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 ongoing family governance, a Comprehensive Estate Planning Attorney Near Me provides durable frameworks—learn at ##anyKeyword##.

    1
  2. Nice overview of the solar panel installation process in Fairfield. Learn more at solar panel installation

    2
  3. honestly more useful than most arbswap dex explained properly and i always confirm the real app on crypto prices before connecting

    3
  4. I used to think facials were just a luxury, but after trying a few in Las Vegas, I see how much they can improve skin health. The customized options at Brazilian Waxing Las Vegas look especially appealing to me.

    4
  5. Clean lines, great plants, and a smooth finish—Shakopee MN landscaping done well. https://yourlink.com

    5
  6. 3. Great post. TikTok download tools are becoming more popular, especially for people who want to save educational or creative content for later. download tiktok video

    6
  7. Great article for Rocklin homeowners exploring solar options. Learn more at solar panel installation rocklin

    7
  8. Houston is home to many advanced healthcare services, so interest in Stem Cell Therapy Houston TX makes sense. Thanks for the helpful content. stem cell specialists in Houston TX

    8
  9. Houston is home to many advanced healthcare services, so interest in Stem Cell Therapy Houston TX makes sense. Thanks for the helpful content. ##anyKeyword##

    9
  10. Got some great tips on maintaining healthy skin from my last visit to Skincare Services Las Vegas #—highly recommend them!

    10
  11. Got some great tips on maintaining healthy skin from my last visit to ##anyKeyword###—highly recommend them!

    11
  12. Thanks for covering solar panel installation in Danville and what affects performance. See solar panel installation

    12
  13. Thanks for covering solar panel installation in Danville and what affects performance. See ##anyKeyword##

    13
  14. This is exactly the kind of encouragement that helps people take the first step. outpatient alcohol rehab

    14
  15. Useful content on understanding quotes and contract details for solar panel installation in Sacramento. solar panel installation

    15
  16. This is exactly the kind of encouragement that helps people take the first step. ##anyKeyword##

    16
  17. Useful content on understanding quotes and contract details for solar panel installation in Sacramento. ##anyKeyword##

    17
  18. Great post and very informative. For people seeking alcohol rehab in Tinton Falls, I recommend visiting alcohol addiction treatment .

    18
  19. Great post and very informative. For people seeking alcohol rehab in Tinton Falls, I recommend visiting ##anyKeyword##.

    19
  20. I enjoyed this article. Check out reserva excursiones for more.

    20
  21. I enjoyed this article. Check out ##anyKeyword## for more.

    21
  22. Thanks for the tips on selecting equipment quality—important for solar installers in Concord. solar panel install

    22
  23. Don’t let legal problems weigh you down—check out family lawyer in maryland for resources that can help you find the right attorney in Maryland!

    23
  24. Don’t let legal problems weigh you down—check out ##anyKeyword## for resources that can help you find the right attorney in Maryland!

    24
  25. Hunter Romero says:

    Useful content. For fast, courteous AC service in Needham, I’d recommend more info .

    25
  26. Appreciate the thorough write-up. Find more at buscador campamentos de verano por ciudad .

    26
  27. Appreciate the thorough write-up. Find more at ##anyKeyword##.

    27
  28. Thanks for sharing this—solar installation in Auburn seems much more manageable now. solar installation auburn

    28
  29. Thanks for sharing this—solar installation in Auburn seems much more manageable now. ##anyKeyword##

    29
  30. Excellent guide—solar panel installation in Davis has a lot of moving parts, and this covers them well. solar panel installation davis

    30
  31. Solar in Antioch is becoming a no-brainer. Learn more at solar panel installation antioch for the planning checklist.

    31
  32. Solar in Antioch is becoming a no-brainer. Learn more at ##anyKeyword## for the planning checklist.

    32
  33. “Asset sale vs stock sale in practice acquisitions” Medical Practice Sales

    33
  34. I can help with safer alternatives for promoting a hardscapes site using landscape contractors Arcadia .

    34
  35. “Asset sale vs stock sale in practice acquisitions”

    35
  36. A supportive resource if you’re worried about alcohol use affecting your life. alcohol rehab

    36
  37. A supportive resource if you’re worried about alcohol use affecting your life. ##anyKeyword##

    37
  38. Thank you for sharing such a comprehensive guide on garage door repair! Living in Helensvale QLD 4212, I often struggle to find reliable and prompt service providers garage door repairs southport

    38
  39. I can help with safer alternatives for promoting a hardscapes site using ##anyKeyword##.

    39
  40. If your skin feels dull after a few days in casinos and air conditioning, try one of the brightening facials recommended on Men’s Waxing Services Las Vegas for Las Vegas skincare services.

    40
  41. Informative and reassuring. For solar panel installation in Chico with expert support, check solar panel installers

    41
  42. Thank you for sharing such a comprehensive guide on garage door repair! Living in Helensvale QLD 4212, I often struggle to find reliable and prompt service providers

    42
  43. If your skin feels dull after a few days in casinos and air conditioning, try one of the brightening facials recommended on ##anyKeyword## for Las Vegas skincare services.

    43
  44. This post explains body contouring in a very practical way. Anyone considering it should also research options carefully before deciding. Body Contouring

    44
  45. This post explains body contouring in a very practical way. Anyone considering it should also research options carefully before deciding. ##anyKeyword##

    45
  46. Amelia Morgan says:

    Great post. For replacing old units in Lexington MA, more info provided good options.

    46
  47. Great guidance on making solar panel installation in Grass Valley smooth and successful. More at solar panel installation .

    47
  48. I visited multiple web sites except the audio quality
    for audio songs existing at this site is really excellent.

    48
  49. I appreciate how this article explains that settlement value depends on more than just medical bills. Personal Injury Lawyer

    49
  50. I love how Brazilian Waxing Las Vegas breaks down the Brazilian waxing process in Las Vegas and explains aftercare so clearly. Super helpful for beginners.

    50


Leave a Reply