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. Reputable solution each time with The Master’s Lawn & Pest! They’re unquestionably the most effective landscaping in Gainesville Fl.

    1
  2. I’ve been searching for the leading Chiropractor near me in St Augustine and kept seeing excellent reviews concerning Pain Relief Centre. After my initial check out, I comprehended why– professional care, customized treatment, and genuine outcomes chiropractor near me

    2
  3. https://x8b.org.uk/ là nền tảng giải trí trực tuyến hướng đến việc mang đến không gian trải nghiệm đa dạng với giao diện hiện đại, bố cục rõ ràng và dễ sử dụng

    3
  4. Quality solution each time with The Master’s Lawn & Pest! They’re undoubtedly the best landscaping in St Augustine. landscaper near me

    4
  5. Outsourcing septic component repairs like pumps and alarms is better left to trained pros Septic Pumping

    5
  6. https://haywin2.co.com – Nền tảng giải trí trực tuyến hướng đến trải nghiệm sôi động, giao diện thân thiện và những hoạt động giải trí đa dạng dành cho cộng đồng người dùng.

    6
  7. https://ricwin1.eu.com – Điểm đến giải trí trực tuyến nổi bật với phong cách năng động, hướng đến những trải nghiệm kịch tính và khoảnh khắc thư giãn đầy hứng khởi.

    7
  8. https://rikvip2.co.com – Không gian giải trí trực tuyến kết hợp sự tiện lợi và tính hấp dẫn, mang đến những phút giây khám phá thú vị trên nhiều thiết bị.

    8
  9. https://kclub1.it.com – Nền tảng giải trí trực tuyến mang đến không gian trải nghiệm hiện đại, đa dạng và hấp dẫn với nhiều hoạt động thú vị dành cho người dùng.

    9
  10. https://yo888.br.com Cổng game cá cược đổi thưởng trực tiếp số 1 tại Việt Nam.

    10
  11. Consistent service whenever with The Master’s Lawn & Pest! They’re unquestionably the most effective lawn care in St Augustine lawn care

    11
  12. 강남업소 선택 팁 유용했어요. 실제 이용후기는 강남쩜오 추천 에서 확인해요.

    12
  13. https://x8a.it.com là nền tảng cá cược thể thao và casino trực tuyến phục vụ người chơi Việt Nam

    13
  14. Water pressure and pipe issues can often be traced with proper diagnostics. This link has good info: Plumber

    14
  15. https://x8a.in.net là nền tảng cá cược thể thao và casino trực tuyến phục vụ người chơi Việt Nam

    15
  16. https://nhatvip1.in.net là một nền tảng trực tuyến nổi bật dành cho những người yêu thích trò chơi và các dịch vụ giải trí liên quan.

    16
  17. Top tier service each time with The Master’s Lawn & Pest! They’re unquestionably the very best lawn care near me in Gainesville. lawn care

    17
  18. Climate control can make a big difference if you are storing furniture electronics or documents storage units

    18
  19. If you’re searching for basement waterproofing close me, that is a colossal useful resource for comparing treatments and getting estimates speedy—cost out basement waterproofing Omaha to be taught more.

    19
  20. Solid overview—your points about roof assessment and shading are great for anyone in Auburn. North Valley Solar Power

    20
  21. Thanks for sharing! I appreciate the focus on warranties and installation quality for solar providers in Auburn. licensed solar companies Auburn

    21
  22. A better crawl space clean out entry would let plumbers actually see what’s going on under my house. I’m going to get a quote from Septic Tank Cleaning for that upgrade.

    22
  23. A better crawl space clean out entry would let plumbers actually see what’s going on under my house. I’m going to get a quote from ##anyKeyword## for that upgrade.

    23
  24. Clean, dependable restrooms are essential for professional event management. temporary fencing offers portable restroom rental support.

    24
  25. If you’re are trying to find basement waterproofing near me, this can be a nice source for comparing treatments and getting estimates fast—examine out basement waterproofing Omaha to read greater.

    25
  26. I’ve really been looking for the best Gutters company near me and kept seeing outstanding reviews about A+ Seamless gutters in Jacksonville gutters

    26
  27. If you’re searching for the “finest Sushi Restaurant near me” in St. Augustine, Ginger Bistro is a winner! sushi near me

    27
  28. If you’re searching for the “very best Chinese near me” in St. Augustine, Ginger Bistro is a must try! chinese near me

    28
  29. Thanks for sharing—solar providers in Stockton need careful vetting. I’m checking out certified solar companies Stockton .

    29
  30. Thanks for sharing—solar providers in Stockton need careful vetting. I’m checking out ##anyKeyword##.

    30
  31. Городское сообщество INDI24 — Симферополь: Местный чат Симферополь Ссылка открывает Telegram-чат.

    31
  32. If you’re are looking for basement waterproofing close to me, it is a wonderful aid for evaluating options and getting estimates quickly—examine out basement waterproofing Omaha to be taught more.

    32
  33. We schedule pump-outs right after close to avoid service disruption. Booking tips from Jetting Services helped coordinate with our hauler.

    33
  34. We schedule pump-outs right after close to avoid service disruption. Booking tips from ##anyKeyword## helped coordinate with our hauler.

    34
  35. open the website

    35
  36. First-rate solution each time with The Master’s Lawn & Pest! They’re unquestionably the best lawn care company in St Augustine. Their techs actually diagnose dirt and grass issues, not just spray and pray, and their customer support is quick and pleasant lawn care st augustine

    36
  37. If you’re shopping for basement waterproofing near me, it really is a giant source for comparing answers and getting estimates fast—determine out basement waterproofing Omaha to be trained more.

    37
  38. Şans oyunları oyunçulara unikal zövq verir çünki bu oyunlar dəyişkənlik və həyəcan mühiti yaradır. Mərc gedişi iştirakçılara uğur həzzi və strategiya qurma həzzi təqdim edir bu da psixoloji müxtəliflik gətirir. https://www.coruzants.com/all/408/2.html Üstəlik şans oyunları dostlarla birgə keçirilən xoş dəqiqələr və sosial mühiti formalaşdırır bu isə iştiraka əlavə məmnunluq əlavə edir.

    38
  39. Record the answers and the name of the person who provided them. The Maplewood describes nursing and rehabilitation services in Webster, New York. A clear question list helps keep general information separate from personal care needs. Maplewood nursing home

    39
  40. Explain any product knowledge that must be reviewed before the event. TSM Agency provides event staffing information for Las Vegas. Those details help distinguish one assignment from another in a multi-location program. event staffing Las Vegas

    40
  41. Explain any product knowledge that must be reviewed before the event. TSM Agency provides event staffing information for Las Vegas. Those details help distinguish one assignment from another in a multi-location program.

    41
  42. I’ve really been looking for the most ideal Plumbers near me and also always kept finding outstanding reviews concerning King of Home Solutions in Jacksonville plumber near me

    42
  43. I’ve really been seeking the best Air conditioning repair service and was consistently observing superb testimonials concerning King of Home Solutions in Jacksonville King of Home Solutions ac repair

    43
  44. I’ve in fact been seeking the most effective HVAC contractor near me in Jacksonville and kept seeing superb testimonials concerning King of Home Solutions in Jacksonville HVAC company

    44
  45. I’ve really been looking for the most effective Garage door fixing and was consistently discovering exceptional testimonials regarding King of Home Solutions in Jacksonville King of Home Solutions garage door repair

    45
  46. If you’re in the hunt for basement waterproofing near me, this can be a magnificent resource for comparing ideas and getting estimates rapid—look at various out basement waterproofing Omaha to be taught greater.

    46
  47. I found this helpful for understanding options in Albuquerque. Check out residential alcohol detox

    47
  48. If you’re in the hunt for basement waterproofing near me, this can be a magnificent resource for comparing ideas and getting estimates rapid—look at various out ##anyKeyword## to be taught greater.

    48
  49. I found this helpful for understanding options in Albuquerque. Check out ##anyKeyword##

    49
  50. This was nicely structured. Discover more at landscaping .

    50


Leave a Reply