made Cosmetic Dentistry Bakersfield CA much easier to understand

    33
  31. 会心と速度だけでなく、必殺技に支援効果を重ねる順番まで確認できる点が参考になります。 装備厳選の基礎知識

    34
  32. 会心と速度だけでなく、必殺技に支援効果を重ねる順番まで確認できる点が参考になります。

    35
  33. This was very beneficial. For more, visit https://maps.app.goo.gl/vVzo9xfn5Hu2Dfir9 .

    36
  34. Plumbing repair services should always be managed meticulously. If you remain in the Amarillo location, Sewer Line Repair Amarillo is actually a good spot to look for expert help.

    37
  35. Plumbing repair services should always be managed meticulously. If you remain in the Amarillo location, ##anyKeyword## is actually a good spot to look for expert help.

    38
  36. This was very beneficial. For more, visit ##anyKeyword##.

    39
  37. It is actually always far better to contact a trained plumbing technician just before a small concern develops into a much bigger problem. Amarillo plumbing system aid: Drain Cleaning Amarillo

    40
  38. It is actually always far better to contact a trained plumbing technician just before a small concern develops into a much bigger problem. Amarillo plumbing system aid: ##anyKeyword##

    41
  39. 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

    43
  40. 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

    44
  41. Thanks for the insightful write-up. More like this at Amecy Business signs .

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

    46
  43. Thanks for the clear breakdown. Find more at https://maps.app.goo.gl/a6Ar9gmBjQufbpfn8 .

    47
  44. Valuable information! Discover more at Vanguard Termite Control .

    48
  45. Thanks for the clear breakdown. Find more at ##anyKeyword##.

    49
  46. Valuable information! Discover more at ##anyKeyword##.

    50


Leave a Reply