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. Thanks for the practical tips. More at repuestos coche recambios .

    6
  2. Промокод 1xBet на сегодня при регистрации. Пользователи могут использовать промокоды для получения различных бонусов от букмекера. Найти такие коды можно на тематических сайтах и рабочих зеркалах. 1xbet предлагает разные способы регистрации: через e-mail. Компания заботится о клиентах и соблюдает международное право. Актуальные Рабочий 1xBet Промокод При Регистрации можно получить бесплатно: на нашем сайте. Любой желающий легко найдёт промокод 1xbet на сегодня. Предложения выгодные а условия их получения — реальные. В некоторых случаях вообще ничего делать не нужно.

    7
  3. What should I compare when researching Dental Implants Beverly Hills?
    I appreciate a clear overview of Dental Implants Beverly Hills options Dental Implants Beverly Hills

    8
  4. its.ingrid2021 says:

    fun porn

    13
  5. Looking for a a laugh nighttime out in Toronto? Comedy clubs are a sizable place to relish hilarious stand-up performances, gifted comedians, and unforgettable live amusement. Toronto gives you a great deal of exciting comedy reviews for all people click for more info

    16
  6. I am comparing Exterior French Drain Installation options for a yard that stays soggy after rain Exterior French Drain Installation

    21
  7. official.sean says:

    anal slayer

    28
  8. 강남유흥 추천 코스 힌트 얻고 갑니다. 자세한 코스는 강남 쩜오 로.

    30
  9. What should I compare when researching Dental Implants Beverly Hills?
    I appreciate a clear overview of Dental Implants Beverly Hills options Dental Implants Beverly Hills

    34
  10. Appreciate the thorough insights. For more, visit window repair in bicester .

    35
  11. Helpful guidance here. For more, visit heating and air conditioning service.

    40
  12. gabriel4613 says:

    pornogay

    41
  13. Thanks for the valuable insights. More at piezas segunda mano motor .

    42
  14. Thanks for the valuable insights. More at ##anyKeyword##.

    43
  15. This web page is known as a walk-through for the entire data you needed about this and didn’t know who to ask. Glimpse right here, and also you’ll undoubtedly uncover it.

    45
  16. This was a great help. For more, visit Jacksonville photographer wins award.

    49
  17. Telegram-чат для жителей города Москва: INDI24 Москва Можно перейти в чат и ознакомиться с обсуждениями.

    50


Leave a Reply