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 overview of what happens during alcohol detox and why it matters. ##anyKeyword##

    1
  2. The physician guidance is crucial; medical alcohol detoxification talks about preparing questions for your doctor.

    2
  3. 여기여에서 검색·콘텐츠·학습·디자인·개발·생활 분야의 링크모음과 주소모음을 살펴보세요. 사이트 주소 확인법, 모바일 이용법, 북마크 정리, 접속 문제 해결 방법과 FAQ를 안내합니다.

    3
  4. пинко казино pinco casino — это удивительное место для азартных игр. На данном сайте можно проверить свою удачу и заработать новые впечатления. Каждый найдет что-то для себя.

    4
  5. Smart tips for selecting solar providers in Lodi—thank you for posting. solar panel system

    5
  6. Thanks for emphasizing skilled craftsmanship. Cosmetic work should look seamless—especially in NYC. cosmetic dentistry procedures nyc

    6
  7. Solar decisions are easier with good guidance. For Concord provider info, try small solar providers .

    8
  8. I found your breakdown on panel types and efficiency helpful for selecting solar providers in Grass Valley. best solar company near Grass Valley

    9
  9. I found your breakdown on panel types and efficiency helpful for selecting solar providers in Grass Valley. ##anyKeyword##

    10
  10. Thanks for the insightful write-up. More like this at who does garden clean ups in Warnbro .

    11
  11. Thanks for the insightful write-up. More like this at ##anyKeyword##.

    12
  12. Mayor consumo energético por ventilación o deshumidificación — limpiar moho en paredes

    13
  13. Mayor consumo energético por ventilación o deshumidificación — ##anyKeyword##

    14
  14. Awesome tips! If you need solar providers in Pleasanton, this may help: trusted solar companies

    15
  15. Awesome tips! If you need solar providers in Pleasanton, this may help: ##anyKeyword##

    16
  16. Great point about choosing installers with strong local experience. Danville residents can count on professional solar energy consultation .

    17
  17. Great point about choosing installers with strong local experience. Danville residents can count on ##anyKeyword##.

    18
  18. 여기여에서 검색·콘텐츠·학습·디자인·개발·생활 분야의 링크모음과 주소모음을 살펴보세요. 사이트 주소 확인법, 모바일 이용법, 북마크 정리, 접속 문제 해결 방법과 FAQ를 안내합니다.

    19
  19. Good job explaining how to choose a reputable solar installer in Chico. Learn from solar company reviews Chico .

    20
  20. Good job explaining how to choose a reputable solar installer in Chico. Learn from ##anyKeyword##.

    21
  21. Aparición de burbujas en la pintura — empresa anti moho Barcelona

    22
  22. Aparición de burbujas en la pintura — ##anyKeyword##

    23
  23. I appreciate the reminder that detox should be medically managed. Albuquerque families deserve clear options— alcohol detox services

    24
  24. I appreciate the reminder that detox should be medically managed. Albuquerque families deserve clear options—##anyKeyword##

    25
  25. This post is super helpful for Yuba City solar shoppers. I’m using residential solar companies Yuba City to compare.

    26
  26. This post is super helpful for Yuba City solar shoppers. I’m using ##anyKeyword## to compare.

    27
  27. Great overview of financing and payment options for solar providers in Stockton. More at solar companies in Stockton .

    28
  28. Great content—especially for those nervous about withdrawal. Check this: medical alcohol detox doctors

    29
  29. Great content—especially for those nervous about withdrawal. Check this: ##anyKeyword##

    30
  30. Nutrition tips were exactly what I needed; Tinton Falls alcohol rehab provides a sample three-day meal plan.

    31
  31. Nutrition tips were exactly what I needed; ##anyKeyword## provides a sample three-day meal plan.

    32
  32. фугу казино фугу казино официальный сайт зеркало предлагает уникальный опыт адреналина для любителей азартных игр. Здесь имеется возможность наслаждаться многочисленными слотами и настольными играми. Уникальная атмосфера фугу казино порождает незабываемые ощущения.

    33
  33. джеттон казино джеттон казино телеграм — это фишки для азартных игр которые используются для участия в многочисленных играх. Они позволяют практически управлять своим банком и дают возможность интересные азартные впечатления.

    34
  34. I enjoyed this article. Check out cheap steam keys for more.

    35
  35. Thanks for helping Lodi homeowners ask the right questions to solar providers. solar companies near me

    36
  36. Really enjoyed reading this. The New York cosmetic dentistry perspective is helpful and relevant. best cosmetic dentistry nyc

    37
  37. Thanks for sharing a clear breakdown of solar installation steps with providers in Grass Valley. solar companies near me

    38
  38. Really enjoyed reading this. The New York cosmetic dentistry perspective is helpful and relevant. ##anyKeyword##

    39
  39. Thanks for sharing a clear breakdown of solar installation steps with providers in Grass Valley. ##anyKeyword##

    40
  40. Useful points about system performance and design. Get details for Concord installers at national solar panel providers .

    41
  41. Useful points about system performance and design. Get details for Concord installers at ##anyKeyword##.

    42
  42. пинко казино пинко казино отзывы предлагает уникальный опыт для азартных игроков. Здесь можно найти интересные игры которые удовлетворят даже самых привередливых пользователей. Загляните и попробуйте свою удачу

    43
  43. Useful breakdown of what to consider when choosing solar providers in Pleasanton. solar panel providers near me

    44
  44. Solar upgrades can feel complicated, but your post makes it clearer. For Danville help, try residential solar providers .

    45
  45. Solar upgrades can feel complicated, but your post makes it clearer. For Danville help, try ##anyKeyword##.

    46
  46. Building accessory dwelling units ADUs is a smart way to maximize property value while offering flexible living spaces. Whether you need a backyard cottage in-law suite or garage conversion hiring a skilled professional ensures compliance with local regulations and high-quality construction. A reliable adu contractor can streamline permits design and execution saving you time and stress. From planning to finishing touches their expertise transforms your vision into a functional code-compliant addition. Investing in the right contractor ensures durability and long-term satisfaction.

    47
  47. Great points on evaluating different solar plans. Learn about solar providers in Chico at top-rated solar companies .

    48
  48. Great points on evaluating different solar plans. Learn about solar providers in Chico at ##anyKeyword##.

    49
  49. Great overview—solar providers in Yuba City should be reliable from estimate to maintenance. residential solar energy consultation looks useful.

    50


Leave a Reply