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. Many crash victims in Kent receive higher settlements simply because they hired a personal injury attorney.

    1
  2. This article makes it easier to compare solar providers fairly. I found useful quote comparison info at solar companies near me .

    2
  3. Ask about HEPA filtration for pre-vacuuming. I filtered for that equipment on carpet cleaning st george utah .

    3
  4. Masterpiece package was worth every penny, car looks genuinely showroom quality. vehicle ceramic coating near me

    4
  5. Star resident, love supporting a local business that gives back to our community. boise roofing

    5
  6. Helpful tips for selecting solar providers with quality components. We learned a lot from solar companies danville .

    6
  7. Helpful tips for selecting solar providers with quality components. We learned a lot from ##anyKeyword##.

    7
  8. I appreciate that small senior homes can tailor ADL support around what the resident can still do independently. That focus on ability instead of disability is something assisted living near me really emphasizes.

    8
  9. I appreciate that small senior homes can tailor ADL support around what the resident can still do independently. That focus on ability instead of disability is something ##anyKeyword## really emphasizes.

    9
  10. Acrylic set turned out perfectly, exactly the shape and length I wanted. nail salon near me

    10
  11. Your description of coaching leaders to handle conflict constructively is extremely relevant. I’ve used conflict-mapping tools from leadership training in similar situations.

    11
  12. Acrylic set turned out perfectly, exactly the shape and length I wanted.

    12
  13. Your description of coaching leaders to handle conflict constructively is extremely relevant. I’ve used conflict-mapping tools from ##anyKeyword## in similar situations.

    13
  14. For chimney cap issues most appropriate to leaks, roofer near me has Manassas fix tips.

    14
  15. For chimney cap issues most appropriate to leaks, ##anyKeyword## has Manassas fix tips.

    15
  16. Thanks for covering the basics. The best solar providers keep communication consistent throughout installation. Link: solar companies fairfield

    16
  17. Thanks for covering the basics. The best solar providers keep communication consistent throughout installation. Link: ##anyKeyword##

    17
  18. This was beautifully organized. Discover more at bee removal elkridge md .

    18
  19. Great post with valuable takeaways. For high-quality solar providers, look into solar power companies near me .

    19
  20. The way you explained financing and panels was clear. I’d also suggest visiting solar providers for solar providers.

    20
  21. This was beautifully organized. Discover more at ##anyKeyword##.

    21
  22. Excellent overview. One aspect worth emphasizing further is how care plans are regularly reassessed in memory care because dementia is progressive, while assisted living care levels may stay more stable memory care near me

    22
  23. Nice reminder—compare the sales contract wording across solar providers to avoid hidden obligations. Learn at solar companies rocklin

    23
  24. Excellent overview. One aspect worth emphasizing further is how care plans are regularly reassessed in memory care because dementia is progressive, while assisted living care levels may stay more stable

    24
  25. Nice reminder—compare the sales contract wording across solar providers to avoid hidden obligations. Learn at ##anyKeyword##

    25
  26. W e-commerce marketing decyduje o być albo nie być. Konkurencja z dużymi platformami wymaga sprytu, nie tylko budżetu. Wsparcie agencji marketingowej znającej e-commerce robi różnicę. Agencja Marketingowa

    26
  27. W e-commerce marketing decyduje o być albo nie być. Konkurencja z dużymi platformami wymaga sprytu, nie tylko budżetu. Wsparcie agencji marketingowej znającej e-commerce robi różnicę.

    27
  28. For seniors who feel anxious in crowds, a smaller assisted living home can make basic activities like eating or going to the bathroom much less stressful. assisted living santa fe nm is a good resource for exploring that option.

    28
  29. For seniors who feel anxious in crowds, a smaller assisted living home can make basic activities like eating or going to the bathroom much less stressful. ##anyKeyword## is a good resource for exploring that option.

    29
  30. Helpful and practical. If you’re selecting solar providers, start with the resources at solar companies .

    30
  31. Helpful and practical. If you’re selecting solar providers, start with the resources at ##anyKeyword##.

    31
  32. I found this very useful for choosing reputable solar providers. Visit solar panel providers

    32
  33. I found this very useful for choosing reputable solar providers. Visit ##anyKeyword##

    33
  34. The ratio of staff to residents is critical. In a small community, help with daily activities is more proactive instead of reactive. senior care looks like it emphasizes that responsive care.

    34
  35. The ratio of staff to residents is critical. In a small community, help with daily activities is more proactive instead of reactive. ##anyKeyword## looks like it emphasizes that responsive care.

    35
  36. Veneers can create a brighter smile, but they should still look natural. This article explains that well. More insights here: Veneers

    36
  37. Veneers can create a brighter smile, but they should still look natural. This article explains that well. More insights here: ##anyKeyword##

    37
  38. Informative and easy to follow—solar providers vary wildly, so this helps you evaluate options. solar power companies near me

    38
  39. Informative and easy to follow—solar providers vary wildly, so this helps you evaluate options. ##anyKeyword##

    39
  40. Great overview of what shoppers should know before choosing a cannabis store. I always recommend comparing product quality, lab testing, and customer education at Cannabis Store .

    40
  41. Great overview of what shoppers should know before choosing a cannabis store. I always recommend comparing product quality, lab testing, and customer education at ##anyKeyword##.

    41
  42. It’s helpful that you mention the emotional side of moving, not just the logistical differences. On assisted living , I saw advice about supporting seniors emotionally through transitions that complements what you’re saying.

    42
  43. 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.

    43
  44. Helpful content. It’s nice to see massage therapy explained as something that supports both the body and mind. Massage Therapy

    44
  45. Helpful content. It’s nice to see massage therapy explained as something that supports both the body and mind. ##anyKeyword##

    45
  46. For metallic roof upgrades round Quinby, SC, I forever advocate establishing with a free estimate at roofing company .

    46
  47. Our backyard slope was tricky; licensed fence contractor did stepped panels that look uniform and secure—great craftsmanship.

    47
  48. Our backyard slope was tricky; ##anyKeyword## did stepped panels that look uniform and secure—great craftsmanship.

    48
  49. Confirm they’re comfortable working around fences and narrow gates. Access planning tips are on commercial tree removal .

    49
  50. Confirm they’re comfortable working around fences and narrow gates. Access planning tips are on ##anyKeyword##.

    50


Leave a Reply