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. What do you think is the best game in 에볼루션카지노? I found several recommendations on 정품 라이센스 검증 .

    2
  2. Very helpful read. For similar content, visit commercial electricians in Ramsgate .

    3
  3. Great insights! Discover more at affordable local electrician .

    4
  4. Wonderful advice on using long-tail keywords effectively; it’s such an underrated tactic! More information is available at 구글 SEO 점검 .

    5
  5. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on Mayfair anti aging
    facial. Regards

    6
  6. If costs are a barrier, addiction treatment san antonio has info on sliding-scale and state-funded choices.

    7
  7. Great points about choosing the right HVAC company. Homeowners should always look for licensed technicians, clear pricing, and fast response times. For anyone searching locally, hvac services near me may be useful.

    9
  8. The compassionate language used here makes the details more available. alcohol detox

    10
  9. This was quite enlightening. Check out certified electrician Canterbury for more.

    11
  10. This was a great help. Check out local sturry electrician for more.

    12
  11. This was a great help. Check out ##anyKeyword## for more.

    13
  12. If you’re a parent looking for aid, addiction treatment san antonio lists programs with childcare.

    14
  13. If you’re a parent looking for aid, ##anyKeyword## lists programs with childcare.

    15
  14. I do not even know how I ended up here, but I thought this post was good. I do not know who you are but certainly you’re going to a famous blogger if you aren’t already 😉 Cheers!

    16
  15. I liked this article. For additional info, visit nail salon Peterson Ave S .

    17
  16. I liked this article. For additional info, visit ##anyKeyword##.

    18
  17. This was a fantastic read. Check out commercial local electrician Whitstable for more.

    19
  18. This was a fantastic read. Check out ##anyKeyword## for more.

    20
  19. It is refreshing to check out something that motivates both persistence and expert support. alcohol detox san antonio

    21
  20. It is refreshing to check out something that motivates both persistence and expert support.

    23
  21. Nicely done! Discover more at ##anyKeyword##.

    24
  22. This was a wonderful post. Check out resultados trasplante capilar Jaén for more.

    26
  23. This was a wonderful post. Check out ##anyKeyword## for more.

    27
  24. Example comment: “Your thoughts on diversification in real estate were spot on. Spreading risk across markets or property types can make a portfolio much more resilient.” email automation for motivated sellers

    28
  25. Example comment: “Your thoughts on diversification in real estate were spot on. Spreading risk across markets or property types can make a portfolio much more resilient.”

    29
  26. If you’re a parent seeking aid, addiction treatment lists programs with child care.

    30
  27. If you’re a parent seeking aid, ##anyKeyword## lists programs with child care.

    31
  28. I found this very interesting. Check out local emergency electrician Margate for more.

    32
  29. I found this very interesting. Check out ##anyKeyword## for more.

    33
  30. I appreciate the practical tips in this post. Reliable HVAC services are essential for keeping homes comfortable year-round hvac services near me

    34
  31. I appreciate the practical tips in this post. Reliable HVAC services are essential for keeping homes comfortable year-round

    35
  32. If you’re switching suppliers, addiction treatment san antonio discusses transferring records smoothly.

    36
  33. Heavy furniture should always be handled carefully to avoid damage to floors and walls. Kitchenware also needs special care because of fragile materials. movers middletown oh can help with a better moving experience.

    37
  34. If you’re switching suppliers, ##anyKeyword## discusses transferring records smoothly.

    38
  35. Heavy furniture should always be handled carefully to avoid damage to floors and walls. Kitchenware also needs special care because of fragile materials. ##anyKeyword## can help with a better moving experience.

    39
  36. This was beautifully organized. Discover more at Herne Bay electrician .

    41
  37. This was beautifully organized. Discover more at ##anyKeyword##.

    42
  38. Thanks for the detailed guidance. More at local commercial electrician Ramsgate .

    43
  39. Thanks for the detailed guidance. More at ##anyKeyword##.

    44
  40. I appreciated this article. For more, visit domestic electricians in Broadstairs .

    45
  41. Appreciate the detailed post. Find more at 24/7 electrician Dover .

    46
  42. Appreciate the detailed post. Find more at ##anyKeyword##.

    47
  43. Nicely detailed. Discover more at Sandwich electrical contractor .

    48
  44. This was quite informative. For more, visit licensed local electrician Canterbury .

    49
  45. Nicely detailed. Discover more at ##anyKeyword##.

    50


Leave a Reply