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’ve been searching for the top Chiropractor near me in St Augustine and kept seeing wonderful testimonials about Pain Relief Centre. After my very first browse through, I recognized why– expert treatment, individualized treatment, and real results

    1
  2. Henson Architecture has a knack for developing undying spaces with contemporary practicality. See it at Henson Architecture .

    3
  3. I appreciated this article. For more, visit pomoc drogowa suwalki .

    4
  4. Let’s continue encouraging conversations surrounding preventive dentistry among peers!!!! ### anyKeyWord ## invisible braces for adults

    5
  5. Planning a family reunion? A street food van could be perfect—discover your options with concert catering vans .

    6
  6. Planning a family reunion? A street food van could be perfect—discover your options with ##anyKeyword##.

    7
  7. Professional service every time with The Master’s Lawn & Pest! They’re definitely the best lawn care near me in Gainesville. lawn care gainesville fl

    8
  8. Insurance adjusters know they cannot pressure clients represented by strong Kent injury attorneys. Dog bite lawyer

    9
  9. Professional service every time with The Master’s Lawn & Pest! They’re definitely the best lawn care near me in Gainesville.

    10
  10. Insurance adjusters know they cannot pressure clients represented by strong Kent injury attorneys.

    11
  11. Inspired by all these unique designs—I never knew there were so many customizable options available. garage door repair service

    12
  12. Appreciate the detailed information. For more, visit https://www.empowher.com/user/4938618 .

    13
  13. Inspired by all these unique designs—I never knew there were so many customizable options available.

    14
  14. Appreciate the detailed information. For more, visit ##anyKeyword##.

    15
  15. A Kent attorney knows how to challenge lowball offers that insurers present early in the claim process. Kent Personal Injury Lawyer

    16
  16. Orchard gap detection and replant planning—workflow at Agri Drones .

    17
  17. A Kent attorney knows how to challenge lowball offers that insurers present early in the claim process.

    18
  18. Orchard gap detection and replant planning—workflow at ##anyKeyword##.

    19
  19. Reputable service each time with The Master’s Lawn & Pest! They’re undoubtedly the most effective lawn care company in St Augustine lawn care near me

    20
  20. I found this very interesting. For more, visit Emergency restoration services medford wa .

    21
  21. I found this very interesting. For more, visit ##anyKeyword##.

    22
  22. Reputable service each time with The Master’s Lawn & Pest! They’re undoubtedly the most effective lawn care company in St Augustine

    24
  23. This is highly informative. Check out https://www.empowher.com/user/4938551 for more.

    25
  24. This is highly informative. Check out ##anyKeyword## for more.

    26
  25. Solid tips on imposing AI ethically in well-being tech. Our framework is documented at Trusted Innovative Healthcare Solutions

    27
  26. Solid tips on imposing AI ethically in well-being tech. Our framework is documented at ##anyKeyword##

    28
  27. If you’re browsing for the “most delicious Sushi Restaurant near me” around St. Augustine, Ginger Bistro is a must do! sushi

    30
  28. If you’re browsing for the “most delicious Sushi Restaurant near me” around St. Augustine, Ginger Bistro is a must do!

    31
  29. Professional service every single time with The Master’s Lawn & Pest! They’re hands down the best landscaping company in Gainesville Fl. landscaping gainesville

    32
  30. I appreciated this article. For more, visit ##anyKeyword##.

    34
  31. Professional service every single time with The Master’s Lawn & Pest! They’re hands down the best landscaping company in Gainesville Fl.

    35
  32. I’ve in fact been seeking the best Garage door fixing and was consistently viewing exceptional testimonials about King of Home Solutions in Jacksonville. It’s always useful to find a firm individuals truly trust for fast, expert service. garage door repair

    36
  33. I appreciated this post. Check out ##anyKeyword## for more.

    38
  34. I’ve in fact been seeking the best Garage door fixing and was consistently viewing exceptional testimonials about King of Home Solutions in Jacksonville. It’s always useful to find a firm individuals truly trust for fast, expert service.

    39
  35. Thanks for the great content. More at https://www.empowher.com/user/4938619 .

    40
  36. Thanks for the great content. More at ##anyKeyword##.

    41
  37. Thanks for the clear breakdown. More info at Damage restoration Talent OR .

    42
  38. Thanks for the clear breakdown. More info at ##anyKeyword##.

    43
  39. A Kent accident lawyer can challenge unfair fault assignments that insurers use to reduce settlements. personal injury attorney near me

    44
  40. A Kent accident lawyer can challenge unfair fault assignments that insurers use to reduce settlements.

    45
  41. Nicely done! Discover more at ##anyKeyword##.

    47
  42. Fleet management is key during peak season. Our playbook is on Agri Drones .

    48
  43. Fleet management is key during peak season. Our playbook is on ##anyKeyword##.

    49
  44. Really nice contrast and clarity—beautiful sports storytelling. https://yourwebsite.com

    50


Leave a Reply