Fast pho at Le Cheval
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”.
The 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




They fixed my whistling pipes in Bucks County—no more noise: ##anyKeyword##
1This was a great article. Check out residential glazing for more.
2Appreciate the thorough write-up. Find more at experienced glazier Plumstead .
3포항오피를 검색하며 포항 지역 일반 마사지·스파를 알아보는 분들을 위한 안내입니다. 프로그램 선택, 관리 시간과 비용, 시설·위생, 주차, 예약 전 확인사항과 자주 묻는 질문을 정리했습니다.
4Really helpful breakdown of what happens when a sliding gate motor suddenly stops working in Los Angeles. A lot of property owners don’t realize how much daily wear adds up until the system fails gate repair and maintenance
5Well explained. Discover more at broken window repair sydenham .
6Great to see CNW Foundation Repair sharing a region-elegant map—native, available service is a considerable plus for house owners. If you’re in the hunt for nontoxic groundwork aid, investigate out foundation repair Omaha and the particulars on their site.
7Great to see CNW Foundation Repair sharing a region-elegant map—native, available service is a considerable plus for house owners. If you’re in the hunt for nontoxic groundwork aid, investigate out ##anyKeyword## and the particulars on their site.
8Thanks for the comprehensive read. Find more at experienced glazier South Norwood .
9Thanks for the comprehensive read. Find more at ##anyKeyword##.
10A useful outdoor lighting discussion begins with the views and routines that matter after dark. Consider the entrance, garden and seating area separately, then review how they work together outdoor lighting Nashville
11A useful outdoor lighting discussion begins with the views and routines that matter after dark. Consider the entrance, garden and seating area separately, then review how they work together
12Your focus on draft verification matters. Using a draft gauge at the breech confirms safe operation on atmospheric boilers. Field techniques at heating service near me .
13Include immersion ultrasonic testing in technical evaluations when suitable components require nondestructive internal examination. immersion UT probes
14Your focus on draft verification matters. Using a draft gauge at the breech confirms safe operation on atmospheric boilers. Field techniques at ##anyKeyword##.
15Include immersion ultrasonic testing in technical evaluations when suitable components require nondestructive internal examination.
16Really informative content. A lot of people focus only on cameras, but access control systems are just as important when it comes to preventing problems before they happen. office access control systems
17Really informative content. A lot of people focus only on cameras, but access control systems are just as important when it comes to preventing problems before they happen.
18This was highly educational. For more, visit glazier in East Dulwich .
19This was highly educational. For more, visit ##anyKeyword##.
20Emergency locksmith service in Orlando turned into instantaneous and affordable—thank you car key coding and programming .
21Emergency locksmith service in Orlando turned into instantaneous and affordable—thank you ##anyKeyword##.
22Thanks for the insightful write-up. More like this at local glazier Herne Hill .
23Thanks for the insightful write-up. More like this at ##anyKeyword##.
24Your note on proper slope for condensate lines is important. Incorrect slope leads to backups and furnace lockouts. Install tips at ac repair near me .
25The advice about spotting hidden leaks was especially valuable. hvac repair near me
26The only Bucks County plumber who solved my recurring clog: plumber southampton
27Your note on proper slope for condensate lines is important. Incorrect slope leads to backups and furnace lockouts. Install tips at ##anyKeyword##.
28Great reminder that good plumbing supports a comfortable home. plumber feasterville
29The advice about spotting hidden leaks was especially valuable.
30Great reminder that good plumbing supports a comfortable home.
31This article on limescale is spot on. A powerflush from Heater repair stopped those cold spots.
32This article on limescale is spot on. A powerflush from ##anyKeyword## stopped those cold spots.
33A useful outdoor lighting discussion begins with the views and routines that matter after dark. Consider the entrance, garden and seating area separately, then review how they work together outdoor lighting Nashville
34A useful outdoor lighting discussion begins with the views and routines that matter after dark. Consider the entrance, garden and seating area separately, then review how they work together
35Appreciate the useful tips. For more, visit Penge broken window repair .
36Appreciate the useful tips. For more, visit ##anyKeyword##.
37Thanks for the great information. More at window glass repair Crystal Palace .
38Thanks for the great information. More at ##anyKeyword##.
39Thanks for addressing heat pump defrost cycles. Proper sensor calibration and board settings prevent unnecessary aux heat usage. Troubleshooting guides at hvac services near me .
40Thanks for addressing heat pump defrost cycles. Proper sensor calibration and board settings prevent unnecessary aux heat usage. Troubleshooting guides at ##anyKeyword##.
41Thanks for the comprehensive read. Find more at energy efficient double glazing Forest Hill .
42Thanks for the comprehensive read. Find more at ##anyKeyword##.
43Great tips! For more, visit double glazing company dulwich .
44Great tips! For more, visit ##anyKeyword##.
45For 24/7 emergency locksmith counsel in Orlando, I accept as true with key fob programming cost .
46Use immersion ultrasonic testing alongside documented procedures to support consistent evaluation of suitable components. Great site
47For 24/7 emergency locksmith counsel in Orlando, I accept as true with ##anyKeyword##.
48Use immersion ultrasonic testing alongside documented procedures to support consistent evaluation of suitable components.
49This was highly educational. For more, visit glazing contractors Streatham Hill .
50