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. The importance of access control cannot be overstated in today’s digital age. Great article! For more info, visit physical access security .

    1
  2. Financial planning and understanding what’s included in the monthly fee are so confusing. I’ve been using memory care to line up questions before I talk with facilities.

    3
  3. The reminder that Nursing Homes are best for complex medical needs, while Assisted Living suits those who need help with daily tasks, really helps clarify options. I also found care-level checklists on senior living that were very useful.

    4
  4. Appreciate the insightful article. Find more at siding services near me .

    5
  5. Appreciate this. Our CCTV network integration in Sheffield was completed by managed IT services UK .

    6
  6. It’s helpful that you mention the emotional side of moving, not just the logistical differences. On assisted living enchanted hills nm , I saw advice about supporting seniors emotionally through transitions that complements what you’re saying.

    8
  7. It’s helpful that you mention the emotional side of moving, not just the logistical differences. On ##anyKeyword##, I saw advice about supporting seniors emotionally through transitions that complements what you’re saying.

    9
  8. I can create guest post pitch emails for construction, excavation, and underground safety blogs. utility locating Alameda

    10
  9. I can create guest post pitch emails for construction, excavation, and underground safety blogs.

    11
  10. The small group setting during activities reduces pressure on residents who might feel embarrassed in front of big crowds. It’s a kinder approach for people with memory loss. senior living addresses this problem well.

    14
  11. The small group setting during activities reduces pressure on residents who might feel embarrassed in front of big crowds. It’s a kinder approach for people with memory loss. ##anyKeyword## addresses this problem well.

    15
  12. I like that you covered both medical and social aspects of assisted living. I plan to share this from our blog at assisted living near me .

    16
  13. I like that you covered both medical and social aspects of assisted living. I plan to share this from our blog at ##anyKeyword##.

    18
  14. The reminder to check how often doctors or nurse practitioners visit is very useful. We recommend that question on assisted living .

    22
  15. The more I learn, the more I realize that environment shapes how well seniors can manage daily activities. Smaller, supportive homes like those on assisted living near me create the right setting.

    23
  16. The reminder to check how often doctors or nurse practitioners visit is very useful. We recommend that question on ##anyKeyword##.

    24
  17. I like how this post respects the classic form of the Cornish Pasty. shop Cornish pasties online

    25
  18. The more I learn, the more I realize that environment shapes how well seniors can manage daily activities. Smaller, supportive homes like those on ##anyKeyword## create the right setting.

    26
  19. I like how this post respects the classic form of the Cornish Pasty.

    27
  20. onlineeric2017 says:

    tit spanking

    32
  21. I am no longer certain where you are getting your info, however great
    topic. I needs to spend a while studying more or working out more.
    Thank you for wonderful info I used to be in search of this info for my mission.

    34
  22. I like that you mention pet policies as a factor. For some seniors, staying with a pet can be a major source of comfort. When we searched on senior living , we filtered for pet-friendly Independent and Assisted Living communities.

    36
  23. I like that you mention pet policies as a factor. For some seniors, staying with a pet can be a major source of comfort. When we searched on ##anyKeyword##, we filtered for pet-friendly Independent and Assisted Living communities.

    37
  24. This was quite informative. For more, visit professional roofer services .

    40
  25. This was quite informative. For more, visit ##anyKeyword##.

    41
  26. If you want, I can also generate 100 authentic comment templates about Professional Cleaning Services that you can customize manually for relevant articles. commercial floor cleaning Renton

    46
  27. If you want, I can also generate 100 authentic comment templates about Professional Cleaning Services that you can customize manually for relevant articles.

    47
  28. Wonderful tips! Discover more at ##anyKeyword##.

    49
  29. Open-plan layouts can work beautifully, but only when the structure and lifestyle fit the design. commercial fence installation

    50


Leave a Reply