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. Great advice for anyone preparing for a local move. Packing, scheduling, and organizing ahead of time can save a lot of trouble. New Jersey residents may find new jersey movers helpful when planning a move.

    1
  2. 강남쩜오 실시간 소식은 강남쩜오 메뉴 에서 확인 가능합니다.

    2
  3. Some truly choice blog posts on this web site, saved to bookmarks.

    3
  4. What would you order on your first visit to a Gin Bar?
    A Gin Bar menu with tasting notes would make choosing much easier gin bar near me

    4
  5. What questions would you ask when comparing Pest Control Services Sussex County for a first inspection?
    I searched Pest Control Services Sussex County and would like to understand what an initial visit includes Pest Control Services Sussex County

    6
  6. What should someone ask when researching Car Accident Chiropractic Care Lakewood, CO?
    This overview of Car Accident Chiropractic Care Lakewood, CO makes appointment planning easier to understand Car Accident Chiropractic Care Lakewood, CO

    7
  7. What should someone ask when researching Car Accident Chiropractic Care Lakewood, CO?
    This overview of Car Accident Chiropractic Care Lakewood, CO makes appointment planning easier to understand

    8
  8. What should homeowners ask before requesting an Exterior French Drain Installation NJ estimate?
    This Exterior French Drain Installation NJ overview makes the planning process easier to follow Exterior French Drain Installation NJ

    9
  9. What should homeowners ask before requesting an Exterior French Drain Installation NJ estimate?
    This Exterior French Drain Installation NJ overview makes the planning process easier to follow

    10
  10. If you’re ever in need of car key replacement, I highly recommend checking out lock out . They saved me a lot of time!

    11
  11. If you’re ever in need of car key replacement, I highly recommend checking out ##anyKeyword##. They saved me a lot of time!

    12
  12. What questions would you ask when comparing Pest Control Services Sussex County for a first inspection?
    I searched Pest Control Services Sussex County and would like to understand what an initial visit includes Sussex County pest control services

    13
  13. What questions would you ask when comparing Pest Control Services Sussex County for a first inspection?
    I searched Pest Control Services Sussex County and would like to understand what an initial visit includes

    14
  14. What should a first-time patient ask about Car Accident Chiropractic Care Englewood, CO?
    A clear intake checklist would make researching Car Accident Chiropractic Care Englewood, CO easier Car Accident Chiropractic Care Englewood, CO

    15
  15. What should a first-time patient ask about Car Accident Chiropractic Care Englewood, CO?
    A clear intake checklist would make researching Car Accident Chiropractic Care Englewood, CO easier

    16
  16. What should a new patient ask when researching Chiropractor Aurora CO?
    A first-visit checklist would make comparing Chiropractor Aurora CO options easier.
    I appreciate Chiropractor Aurora CO resources that explain provider qualifications clearly Chiropractor Aurora CO

    17
  17. What should someone ask during a first Teeth Whitening Oxnard CA consultation?
    This Teeth Whitening Oxnard CA overview makes the appointment process easier to understand Teeth Whitening Oxnard CA

    18
  18. What should a new patient ask when researching Chiropractor Aurora CO?
    A first-visit checklist would make comparing Chiropractor Aurora CO options easier.
    I appreciate Chiropractor Aurora CO resources that explain provider qualifications clearly

    19
  19. What should someone ask during a first Teeth Whitening Oxnard CA consultation?
    This Teeth Whitening Oxnard CA overview makes the appointment process easier to understand

    20
  20. Residential moving is much easier when you have a checklist and a clear timeline. New Jersey apartment moves especially need careful coordination. moving company new jersey may be helpful for anyone planning their next move.

    21
  21. Residential moving is much easier when you have a checklist and a clear timeline. New Jersey apartment moves especially need careful coordination. ##anyKeyword## may be helpful for anyone planning their next move.

    22
  22. This was a practical read. I especially liked the advice on checking shingles after heavy storms, since that’s frequently when problems begin. solar installers wellington

    23
  23. This was a practical read. I especially liked the advice on checking shingles after heavy storms, since that’s frequently when problems begin.

    24
  24. What would you order on your first visit to a Gin Bar?
    A Gin Bar menu with tasting notes would make choosing much easier Gin Bar

    25
  25. What would you order on your first visit to a Gin Bar?
    A Gin Bar menu with tasting notes would make choosing much easier

    26
  26. What would you suggest to someone trying jamaican food for the first time?
    I like how this guide explains jamaican food without assuming everyone knows the dish names jamaican food

    27
  27. What would you suggest to someone trying jamaican food for the first time?
    I like how this guide explains jamaican food without assuming everyone knows the dish names

    28
  28. I enjoy the on the spot carrier from locksmith orlando florida — speedy locksmith lend a hand in Orlando whilst it mattered.

    29
  29. I enjoy the on the spot carrier from ##anyKeyword## — speedy locksmith lend a hand in Orlando whilst it mattered.

    30
  30. This was a great help. Check out repuestos coche recambios for more.

    31
  31. This was a great help. Check out ##anyKeyword## for more.

    32
  32. What would you order on your first visit to a Gin Bar?
    A Gin Bar menu with tasting notes would make choosing much easier neighborhood gin bar

    33
  33. What would you order on your first visit to a Gin Bar?
    A Gin Bar menu with tasting notes would make choosing much easier

    34
  34. This post is a good reminder that every move needs a plan. Whether moving into a house or apartment in New Jersey, organization is key. nj moving company may be useful for anyone preparing for a residential move.

    35
  35. This post is a good reminder that every move needs a plan. Whether moving into a house or apartment in New Jersey, organization is key. ##anyKeyword## may be useful for anyone preparing for a residential move.

    37
  36. Neighbors Electric discusses flickering light concerns in Crowley.
    electrician crowley

    38
  37. Neighbors Electric discusses flickering light concerns in Crowley.

    39
  38. 강남유흥 입문자 필독 글이네요. 다음 스텝은 강남쩜오 추천 에서!

    40
  39. 강남유흥 입문자 필독 글이네요. 다음 스텝은 ##anyKeyword## 에서!

    41
  40. Outstanding article. It’s simple to forget just how much weather, age, and bad installation can all impact roofing performance with time. solar installers

    42
  41. Outstanding article. It’s simple to forget just how much weather, age, and bad installation can all impact roofing performance with time.

    43
  42. Sports betting remains one accessible form of fun that brings additional interest for following events. This activity allows fans to interact more closely with the action and to prove ones predictions through a engaging context. learn more on the website Responsible sports betting with firm rules ensures betting entertaining and supports bettors from risky spending.

    44
  43. For any person in quest of dependable locksmith services in Orlando, seem to be no in addition than the exotic team at locksmith #!

    45
  44. For any person in quest of dependable locksmith services in Orlando, seem to be no in addition than the exotic team at ##anyKeyword###!

    46
  45. What questions would you ask when comparing Pest Control Services Sussex County for a first inspection?
    I searched Pest Control Services Sussex County and would like to understand what an initial visit includes Sussex County termite control

    47
  46. What would you suggest to someone trying jamaican food for the first time?
    I like how this guide explains jamaican food without assuming everyone knows the dish names jamaican food

    48
  47. Ключевой элемент — борт чаши. Кромку выполняют закруглённой либо скошенной, чтобы не травмировать руки и ноги.

    49
  48. I found this very helpful. For additional info, visit piezas de segunda mano baratas .

    50


Leave a Reply