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. There’s absolutely nothing rather like taking pleasure in a summer evening on a well-designed backyard deck deck contractor

    1
  2. Backflow testing was easy to schedule via plumber bucks county with the best Bucks County plumber certified to test.

    2
  3. If you’re outdoors a lot, consider full UV blocking even on clear lenses, plus hats for extra shielding. My all-season eyewear toolkit is here: optometrist Rancho Cucamonga

    3
  4. This is a great resource for comparing solar providers. I recommend exploring solar companies danville for options.

    4
  5. For authentic property pre-list roof inspections in Manassas, I booked by the use of roofing company manassas va .

    5
  6. I appreciate the simple explanation of common plumbing concerns. emergency plumber near me

    6
  7. Excellent overview of solar providers and what to expect during installation. Check solar companies grass valley for process details.

    7
  8. I appreciate the simple explanation of common plumbing concerns.

    8
  9. Excellent overview of solar providers and what to expect during installation. Check ##anyKeyword## for process details.

    9
  10. Excellent overview—solar providers should offer honest recommendations for when solar may not be ideal. Check solar companies .

    10
  11. Excellent overview—solar providers should offer honest recommendations for when solar may not be ideal. Check ##anyKeyword##.

    11
  12. Personal care tasks, such as bathing and toileting, can be sensitive. Having a trained caregiver from senior home care helps seniors maintain their dignity while staying clean and healthy.

    12
  13. This is exactly what home owners want to realize. For faithful roofing offerings, First Class Roofing can assist—visit: First Class Roofing Pros

    13
  14. Personal care tasks, such as bathing and toileting, can be sensitive. Having a trained caregiver from ##anyKeyword## helps seniors maintain their dignity while staying clean and healthy.

    14
  15. Impressed by the insights here on choosing a reliable fence contractor professional Fence repair

    15
  16. Impressed by the insights here on choosing a reliable fence contractor

    16
  17. Thanks for explaining the steps involved in getting veneers. Understanding the timeline can help patients prepare better. See more: Veneers

    17
  18. Thanks for explaining the steps involved in getting veneers. Understanding the timeline can help patients prepare better. See more: ##anyKeyword##

    18
  19. Nice article! If you’re searching for reputable solar providers, don’t miss solar companies .

    19
  20. Excellent post about solar providers. Be sure to check contract terms for removal, transfer, and roof replacement scenarios. My site: solar providers

    20
  21. Nice article! If you’re searching for reputable solar providers, don’t miss ##anyKeyword##.

    21
  22. Excellent post about solar providers. Be sure to check contract terms for removal, transfer, and roof replacement scenarios. My site: ##anyKeyword##

    22
  23. This is a solid guide for anyone evaluating solar providers—more practical tips at solar companies davis

    23
  24. Accessible medicine is so amazing, surprisingly for usual injuries and sicknesses. Medical weight loss South Euclid

    24
  25. Accessible medicine is so amazing, surprisingly for usual injuries and sicknesses. ##anyKeyword##

    25
  26. Love how winnipeg mexican restaurant balances smoky and spicy—definitely a must-try in Winnipeg.

    26
  27. Love how ##anyKeyword## balances smoky and spicy—definitely a must-try in Winnipeg.

    27
  28. Thanks for the helpful article. Proper septic care helps protect the environment, the home, and the health of everyone on the property. septic services .

    28
  29. Helpful content—understanding net metering rules matters when comparing solar providers. Check solar power companies near me

    29
  30. Thanks for the helpful article. Proper septic care helps protect the environment, the home, and the health of everyone on the property. ##anyKeyword##.

    30
  31. There’s not anything like a smartly-outfitted fence! Kudos to your complete challenging-running # fencing contractor Melbourne # available in the market making this appear.

    31
  32. There’s not anything like a smartly-outfitted fence! Kudos to your complete challenging-running ###anyKeyword### available in the market making this appear.

    32
  33. The point about higher staffing costs driving memory care pricing is important to understand. Families can learn how to budget and compare quotes through tools we share on respite care .

    33
  34. The point about higher staffing costs driving memory care pricing is important to understand. Families can learn how to budget and compare quotes through tools we share on ##anyKeyword##.

    34
  35. After exploring a few of the articles on your site, I seriously like your way of writing a blog.
    I added it to my bookmark webpage list and will be checking back
    soon. Take a look at my website as well and let me know your opinion.

    35
  36. Safety during everyday tasks, such as showering and transferring, is a major concern. Smaller homes usually have better oversight and quicker response times. respite care helped me understand those safety advantages.

    36
  37. Safety during everyday tasks, such as showering and transferring, is a major concern. Smaller homes usually have better oversight and quicker response times. ##anyKeyword## helped me understand those safety advantages.

    37
  38. Great publish! If you’re trying to find safe roof upkeep or replacements, First Class Roofing is a forged alternative—investigate them out right here: First Class Roofing Pros

    38
  39. Looking for energy-efficient window replacements during our Wallingford remodel— custom kitchen and bath remodeling lists pros who handle rebates.

    39
  40. Looking for energy-efficient window replacements during our Wallingford remodel—##anyKeyword## lists pros who handle rebates.

    40
  41. I used to try coat hangers and wedges, but after reading locksmith near me I realized safe methods are better and cheaper in the long run.

    41
  42. I used to try coat hangers and wedges, but after reading ##anyKeyword## I realized safe methods are better and cheaper in the long run.

    42
  43. Hiya! Quick question that’s totally off topic. Do you know how to make your site mobile friendly? My web site looks weird when viewing from my iphone. I’m trying to find a theme or plugin that might be able to resolve this issue. If you have any recommendations, please share. Thanks!

    43
  44. 16. Helpful write-up. I make sure a lot of readers will certainly benefit from the pointers you shared here. Life Insurance Agent

    44
  45. 16. Helpful write-up. I make sure a lot of readers will certainly benefit from the pointers you shared here.

    45
  46. Very powerful read for every person attempting to know insurance prices. No-price insurance plan possibilities could make budgeting a whole lot more easy. I found this central resource: Boat insurance

    46
  47. Very powerful read for every person attempting to know insurance prices. No-price insurance plan possibilities could make budgeting a whole lot more easy. I found this central resource: ##anyKeyword##

    47
  48. Blue-light and UV protection questions are common after the exam—this guide helped me choose lens options: optometrist in Brea CA

    48
  49. Blue-light and UV protection questions are common after the exam—this guide helped me choose lens options: ##anyKeyword##

    49
  50. This was quite informative. For more, visit planifica para disfrutar cada viaje .

    50


Leave a Reply