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. This was a wonderful post. Check out ##anyKeyword## for more.

    1
  2. Seniors often worry about losing control of their daily lives. Your explanation of how Independent and Assisted Living still allow choices about meals, activities, and schedules matches what I’ve seen described on memory care near me .

    2
  3. Thanks for sharing the importance of proper riser height and lid security for access and safety Septic Maintenance

    3
  4. Thanks for the comprehensive read. Find more at ייעוץ משכנתאות .

    4
  5. 支援と撃破で準備してから、葉瞬光の強化特殊スキルと終結スキルをまとめる流れが整理されており、実戦で試しやすいです。 葉瞬光を使うためのコアスキル 詳しい解説

    5
  6. I recommend reading recent reviews specifically mentioning communication and resolution time. This link is a good starting point: Plumber

    6
  7. I recommend reading recent reviews specifically mentioning communication and resolution time. This link is a good starting point: ##anyKeyword##

    7
  8. Event planners and contractors both benefit from reliable restroom rental support. temporary fencing is a useful option.

    8
  9. Your comparison of activity programming—memory stations, reminiscence therapy, etc.—really shows how memory care is tailored differently. We share sample calendars on memory care arrowhead az .

    9
  10. Event planners and contractors both benefit from reliable restroom rental support. ##anyKeyword## is a useful option.

    10
  11. I hadn’t realized how important small group activities are for people with dementia. I’ll ask about group sizes at the homes I shortlisted from assisted living .

    11
  12. Your comparison of activity programming—memory stations, reminiscence therapy, etc.—really shows how memory care is tailored differently. We share sample calendars on ##anyKeyword##.

    12
  13. I hadn’t realized how important small group activities are for people with dementia. I’ll ask about group sizes at the homes I shortlisted from ##anyKeyword##.

    13
  14. 支援と撃破で準備してから、葉瞬光の強化特殊スキルと終結スキルをまとめる流れが整理されており、実戦で試しやすいです。 葉瞬光に合う攻略 実戦向けメモ

    14
  15. 支援と撃破で準備してから、葉瞬光の強化特殊スキルと終結スキルをまとめる流れが整理されており、実戦で試しやすいです。

    15
  16. The best facility should fit both your budget and your storage needs storage facility

    16
  17. The best facility should fit both your budget and your storage needs

    17
  18. This guide clarified a lot of our family debates about when it’s time for memory care. We’re now using senior living to identify options that match our timeline.

    18
  19. This guide clarified a lot of our family debates about when it’s time for memory care. We’re now using ##anyKeyword## to identify options that match our timeline.

    19
  20. This was quite useful. For more, visit מסעדה חלבית כשרה .

    20
  21. This was quite useful. For more, visit ##anyKeyword##.

    21
  22. Clear guidance on securing garage entry points. If you’re in Orlando, consider consulting locksmith for professional installation.

    22
  23. Great tips for choosing a 24/7 locksmith in Orlando. If you ever need urgent help, orlando locksmith florida is my go-to with reliable service.

    23
  24. Clear guidance on securing garage entry points. If you’re in Orlando, consider consulting ##anyKeyword## for professional installation.

    24
  25. Great tips for choosing a 24/7 locksmith in Orlando. If you ever need urgent help, ##anyKeyword## is my go-to with reliable service.

    25
  26. Great explanation of how septic service providers can help with troubleshooting and pumping estimates Septic Pumping

    26
  27. Great explanation of how septic service providers can help with troubleshooting and pumping estimates ##anyKeyword##

    27
  28. Great tips for hiring—verify licensing, insurance, and references before you agree to repairs. This post helps: Plumber

    28
  29. Great tips for hiring—verify licensing, insurance, and references before you agree to repairs. This post helps: ##anyKeyword##

    29
  30. Great site you’ve got here.. It’s difficult to find excellent writing like yours nowadays.
    I truly appreciate individuals like you! Take care!!

    30
  31. It’s reassuring to see a balanced approach that covers budget and dignity. I’ll be citing this from my cost breakdown page on senior care .

    31
  32. A dependable septic company should offer troubleshooting reports and recommend realistic maintenance plans See Septic Pump Replacement

    32
  33. It’s reassuring to see a balanced approach that covers budget and dignity. I’ll be citing this from my cost breakdown page on ##anyKeyword##.

    33
  34. A dependable septic company should offer troubleshooting reports and recommend realistic maintenance plans See ##anyKeyword##

    34
  35. Thanks for the insightful write-up. More like this at hosted VoIP provider for businesses .

    35
  36. Thanks for the insightful write-up. More like this at ##anyKeyword##.

    36
  37. The transition from home to assisted living is often smoother when the new place feels like a regular house. Smaller homes that support ADLs in a familiar way are exactly what I found on memory care draper ut .

    37
  38. The transition from home to assisted living is often smoother when the new place feels like a regular house. Smaller homes that support ADLs in a familiar way are exactly what I found on ##anyKeyword##.

    38
  39. After a door mishap last week, I found an honest locksmith in Orlando FL who saved the day. Highly recommend giving them a call: locksmith .

    39
  40. 支援と撃破で準備してから、葉瞬光の強化特殊スキルと終結スキルをまとめる流れが整理されており、実戦で試しやすいです。 葉瞬光を使うためのスキル優先度 初心者向けのコツ

    40
  41. Smart lock trends discussed here are neat. When I needed installation in Orlando, orlando locksmith florida delivered prompt, courteous help.

    41
  42. 支援と撃破で準備してから、葉瞬光の強化特殊スキルと終結スキルをまとめる流れが整理されており、実戦で試しやすいです。

    42
  43. After a door mishap last week, I found an honest locksmith in Orlando FL who saved the day. Highly recommend giving them a call: ##anyKeyword##.

    43
  44. Thanks for explaining how household habits affect septic performance I will share your resource Septic Pump Replacement

    44
  45. Smart lock trends discussed here are neat. When I needed installation in Orlando, ##anyKeyword## delivered prompt, courteous help.

    45
  46. Thanks for explaining how household habits affect septic performance I will share your resource ##anyKeyword##

    46
  47. Understanding the level of medical care in Nursing Homes versus Assisted Living is crucial. Many families seem to confuse the two. I’ve been reading more on places like assisted living to make sure we choose the right setting for my dad.

    47
  48. A reputable business should offer references and be upfront about troubleshooting costs. Check out: HVAC Contractor

    48
  49. Understanding the level of medical care in Nursing Homes versus Assisted Living is crucial. Many families seem to confuse the two. I’ve been reading more on places like ##anyKeyword## to make sure we choose the right setting for my dad.

    49
  50. A reputable business should offer references and be upfront about troubleshooting costs. Check out: ##anyKeyword##

    50


Leave a Reply