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. Thanks for the thorough analysis. More info at kitchen remodeling .

    2
  2. I’ve actually been actually trying to find the greatest Jacksonville plumber as well as maintained finding outstanding evaluations about King of Home Solutions in Jacksonville plumber

    3
  3. For those searching for a reliable car accident lawyer in Pasco, BGN Attorneys offers clear communication and focused representation. Car Accident Lawyer in Pasco

    5
  4. Local SEO is often overlooked; thanks for highlighting it! Discover more here: AI content marketing agency .

    6
  5. Local SEO is often overlooked; thanks for highlighting it! Discover more here: ##anyKeyword##.

    7
  6. If you’re searching for the “top rated Chinese restaurant near me” around St. Augustine, Ginger Bistro is a no brainer! chinese food

    8
  7. This was quite helpful. For more, visit ##anyKeyword##.

    10
  8. Henson Architecture normally demonstrates ways to maximize small footprints with shrewd planning. More at henson architecture new york firm .

    11
  9. Henson Architecture normally demonstrates ways to maximize small footprints with shrewd planning. More at ##anyKeyword##.

    12
  10. Appreciate the detailed post. Find more at pomoc drogowa .

    13
  11. I’ve in fact been looking for the most effective HVAC contractor near me in Jacksonville and kept noticing exceptional reviews regarding King of Home Solutions in Jacksonville HVAC company near me

    14
  12. Appreciate the detailed post. Find more at ##anyKeyword##.

    15
  13. If the insurer is pushing recorded statements, a Kent personal injury lawyer can shut that down immediately. Work injury lawyer

    16
  14. If the insurer is pushing recorded statements, a Kent personal injury lawyer can shut that down immediately.

    17
  15. I’ve in fact been looking for the most effective HVAC contractor near me in Jacksonville and kept noticing exceptional reviews regarding King of Home Solutions in Jacksonville

    18
  16. Great tips! For more, visit ##anyKeyword##.

    20
  17. I’m looking for the best Cheese Pizza Boulder, Colorado has to offer. Any local favorites?
    Has anyone tried Cheese Pizza Boulder, Colorado recently? I’d love a good recommendation.
    Cheese Pizza Boulder, Colorado sounds perfect for a casual family dinner Cheese Pizza Boulder, Colorado

    21
  18. I’m looking for the best Cheese Pizza Boulder, Colorado has to offer. Any local favorites?
    Has anyone tried Cheese Pizza Boulder, Colorado recently? I’d love a good recommendation.
    Cheese Pizza Boulder, Colorado sounds perfect for a casual family dinner

    22
  19. This piece effectively highlights why adaptability is key to success in any market condition! licensed Allentown realtors

    23
  20. This piece effectively highlights why adaptability is key to success in any market condition!

    24
  21. It’s fascinating to learn about how dental technology is evolving to improve patient care! best Barnsley dentist

    25
  22. Solid article for Fairfield homeowners exploring solar providers. Your tips are great—see solar equipment providers Fairfield .

    26
  23. It’s fascinating to learn about how dental technology is evolving to improve patient care! ##anyKeyword##

    27
  24. Solid article for Fairfield homeowners exploring solar providers. Your tips are great—see ##anyKeyword##.

    28
  25. I’m always on the lookout for good street food options— local street food near me has some great selections!

    29
  26. I’m always on the lookout for good street food options—##anyKeyword## has some great selections!

    30
  27. A personal injury attorney in Kent WA knows how to prove liability even when fault seems unclear. Kent car accident lawyer

    31
  28. A personal injury attorney in Kent WA knows how to prove liability even when fault seems unclear.

    32
  29. I’ve really been trying to find the very best Air conditioning repair near me in Jacksonville and was constantly noticing superb reviews regarding King of Home Solutions in Jacksonville ac repair near me

    33
  30. The market is full of eye-catching designs now—it’s hard not to get excited about upgrades! local garage door repair company

    34
  31. I’ve really been trying to find the very best Air conditioning repair near me in Jacksonville and was constantly noticing superb reviews regarding King of Home Solutions in Jacksonville

    35
  32. The market is full of eye-catching designs now—it’s hard not to get excited about upgrades!

    36
  33. Quality service whenever with Pure Energy Electrical Services! They’re undoubtedly the most effective electrician in St Augustine.
    electrician near me

    37
  34. Wonderful tips! Find more at ##anyKeyword##.

    40
  35. Quality service whenever with Pure Energy Electrical Services! They’re undoubtedly the most effective electrician in St Augustine.

    41
  36. BGN Attorneys helps Pasco drivers through the legal process as a trusted car accident lawyer. Pasco Injury Lawyer

    42
  37. Thanks for sharing the essentials about solar providers in Pleasanton. More info at trusted solar panel providers

    43
  38. BGN Attorneys helps Pasco drivers through the legal process as a trusted car accident lawyer.

    44
  39. Thanks for sharing the essentials about solar providers in Pleasanton. More info at ##anyKeyword##

    45
  40. I found this very interesting. For more, visit https://www.hometalk.com/member/259763467/don1946180 .

    46
  41. I found this very interesting. For more, visit ##anyKeyword##.

    47
  42. Great guidance on solar financing. For Tracy-specific providers and options, look at free solar energy consultation .

    48
  43. Great guidance on solar financing. For Tracy-specific providers and options, look at ##anyKeyword##.

    49
  44. I enjoyed this article. Check out ski trans pomoc drogowa for more.

    50


Leave a Reply