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. Top rated service every time with The Master’s Lawn & Pest! They’re most certainly the very best landscaping company in St Augustine.

    1
  2. I just recently uncovered a wonderful hair salon that transformed my appearance! The stylists are so proficient. Have you looked into keratin straightening San Rafael for ideas on discovering the appropriate hair salon?

    2
  3. I’ve in fact been actually seeking the most ideal plumbers near me in Jacksonville and was constantly observing great testimonials regarding King of Home Solutions in Jacksonville trusted plumber reviews

    3
  4. A clear menu would make choosing a pizza restaurant easier.
    I would appreciate current opening hours when researching a pizza restaurant.
    A pizza restaurant website should make essential visit details easy to find pizza restaurant

    4
  5. What questions should someone bring to a first Testosterone Replacement Therapy consultation?
    A plain-language guide to Testosterone Replacement Therapy would be helpful for people beginning their research Testosterone Replacement Therapy

    5
  6. If you’re browsing for the “most delicious Chinese food near me” around St. Augustine, Ginger Bistro is a must try! chinese food

    6
  7. Many thanks for revealing this clearly. Discovering a qualified plumbing in Amarillo is important for both little repair work and also primary plumbing system job, and Commercial Plumber Amarillo is actually an excellent area to start.

    7
  8. Excellent breakdown of IP ratings for backyard furnishings. I pass-checked ratings previously purchasing and used the list from holiday lighting to avert moisture themes.

    8
  9. If you’re browsing for the “most delicious Chinese food near me” around St. Augustine, Ginger Bistro is a must try!

    9
  10. Excellent breakdown of IP ratings for backyard furnishings. I pass-checked ratings previously purchasing and used the list from ##anyKeyword## to avert moisture themes.

    10
  11. Great advice for choosing a local installer in Antioch. Options here: solar site consultation

    11
  12. Many thanks for revealing this clearly. Discovering a qualified plumbing in Amarillo is important for both little repair work and also primary plumbing system job, and ##anyKeyword## is actually an excellent area to start.

    12
  13. Great advice for choosing a local installer in Antioch. Options here: ##anyKeyword##

    13
  14. I discovered by hand about the significance of prompt heater repair services last winter season! Now I ensure to schedule regular check-ups. For even more helpful resources, check out residential AC Round Rock .

    14
  15. I discovered by hand about the significance of prompt heater repair services last winter season! Now I ensure to schedule regular check-ups. For even more helpful resources, check out ##anyKeyword##.

    15
  16. Every conversation surrounding innovations being introduced highlights exciting opportunities existing within our realm today overall too! commercial carpet and flooring

    16
  17. Every conversation surrounding innovations being introduced highlights exciting opportunities existing within our realm today overall too!

    17
  18. I’ve in fact been looking for the very best HVAC company in Jacksonville and maintained noticing exceptional testimonials regarding King of Home Solutions in Jacksonville HVAC company

    18
  19. I’ve in fact been looking for the very best HVAC company in Jacksonville and maintained noticing exceptional testimonials regarding King of Home Solutions in Jacksonville

    19
  20. I’ve in fact been trying to find the very best AC repair work and maintained observing superb reviews regarding King of Home Solutions in Jacksonville. It’s constantly practical to locate a company people genuinely depend on for fast, expert solution. ac repair near me

    20
  21. Very practical. Our incident response in Sheffield is faster with IT consultants procedures.

    21
  22. dailytraveler1958 says:

    amateur mom porn

    22
  23. I’ve in fact been trying to find the very best AC repair work and maintained observing superb reviews regarding King of Home Solutions in Jacksonville. It’s constantly practical to locate a company people genuinely depend on for fast, expert solution.

    23
  24. Very practical. Our incident response in Sheffield is faster with ##anyKeyword## procedures.

    24
  25. Have you ever attempted a new hairstyle for an unique occasion? I discovered remarkable concepts at San Francisco smoothing keratin that assisted me prepare for my occasion!

    25
  26. Have you ever attempted a new hairstyle for an unique occasion? I discovered remarkable concepts at ##anyKeyword## that assisted me prepare for my occasion!

    26
  27. A plain-language overview would make Dental Crowns Southgate CA easier to research.
    Clear consultation details would be useful when exploring Dental Crowns Southgate CA.
    I would appreciate a practical introduction to Dental Crowns Southgate CA Dental Crowns Southgate CA

    27
  28. A plain-language overview would make Dental Crowns Southgate CA easier to research.
    Clear consultation details would be useful when exploring Dental Crowns Southgate CA.
    I would appreciate a practical introduction to Dental Crowns Southgate CA

    29
  29. Thanks for sharing this insightful message! It’s fantastic the number of homeowners disregard their home appliances up until something goes wrong. For dependable repair services, you can find much more information at emergency appliance Cedar Park .

    30
  30. Thanks for sharing this insightful message! It’s fantastic the number of homeowners disregard their home appliances up until something goes wrong. For dependable repair services, you can find much more information at ##anyKeyword##.

    31
  31. Love the pointer regarding proper installment. Even the best windows fail without a good install. We made use of a certified crew we found by means of Alpine windows Austin and the air securing made a huge distinction.

    33
  32. Love the pointer regarding proper installment. Even the best windows fail without a good install. We made use of a certified crew we found by means of ##anyKeyword## and the air securing made a huge distinction.

    34
  33. What makes a neighborhood Bar & Grill your regular dinner spot?
    A clear food menu helps me decide whether a Bar & Grill suits our group Bar & Grill

    35
  34. What makes a neighborhood Bar & Grill your regular dinner spot?
    A clear food menu helps me decide whether a Bar & Grill suits our group

    36
  35. I’ve really been actually looking for the most effective Plumbers as well as was constantly discovering excellent evaluations regarding King of Home Solutions in Jacksonville licensed plumber

    37
  36. Good review. For final or scheduled cleansings in Centreville, VA, I have actually had good luck utilizing detailed house cleaning northern virginia to locate offered teams.

    38
  37. Scheduling with https://many.link/valsservicescleaning was smooth, and their reliable cleaning service left my home looking all new.

    39
  38. I’ve really been actually looking for the most effective Plumbers as well as was constantly discovering excellent evaluations regarding King of Home Solutions in Jacksonville

    40
  39. Drafting guest post ideas related to Professional Cleaning Services. deep cleaning Issaquah

    41
  40. This post is so practical. If any individual requires specialist move-out cleaning in Denver, get in touch with reliable cleaning services Denver CO to get a free quote.

    42
  41. Good review. For final or scheduled cleansings in Centreville, VA, I have actually had good luck utilizing ##anyKeyword## to locate offered teams.

    43
  42. Scheduling with ##anyKeyword## was smooth, and their reliable cleaning service left my home looking all new.

    44
  43. Drafting guest post ideas related to Professional Cleaning Services.

    45
  44. This post is so practical. If any individual requires specialist move-out cleaning in Denver, get in touch with ##anyKeyword## to get a free quote.

    46
  45. A clear introduction would help people researching Dental Crowns Los Angeles CA.
    I would appreciate a consultation checklist for Dental Crowns Los Angeles CA.
    Plain-language resources could make Dental Crowns Los Angeles CA easier to understand Dental Crowns Los Angeles CA

    47
  46. A clear introduction would help people researching Dental Crowns Los Angeles CA.
    I would appreciate a consultation checklist for Dental Crowns Los Angeles CA.
    Plain-language resources could make Dental Crowns Los Angeles CA easier to understand

    48
  47. First off I would like to say terrific blog!
    I had a quick question that I’d like to ask if you do not mind.
    I was interested to know how you center yourself and clear your
    thoughts before writing. I’ve had a difficult time clearing my thoughts in getting my thoughts out
    there. I do take pleasure in writing however it just seems like the
    first 10 to 15 minutes are wasted simply just trying
    to figure out how to begin. Any ideas or hints? Cheers!

    49
  48. I’ve in fact been trying to find the very best HVAC in Jacksonville and maintained observing exceptional evaluations regarding King of Home Solutions in Jacksonville local HVAC contractor near me

    50


Leave a Reply