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. 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.

    1
  2. Pricing transparency matters. I like how trusted maid service Sarasota lets you compare services easily.

    2
  3. Such wonderful tips! Dive deeper into dental care at dental care .

    3
  4. The explanation about who pays for what—private pay, long-term care insurance, or government programs—across Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Nursing Homes is very important. I found similar financial breakdowns on assisted living in albuquerque nm .

    4
  5. I have actually been looking for the best Gutters company near me and kept seeing multiple exceptional reviews about A+ Gutters for World Golf Village gutters

    5
  6. Great job covering what to look for in solar providers in Pleasanton. Resource: affordable solar power providers

    6
  7. Very informative—solar installation timelines and expectations are covered nicely. local solar companies

    7
  8. I’ve in fact been trying to find the best HVAC in Jacksonville and maintained discovering superb testimonials regarding King of Home Solutions in Jacksonville HVAC contractor near me

    8
  9. This article gives a clear framework for comparing different solar providers in Grass Valley. Useful link: affordable solar panel providers Grass Valley

    9
  10. This article gives a clear framework for comparing different solar providers in Grass Valley. Useful link: ##anyKeyword##

    10
  11. This post is helpful for homeowners weighing solar in Yuba City. Learn more at licensed solar energy company .

    11
  12. Great resource for deciding on solar in Chico. Compare providers using affordable solar company Chico .

    12
  13. This was very insightful. Check out West Kingsdown bathroom installer for more.

    13
  14. Excellent discussion for homeowners weighing the switch. Antioch solar providers info: affordable solar providers

    14
  15. Thanks for covering the common questions homeowners forget to ask. I’m interested in solar panel efficiency .

    15
  16. I’ve really been looking for the very best Garage door repair and maintained viewing impressive testimonials regarding King of Home Solutions in Jacksonville garage door repair near me

    16
  17. I’ve really been looking for the very best Garage door repair and maintained viewing impressive testimonials regarding King of Home Solutions in Jacksonville

    17
  18. Appreciate the thorough information. For more, visit book a Ramsgate plumber .

    18
  19. Thanks for sharing! For Tracy homeowners seeking solar providers, I recommend looking at solar panel supplier .

    19
  20. Very helpful read. For similar content, visit local plumber Orpington .

    20
  21. Concord residents should have access to dependable solar installers. See options at top solar companies .

    21
  22. This was quite informative. More at same-day plumbing Hempstead .

    22
  23. I like that you covered both benefits and practical considerations. For Danville solar installs, check residential solar power providers .

    23
  24. This was a great help. Check out plumber coupon deal for more.

    24
  25. Many forget to ask about Wi-Fi, technology support, and ways to stay connected. We encourage that on memory care as well.

    25
  26. I like that you covered both benefits and practical considerations. For Danville solar installs, check ##anyKeyword##.

    26
  27. I found the detox overview easy to understand. If you’re in Albuquerque, check out alcohol detox medical treatment

    27
  28. Thanks for emphasizing professional guidance. Additional local resource: medical alcohol detox clinic

    28
  29. Thanks for focusing on safety; inpatient alcohol detox program lists emergency contacts and when to use them.

    29
  30. I found the detox overview easy to understand. If you’re in Albuquerque, check out ##anyKeyword##

    30
  31. The emphasis on consultation and planning is spot on. Cosmetic dentistry in New York should never be rushed. cosmetic dentist upper east side manhattan

    31
  32. The emphasis on consultation and planning is spot on. Cosmetic dentistry in New York should never be rushed. ##anyKeyword##

    32
  33. It’s interesting how Independent Living is more about lifestyle and amenities rather than medical support. This article reflects what I’ve learned while researching on assisted living about active retirement options.

    33
  34. I appreciate how small senior homes often integrate residents into daily household tasks—folding laundry, setting tables. It supports dignity and purpose in dementia care. Learned about this through memory care .

    34
  35. Trusted service whenever with The Master’s Lawn & Pest! They’re undoubtedly the very best lawn care company in St Augustine lawn care

    35
  36. Trusted service whenever with The Master’s Lawn & Pest! They’re undoubtedly the very best lawn care company in St Augustine

    36
  37. Appreciate the comprehensive advice. For more, visit Staplehurst bathroom plumber .

    37
  38. This article is a good reminder that Nursing Homes often include rehabilitation services, which Assisted Living usually does not. I learned more about short-term rehab versus long-term care on respite care .

    38
  39. 강남유흥 관련 가이드 라이트하게 읽기 좋습니다. 추가는 강남 쩜오 로!

    39
  40. This article is a good reminder that Nursing Homes often include rehabilitation services, which Assisted Living usually does not. I learned more about short-term rehab versus long-term care on ##anyKeyword##.

    40
  41. 강남유흥 관련 가이드 라이트하게 읽기 좋습니다. 추가는 ##anyKeyword## 로!

    41
  42. Reliable restroom service is one of those details people notice when it goes wrong, so choosing a trusted provider matters. I’d recommend looking into temporary fencing .

    42
  43. Reliable restroom service is one of those details people notice when it goes wrong, so choosing a trusted provider matters. I’d recommend looking into ##anyKeyword##.

    43
  44. The storm drains on our rental property back up every big storm. I’ll be reaching out to Portable Toilet Rental about a regular storm drain and sewer maintenance plan.

    44
  45. Good call about ensuring the company provides a clear schedule and arrival window. This is a helpful reference: HVAC Contractor

    45
  46. Great guidance on selecting a septic company based on credentials warranties and transparency Septic Pump Replacement

    46
  47. A well maintained facility usually gives me more confidence about long term storage storage facility

    47
  48. Good call about ensuring the company provides a clear schedule and arrival window. This is a helpful reference: ##anyKeyword##

    48
  49. The storm drains on our rental property back up every big storm. I’ll be reaching out to ##anyKeyword## about a regular storm drain and sewer maintenance plan.

    49
  50. Great guidance on selecting a septic company based on credentials warranties and transparency ##anyKeyword##

    50


Leave a Reply