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 like how this post highlights energy efficiency. A well-maintained HVAC system, smart thermostat, clean ducts, and sealed air leaks can lower utility bills and improve comfort. Here’s a relevant link for local HVAC service: hvac services near me

    1
  2. This was very well put together. Discover more at ##anyKeyword##.

    2
  3. Good reminder that a failing capacitor can affect startup performance. central ac repair

    3
  4. In big facilities, some residents hesitate to ask for help. In small homes, relationships are closer, so support with bathing or dressing feels more comfortable. That’s why I think assisted living is onto something.

    4
  5. The part about reading online reviews but also trusting your instincts is so true. We echo that on senior living near me .

    5
  6. Loved your energy-saving tips. After a combustion analysis by boiler repair , my bills dropped noticeably.

    6
  7. Loved your energy-saving tips. After a combustion analysis by ##anyKeyword##, my bills dropped noticeably.

    7
  8. After reading this, it’s much easier to see which setting might fit my mother’s needs right now and how that might change later. To continue my research, I’m using tools on senior living to compare specific communities side by side.

    8
  9. After reading this, it’s much easier to see which setting might fit my mother’s needs right now and how that might change later. To continue my research, I’m using tools on ##anyKeyword## to compare specific communities side by side.

    9
  10. Knowing that Nursing Homes typically have licensed nurses on site around the clock, while Assisted Living may not, is a key safety point. I verified that difference using checklists from senior care .

    10
  11. Knowing that Nursing Homes typically have licensed nurses on site around the clock, while Assisted Living may not, is a key safety point. I verified that difference using checklists from ##anyKeyword##.

    11
  12. We’re currently deciding if my mom should move from Independent Living to Assisted Living, so this breakdown is timely. I’ve been checking resources like assisted living raton nm to better understand the signs that it’s time to transition.

    12
  13. We’re currently deciding if my mom should move from Independent Living to Assisted Living, so this breakdown is timely. I’ve been checking resources like ##anyKeyword## to better understand the signs that it’s time to transition.

    13
  14. Our heater smelled musty—turned out to be the filter and coil. heater repair near me cleaned it thoroughly.

    14
  15. Our heater smelled musty—turned out to be the filter and coil. ##anyKeyword## cleaned it thoroughly.

    15
  16. They’re not just legal pros – they’re people who genuinely care about your recovery and your case. Tri Cities Lawyer

    16
  17. Good point about scheduling HVAC maintenance early instead of waiting until the system fails. AC tune-ups in spring and furnace inspections in fall are usually the best approach. Sharing this for anyone searching hvac service near me: hvac services near me

    17
  18. They’re not just legal pros – they’re people who genuinely care about your recovery and your case.

    18
  19. Good point about scheduling HVAC maintenance early instead of waiting until the system fails. AC tune-ups in spring and furnace inspections in fall are usually the best approach. Sharing this for anyone searching hvac service near me: ##anyKeyword##

    19
  20. The focus on emergency response capabilities in each type of setting is reassuring. I compared call systems, staff training, and response times using tools on assisted living when picking a place for my grandmother.

    21
  21. The focus on emergency response capabilities in each type of setting is reassuring. I compared call systems, staff training, and response times using tools on ##anyKeyword## when picking a place for my grandmother.

    22
  22. I’ve learned that regular servicing can save a lot of money later. central ac repair

    23
  23. My aunt felt embarrassed asking for help in a big facility, but in a small home she formed real bonds with caregivers and felt comfortable getting support with personal care. assisted living reflects these benefits well.

    24
  24. I’ve learned that regular servicing can save a lot of money later.

    25
  25. My aunt felt embarrassed asking for help in a big facility, but in a small home she formed real bonds with caregivers and felt comfortable getting support with personal care. ##anyKeyword## reflects these benefits well.

    26
  26. In a smaller senior community, it’s easier to incorporate residents’ preferences into daily living activities, like favorite recipes or clothing styles. I learned more about this person-centered care from assisted living raton nm .

    27
  27. The pre-winter boiler check guide is perfect. I’ll follow it this weekend. boiler repair

    28
  28. In a smaller senior community, it’s easier to incorporate residents’ preferences into daily living activities, like favorite recipes or clothing styles. I learned more about this person-centered care from ##anyKeyword##.

    29
  29. The pre-winter boiler check guide is perfect. I’ll follow it this weekend. ##anyKeyword##

    30
  30. Thanks for the thorough analysis. Find more at steam carpet cleaning .

    31
  31. Thanks for the thorough analysis. Find more at ##anyKeyword##.

    32
  32. From the moment I contacted them, they explained everything clearly and took the pressure off me. Their team in Kennewick is fantastic. Tri Cities Lawyer

    33
  33. From the moment I contacted them, they explained everything clearly and took the pressure off me. Their team in Kennewick is fantastic.

    34
  34. Your recommendation to revisit the care plan regularly is crucial because dementia is progressive. We provide periodic review templates that families can use on respite care .

    35
  35. Your recommendation to revisit the care plan regularly is crucial because dementia is progressive. We provide periodic review templates that families can use on ##anyKeyword##.

    36
  36. A clean air filter and scheduled tune-ups can improve energy efficiency and comfort at home. If anyone needs professional help nearby, hvac services near me could be a good place to start.

    37
  37. A clean air filter and scheduled tune-ups can improve energy efficiency and comfort at home. If anyone needs professional help nearby, ##anyKeyword## could be a good place to start.

    38
  38. Great information on keeping indoor temperatures stable. central ac repair

    39
  39. Great information on keeping indoor temperatures stable.

    40
  40. Water lukewarm only? boiler repair replaced a faulty diverter valve and hot water is back.

    41
  41. Water lukewarm only? ##anyKeyword## replaced a faulty diverter valve and hot water is back.

    42
  42. Not once did I feel left in the dark. They explained timelines, steps, and possible outcomes very clearly. Kenneiwck Car accident attorney

    43
  43. Not once did I feel left in the dark. They explained timelines, steps, and possible outcomes very clearly.

    44
  44. The reminder to review emergency evacuation plans is critical. I’ll be sure to ask about this when I tour memory care homes I found through senior living great falls mt .

    46
  45. The reminder to review emergency evacuation plans is critical. I’ll be sure to ask about this when I tour memory care homes I found through ##anyKeyword##.

    47
  46. I didn’t have to worry about paperwork, deadlines, or negotiations. They handled it all with professionalism. Personal Injury lawyer

    49
  47. I didn’t have to worry about paperwork, deadlines, or negotiations. They handled it all with professionalism.

    50


Leave a Reply