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 believe including art treatment into standard techniques might boost emotional expression during treatment processes concentrated on overcoming concerns stemming from unhealthy relationships towards food!. eating disorder treatment .

    1
  2. The versatility of yard decks is incredible! You can customize them to fit any design or function you need. I just recently found some innovative ideas for multi-level decks at ##anyKeyword## that could actually elevate your outdoor space.

    2
  3. Been coming here for a while now and the quality has stayed consistent across every visit, which says a lot about how the kitchen is run. Fusion restaurant Kingsport TN

    3
  4. I am happy that I discovered this weblog, exactly the right info that I was looking for! .

    4
  5. Thanks for discussing this. Access to dual diagnosis treatment can still be a difficulty in lots of areas, so conversations like this aid push awareness in the best direction. dual diagnosis

    5
  6. It’s motivating to see numerous people finding hope in drug rehab programs. Recovery is possible! drug rehab

    6
  7. I’ve found out so much about constructing durability while navigating my own course towards sobriety; understanding truly empowers progress along this journey we share together here today too # any Keyword ## addiction treatment

    7
  8. I’ve found out so much about constructing durability while navigating my own course towards sobriety; understanding truly empowers progress along this journey we share together here today too # any Keyword ##

    8
  9. Moving to Hilton Head taught me that bundling auto and condo coverage can honestly reduce prices. I received clear coverage reasons and similar-day proof of insurance Insurance Company

    9
  10. “I preferred the section on oven troubleshooting. Many workers start immediately to replacement, but it’s effective to take note whilst a heating point, igniter, or thermostat might possibly be the true challenge. Very informative article.” appliance repair Boca Raton

    10
  11. “I preferred the section on oven troubleshooting. Many workers start immediately to replacement, but it’s effective to take note whilst a heating point, igniter, or thermostat might possibly be the true challenge. Very informative article.”

    11
  12. Love the focus on shoreline upkeep. Erosion can smash a pier swift. I used Dock Construction Charleston for erosion regulate in Charleston—riprap, living shores, and precise drainage—monumental distinction after the final king tide.

    12
  13. Love the focus on shoreline upkeep. Erosion can smash a pier swift. I used ##anyKeyword## for erosion regulate in Charleston—riprap, living shores, and precise drainage—monumental distinction after the final king tide.

    13
  14. Nicely detailed. Discover more at porno casero amateur .

    14
  15. Nicely detailed. Discover more at ##anyKeyword##.

    15
  16. Great article—finding a reliable company means checking credentials and verifying warranties in writing. Learn more: Plumber

    16
  17. Great article—finding a reliable company means checking credentials and verifying warranties in writing. Learn more: ##anyKeyword##

    17
  18. been using fraxswap for size twamm keeps impact low

    18
  19. Retirement planning is about more than investments. It also includes lifestyle choices, family needs, estate planning, and tax strategy. retirement stats Aleph

    19
  20. Retirement planning is about more than investments. It also includes lifestyle choices, family needs, estate planning, and tax strategy. ##anyKeyword##

    20
  21. I like that you covered both DIY and professional options—sometimes a same-day pickup in Escondido is worth it. Junk Hauling

    21
  22. I like that you covered both DIY and professional options—sometimes a same-day pickup in Escondido is worth it. ##anyKeyword##

    22
  23. From initial consultation to final installation the team was professional, courteous, and efficient throughout. Fencing Maple Ridge

    23
  24. From initial consultation to final installation the team was professional, courteous, and efficient throughout.

    24
  25. If you’re browsing for the “very best Sushi Restaurant near me” around St. Augustine, Ginger Bistro is a winner! sushi near me

    25
  26. If you’re browsing for the “very best Sushi Restaurant near me” around St. Augustine, Ginger Bistro is a winner!

    26
  27. This was very beneficial. For more, visit משכנתא לגיל השלישי .

    27
  28. This was very beneficial. For more, visit ##anyKeyword##.

    28
  29. If you’re browsing for the “most delicious Chinese near me” in St. Augustine, Ginger Bistro is a must do! chinese food near me

    29
  30. I appreciate how clearly you explained that Independent Living doesn’t usually include hands-on medical care. That was a surprise to our family at first, and we had to confirm it through resources on elder care .

    30
  31. I appreciate how clearly you explained that Independent Living doesn’t usually include hands-on medical care. That was a surprise to our family at first, and we had to confirm it through resources on ##anyKeyword##.

    31
  32. Annual tune-up caught a small issue before it became a bigger problem during summer. HVAC Contractor

    32
  33. Annual tune-up caught a small issue before it became a bigger problem during summer.

    33
  34. Prairie Village car had hail damage and they had it looking new again within days. Paintless Dent Repair

    34
  35. Prairie Village car had hail damage and they had it looking new again within days.

    35
  36. This was exactly what I needed. For persistent cooling issues, ac repair made a thorough inspection.

    36
  37. This was exactly what I needed. For persistent cooling issues, ##anyKeyword## made a thorough inspection.

    37
  38. Very helpful information for anyone wanting to avoid costly repairs. plumber near me

    38
  39. Very helpful information for anyone wanting to avoid costly repairs.

    39
  40. I have actually been investigating Stone dental professional options for gentle cleansings and found some great ideas right here. If anyone’s interested, I’m bookmarking Sanitas Family dental care for more local details.

    40
  41. I have actually been investigating Stone dental professional options for gentle cleansings and found some great ideas right here. If anyone’s interested, I’m bookmarking ##anyKeyword## for more local details.

    41
  42. I enjoyed this post. For additional info, visit traslados desde Santiago de Compostela baratos .

    42
  43. I enjoyed this post. For additional info, visit ##anyKeyword##.

    43
  44. Childcare centre that tracks developmental milestones—shortlisted from preschool near me .

    44
  45. Childcare centre that tracks developmental milestones—shortlisted from ##anyKeyword##.

    45
  46. Your post on sideline safety is essential. I do Sports Photography Melbourne—barrier angles below. learn more

    46
  47. Your post on sideline safety is essential. I do Sports Photography Melbourne—barrier angles below.

    47
  48. fraxswap twamm ftw honestly

    48
  49. I’d like to find out more? I’d love to find out some additional information.

    49
  50. A nice topic idea is how junk removal Philadelphia helps save effort when dealing with oversized junk items.

    50


Leave a Reply