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. https://789club10.world/ kiến tạo không gian giải trí hoa lệ, nơi thăng hoa cùng sòng bài trực tuyến quý phái, sảnh nổ hũ rực rỡ và muôn vàn cơ hội đổi đời quý giá.

    1
  2. https://sunwin10.online/ mở ra kỷ nguyên giải trí hoàng gia, quy tụ sòng bạc trực tuyến lộng lẫy cùng vô số hũ vàng rực rỡ. Đặt cược ngay để chạm tay tới vinh quang!

    2
  3. This was highly helpful. For more, visit avocat penal bucuresti.

    3
  4. Explore family counseling services at Nasha Mukti Kendra in Noida to encourage understanding throughout recovery.

    4
  5. Find practical tools for navigating recovery challenges at Nasha Mukti Kendra in Noida.

    5
  6. https://b52club10.app/ bùng nổ cùng đấu trường giải trí rực lửa, nơi quy tụ sảnh casino uy nghi, nổ hũ bom tấn và những cơ hội xé gió săn thưởng vô song. Thử vận ngay!

    6
  7. This was beautifully organized. Discover more at Indian mix grill.

    7
  8. Fantastic post! Discover more at Indian mix grill.

    8
  9. https://manclub10.net/ vinh danh bản lĩnh phái mạnh với thánh địa sòng bạc sang trọng, nổ hũ kiêu hãnh và những tỷ lệ cá cược tột đỉnh. Trải nghiệm vị thế quyền uy!

    9
  10. Thanks for the clear breakdown. More info at Dirty Desert Collective .

    10
  11. Thanks for the clear breakdown. More info at ##anyKeyword##.

    11
  12. It’s unusual how much goes into effective demolition and excavation work. For those interested in finding out more, I recommend going to Bay Area residential demolition !

    12
  13. Appreciate the comprehensive insights. For more, visit avocat penal bucuresti.

    13
  14. It’s unusual how much goes into effective demolition and excavation work. For those interested in finding out more, I recommend going to ##anyKeyword##!

    14
  15. Explore individualized addiction treatment options through Nasha Mukti Kendra in Noida based on personal recovery needs.

    15
  16. What should a patient ask during an initial consultation about AcCELLerate™ Therapy?
    I would want the individual components of AcCELLerate™ Therapy explained before considering it AcCELLerate

    16
  17. What should a patient ask during an initial consultation about AcCELLerate™ Therapy?
    I would want the individual components of AcCELLerate™ Therapy explained before considering it

    17
  18. How often should a norweco singulair green unit receive a professional service visit?
    The treatment stages in a norweco singulair green system make more sense when each chamber has a clear purpose Norweco Singulair replacement parts

    18
  19. How often should a norweco singulair green unit receive a professional service visit?
    The treatment stages in a norweco singulair green system make more sense when each chamber has a clear purpose

    19
  20. A search for Cafe Monument, CO is much easier when the menu clearly separates breakfast and lunch options coffee near Monument CO

    20
  21. How are Dental Implants assessed when someone has been missing a tooth for several years?
    The explanation of Dental Implants makes the difference between the post and the crown much clearer dental implant surgery

    21
  22. A search for Cafe Monument, CO is much easier when the menu clearly separates breakfast and lunch options

    22
  23. How are Dental Implants assessed when someone has been missing a tooth for several years?
    The explanation of Dental Implants makes the difference between the post and the crown much clearer

    23
  24. https://manclub-m7.hu.net/ Hành trình phá vỡ các kỷ lục thế giới của những vận động viên điền kinh hàng đầu

    24
  25. This was nicely structured. Discover more at Indian mix grill.

    25
  26. This was a wonderful post. Check out Indian mix grill for more.

    26
  27. Searching For Nasha Mukti Kendra in Noida? This overview is really practical– many thanks for sharing! Nasha Mukti Kendra in Noida

    27
  28. Searching For Nasha Mukti Kendra in Noida? This overview is really practical– many thanks for sharing! ##anyKeyword##

    28
  29. Take the next step toward well-being by exploring addiction recovery programs at Nasha Mukti Kendra in Noida.

    29
  30. https://sunwin-m7.hu.net/ Khám phá những bước tiến vượt bậc của bóng đá châu Á trên đấu trường quốc tế

    30
  31. https://b52club-m7.us.com/ Khám phá nghệ thuật phối hợp đồng đội trong những trận bóng chuyền đỉnh cao

    31
  32. https://789club-m7.hu.net/ Tìm hiểu bí quyết duy trì thể lực và phong độ của các cầu thủ chuyên nghiệp

    32
  33. Just end up a task that entailed extensive excavation work, and I discovered a great source at residential excavation Oakland . Their experience made all the difference!

    33
  34. Nicely detailed. Discover more at avocat penal bucuresti.

    34
  35. Just end up a task that entailed extensive excavation work, and I discovered a great source at ##anyKeyword##. Their experience made all the difference!

    35
  36. This was a wonderful guide. Check out avocat penal bucuresti for more.

    36
  37. https://789club-m7.us.com/ Những tài năng trẻ triển vọng đang tạo dấu ấn tại các giải vô địch hàng đầu

    37
  38. https://b52club-m7.com Sức hấp dẫn của các giải quần vợt Grand Slam và cuộc cạnh tranh giữa những tay vợt xuất sắc

    38
  39. https://manclub-m7.za.com/ Tìm hiểu tầm quan trọng của tâm lý thi đấu trong những trận chung kết căng thẳng

    39
  40. Discover how better communication can complement addiction treatment at Nasha Mukti Kendra in Noida.

    40
  41. It is the best time to make some plans for the longer term and it is time to be happy.
    I have read this put up and if I may I wish to suggest you few attention-grabbing things or advice.

    Perhaps you can write subsequent articles relating to this article.
    I want to learn even more issues about it!

    41
  42. https://b52club-m7.za.com/ Những thay đổi chiến thuật quan trọng giúp các đội bóng tạo nên bước ngoặt trận đấu

    42
  43. https://789club-m7.com/ Phân tích vai trò của hàng tiền vệ trong việc xây dựng lối chơi tấn công hiệu quả

    43
  44. What should a patient ask during an initial consultation about AcCELLerate™ Therapy?
    I would want the individual components of AcCELLerate™ Therapy explained before considering it accelerated cellular treatment

    44
  45. What should a patient ask during an initial consultation about AcCELLerate™ Therapy?
    I would want the individual components of AcCELLerate™ Therapy explained before considering it

    45
  46. I found this useful. More at avocat penal bucuresti.

    46
  47. How often should a norweco singulair green unit receive a professional service visit?
    The treatment stages in a norweco singulair green system make more sense when each chamber has a clear purpose Singulair Green parts

    47
  48. How are Dental Implants assessed when someone has been missing a tooth for several years?
    The explanation of Dental Implants makes the difference between the post and the crown much clearer implant dental clinic

    48
  49. How often should a norweco singulair green unit receive a professional service visit?
    The treatment stages in a norweco singulair green system make more sense when each chamber has a clear purpose

    49
  50. How are Dental Implants assessed when someone has been missing a tooth for several years?
    The explanation of Dental Implants makes the difference between the post and the crown much clearer

    50


Leave a Reply