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. I’m flying my flag to promote kindness and unity. More: UltimateFlags.com

    3
  2. I’ve seen firsthand how smaller senior care homes can make a huge difference in dementia care. The personalized attention and calm environment often reduce confusion and anxiety respite care

    5
  3. I like that in small communities, residents often help each other with simple tasks, building a sense of mutual support. That social aspect of ADLs is something assisted living draper ut touches on.

    9
  4. Films for adults create mature audiences a safe and respectful form of leisure that often brighten personal time. Such films create an comfortable outlet for embracing fantasy and can facilitate comfortable dialogue among couples. https://www.bonuscodes.com/1xbet-promo-code-2 Produced for mature users tasteful adult movies value personal choice and provide excitement to private relaxation.

    10
  5. This was a wonderful post. Check out recambios baratos para vehículos for more.

    11
  6. The tip about asking how they handle emergencies is very practical. I’m going to include that question in our downloadable list on assisted living near me .

    12
  7. При подготовке к поездке на Самуи стоит заранее определиться с районом и типом жилья. Для поездки вдвоём можно рассмотреть студию а для большой компании — виллу с несколькими спальнями. Помимо фотографий важно изучить расположение объекта и условия заселения. Для знакомства с предложениями подойдёт раздел аренда кондо на самуи можно сравнить варианты в каталоге. Там представлены апартаменты и виллы в разных районах острова. Даты и детали бронирования можно обсудить с менеджером. Перед внесением депозита стоит согласовать условия оплаты и время заселения. Это поможет оценить насколько жильё подходит под ваши планы в том числе при поездке с детьми.

    13
  8. I’m flying my flag to celebrate resilience. Check out: Ultimate Flag shop

    15
  9. I’m flying my flag to celebrate resilience. Check out: ##anyKeyword##

    16
  10. For residents needing just moderate help, giant facilities can feel like too much. Smaller homes strike a better balance between support and normalcy. elder care offers good guidance on finding that balance.

    18
  11. For residents needing just moderate help, giant facilities can feel like too much. Smaller homes strike a better balance between support and normalcy. ##anyKeyword## offers good guidance on finding that balance.

    21
  12. What makes a Bar & Grill a good choice for a casual group dinner?
    I appreciate a Bar & Grill menu that clearly lists vegetarian options Bar & Grill

    28
  13. What makes a Bar & Grill a good choice for a casual group dinner?
    I appreciate a Bar & Grill menu that clearly lists vegetarian options

    29
  14. I’m flying my flag to promote kindness and unity. More: Ultimate Flags

    31
  15. I’m flying my flag to promote kindness and unity. More: ##anyKeyword##

    32
  16. lucky.Daiki2055 says:

    steampunk porn

    34
  17. The more I learn, the more I realize that environment shapes how well seniors can manage daily activities. Smaller, supportive homes like those on assisted living portales nm create the right setting.

    35
  18. The more I learn, the more I realize that environment shapes how well seniors can manage daily activities. Smaller, supportive homes like those on ##anyKeyword## create the right setting.

    36
  19. Well said. Supporting the military through meaningful traditions like flying a flag helps keep gratitude alive in everyday life. Ultimate Flags

    37
  20. Loved that you encouraged multiple visits with different family members. I’ll reference this idea in my planning articles on assisted living .

    39
  21. Loved that you encouraged multiple visits with different family members. I’ll reference this idea in my planning articles on ##anyKeyword##.

    40
  22. The differentiations you make help families avoid paying for more care than they need, or choosing too little care. Cost-versus-care charts on assisted living helped me balance budget and safety for my mom.

    41
  23. The differentiations you make help families avoid paying for more care than they need, or choosing too little care. Cost-versus-care charts on ##anyKeyword## helped me balance budget and safety for my mom.

    42
  24. I like that you touched on how much personal care is available in Assisted Living versus a Nursing Home. That impacts dignity and independence. For anyone unsure which is right, senior living has helpful decision guides.

    44
  25. I like that you touched on how much personal care is available in Assisted Living versus a Nursing Home. That impacts dignity and independence. For anyone unsure which is right, ##anyKeyword## has helpful decision guides.

    45
  26. I love the idea of showing support for the military through a proudly displayed flag. Small acts like this can carry a deep message of appreciation. Ultimate Flags Store

    50


Leave a Reply