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 beautifully organized. Discover more at flooded basement cleanup near me .

    1
  2. This was highly educational. For more, visit https://www.empowher.com/user/4942232 .

    3
  3. Appreciate the thorough write-up. Find more at pipe repair San Diego CA .

    4
  4. Thanks for the insightful write-up. More like this at book car rental online .

    6
  5. This was highly educational. For more, visit roof repair near me .

    7
  6. Appreciate the detailed post. Find more at mold remediation Massapequa NY .

    9
  7. The staff at Rivera Tennis Academy genuinely cares about your goals, whether you want more spin or more consistency. tennis programs near me

    10
  8. Thanks for the thorough article. Find more at fire damage restoration Grand Junction CO .

    11
  9. Good article for anyone preparing for a local move. Residential moving in Middletown, OH goes more smoothly when people start packing early and keep important items separate. movers dayton oh may help with local moving needs.

    12
  10. Thanks for the informative content. More at top roofing companies in Birmingham AL .

    13
  11. Good article for anyone preparing for a local move. Residential moving in Middletown, OH goes more smoothly when people start packing early and keep important items separate. ##anyKeyword## may help with local moving needs.

    14
  12. Thanks for the informative content. More at ##anyKeyword##.

    15
  13. This was quite enlightening. Check out ##anyKeyword## for more.

    17
  14. Nicely done! Find more at ##anyKeyword##.

    20
  15. This was a wonderful post. Check out mold remediation near me for more.

    21
  16. This was a wonderful post. Check out ##anyKeyword## for more.

    22
  17. Just read about Rivera Tennis Academy tennis classes and I’m impressed by the progressive drills and supportive coaching at tennis courts near me spring tx .

    23
  18. Just read about Rivera Tennis Academy tennis classes and I’m impressed by the progressive drills and supportive coaching at ##anyKeyword##.

    24
  19. Thanks for the useful suggestions. Discover more at emergency plumber San Diego CA .

    25
  20. Thanks for the useful suggestions. Discover more at ##anyKeyword##.

    26
  21. I can write 50 authentic, non-junk mail blog engagement feedback with no promotional hyperlinks. Birthday Parties Clovis

    27
  22. I can write 50 authentic, non-junk mail blog engagement feedback with no promotional hyperlinks.

    29
  23. Immigration services Spain Specialists in CASS International digital nomad visa fast-track your remote employment status. Reliable CASS International Spain residency turns your dream of living in Spain into reality.

    30
  24. Awesome article! Discover more at nail salon 31533 .

    31
  25. Awesome article! Discover more at ##anyKeyword##.

    32
  26. I love your article on optimizing for Google SEO. It’s essential for anyone looking to improve their online presence. Visit 구글 백링크 확보 for additional strategies!

    33
  27. I love your article on optimizing for Google SEO. It’s essential for anyone looking to improve their online presence. Visit ##anyKeyword## for additional strategies!

    34
  28. I recently discovered 에볼루션 사이트 and it has really enhanced my gaming experience at 에볼루션카지노. Highly recommended!

    36
  29. I recently discovered ##anyKeyword## and it has really enhanced my gaming experience at 에볼루션카지노. Highly recommended!

    37
  30. Posture Therapy Aurora CO information would be more approachable with a clear explanation of the assessment process.
    A guide to Posture Therapy Aurora CO could describe what a first appointment includes Posture Therapy Aurora CO

    38
  31. Posture Therapy Aurora CO information would be more approachable with a clear explanation of the assessment process.
    A guide to Posture Therapy Aurora CO could describe what a first appointment includes

    39
  32. Rivera Tennis Academy’s court time is efficiently managed and productive tennis courts near me spring tx .

    41
  33. Rivera Tennis Academy’s court time is efficiently managed and productive ##anyKeyword##.

    42
  34. разработка сайтов для бизнеса ABBiO — агентство дизайна разработки сайтов и маркетинга для бизнеса. Создаём сайты и визуальные материалы занимаемся SEO рекламой CRM и аналитикой.

    43
  35. сатиновые натяжные потолки «Потолки Всем» — натяжные потолки с установкой в Новосибирске. На сайте представлены варианты потолков цены калькулятор стоимости и информация о монтаже.

    44
  36. The most reputable moving company in Jacksonville fl without hesitation goes to Jaguar Moving, the best moving company in Jacksonville fl in St Augustine. moving company jacksonville fl

    45
  37. Quality movers in Jacksonville undoubtedly goes to Jaguar Moving, the best movers in Jacksonville fl in St Augustine. movers jacksonville fl

    46
  38. I have actually tried a number of neighborhood business, and McGee and Sons Services is hands-down the best pressure washer in World Golf Village pressure washing st augustine

    47
  39. Quality movers in Jacksonville undoubtedly goes to Jaguar Moving, the best movers in Jacksonville fl in St Augustine.

    48
  40. Excellent service every time with SI Service Group! They’re certainly the very best electrical service near me in Tupelo electrician

    49
  41. I have actually tried a number of neighborhood business, and McGee and Sons Services is hands-down the best pressure washer in World Golf Village

    50


Leave a Reply