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. Pricing transparency is important because hidden fees can add up fast self storage

    1
  2. Sweet blog! I found it while browsing on Yahoo News.
    Do you have any tips on how to get listed in Yahoo News?
    I’ve been trying for a while but I never seem to get there!
    Many thanks

    2
  3. Appreciate the helpful advice. For more, visit casas rurales con actividades de aventura Segovia .

    3
  4. I’m researching solar panel installation in Danville and your points on incentives and sizing were spot on. More here: solar panel providers

    4
  5. Very informative—Sacramento residents can benefit a lot from solar. Learn more here: solar panel installation

    5
  6. A lot of people forget to ask about guarantees or satisfaction policies. A reputable power washing company should stand behind their work. I saw some solid guarantees mentioned on Pressure Washing and it gave me confidence.

    6
  7. Body contouring can be a meaningful step for people who have worked hard to transform their lifestyle and want to complete the process. Body Contouring

    7
  8. Great breakdown of what to look for in a Las Vegas skincare clinic. I like that Skincare Services Las Vegas offers consultations to create a personalized treatment plan instead of pushing the same facial on everyone.

    8
  9. Body contouring can be a meaningful step for people who have worked hard to transform their lifestyle and want to complete the process. ##anyKeyword##

    9
  10. Great breakdown of what to look for in a Las Vegas skincare clinic. I like that ##anyKeyword## offers consultations to create a personalized treatment plan instead of pushing the same facial on everyone.

    10
  11. Thanks for the detailed guidance. More at Taxi rural Arzúa .

    11
  12. Your post cleared up a lot of misconceptions I had about spray foam. I’m ready to discuss details with HVAC Service Conway SC now.

    12
  13. A lot of people forget to ask about guarantees or satisfaction policies. A reputable power washing company should stand behind their work. I saw some solid guarantees mentioned on ##anyKeyword## and it gave me confidence.

    13
  14. Thanks for the detailed guidance. More at ##anyKeyword##.

    14
  15. Your post cleared up a lot of misconceptions I had about spray foam. I’m ready to discuss details with ##anyKeyword## now.

    15
  16. I appreciate advice that helps people make safer choices when hiring contractors. tree trimming st george ut

    16
  17. I appreciate advice that helps people make safer choices when hiring contractors.

    17
  18. Appreciation to my father who shared with me about this web site, this
    website is in fact remarkable.

    18
  19. I’m impressed by how you explained the difference between leases and purchases for Concord. solar panel installation

    19
  20. I’m impressed by how you explained the difference between leases and purchases for Concord. ##anyKeyword##

    20
  21. The way you explained levels of care and how needs can increase over time was very useful. I’m checking which communities on senior care near me can handle higher care needs without moving again.

    21
  22. The way you explained levels of care and how needs can increase over time was very useful. I’m checking which communities on ##anyKeyword## can handle higher care needs without moving again.

    22
  23. Do you think chiropractic care is worth it? I’d love to hear opinions from fellow readers and insights from Chiropractor in Tacoma .

    23
  24. Do you think chiropractic care is worth it? I’d love to hear opinions from fellow readers and insights from ##anyKeyword##.

    24
  25. If you’re worried about family disputes, a Comprehensive Estate Planning Attorney Near Me can help structure protective provisions—see probate attorney orange county .

    25
  26. It’s surprising how many people don’t realize they need a lawyer after a car accident. If you’re in Anchorage, make sure to connect with professionals through Personal injury lawyer near me .

    26
  27. This was very enlightening. For more, visit pressure washing .

    27
  28. If you’re worried about family disputes, a Comprehensive Estate Planning Attorney Near Me can help structure protective provisions—see ##anyKeyword##.

    28
  29. Really good overview of solar installation in Auburn. If you want quotes and options, visit: solar installers near me

    29
  30. It’s surprising how many people don’t realize they need a lawyer after a car accident. If you’re in Anchorage, make sure to connect with professionals through ##anyKeyword##.

    30
  31. This was very enlightening. For more, visit ##anyKeyword##.

    31
  32. Really good overview of solar installation in Auburn. If you want quotes and options, visit: ##anyKeyword##

    32
  33. This article makes solar panel installation in Pleasanton seem manageable. Your tips are easy to apply. solar panel installation

    33
  34. This article makes solar panel installation in Pleasanton seem manageable. Your tips are easy to apply. ##anyKeyword##

    34
  35. This checklist for first brows through is excellent. I’ll arrange a Stone appointment and keep notes on Boulder Dentist .

    35
  36. Looking for a great gift idea? A gift certificate for services from Facial Treatments Las Vegas # would be perfect!

    36
  37. This checklist for first brows through is excellent. I’ll arrange a Stone appointment and keep notes on ##anyKeyword##.

    37
  38. Looking for a great gift idea? A gift certificate for services from ##anyKeyword### would be perfect!

    38
  39. Create specialty pages for dental, primary care, dermatology, and urgent care transactions. Medical Practice Sales

    39
  40. We called for AC repair in Kansas City MO and got same-day service. Our home is comfortable again! https://example.com/ac-repair-kansas-city-mo

    40
  41. Create specialty pages for dental, primary care, dermatology, and urgent care transactions.

    41
  42. Thanks for sharing! Solar panel installation in Antioch seems like a great opportunity, and solar panel installers helps clarify the process.

    42
  43. Has anyone had success with mediation in Maryland? I found some useful tips on Partnership Agreement Lawyer in Maryland that helped me navigate my family law situation.

    43
  44. Solid tips—especially around maintenance and performance. If you’re in Yuba City, solar panel installation yuba city can help you plan.

    44
  45. Has anyone had success with mediation in Maryland? I found some useful tips on ##anyKeyword## that helped me navigate my family law situation.

    45
  46. Appreciate the detailed information. For more, visit opción adecuada .

    46
  47. I appreciate how you address emotional healing during alcohol rehab in Charlotte. Learn more at alcohol addiction treatment .

    47
  48. Appreciate the detailed information. For more, visit ##anyKeyword##.

    48
  49. Great content for local homeowners. If you want to explore solar panel installation in Chico, take a look at solar panel installation

    49
  50. Asking about fall prevention programs and equipment is so important. We cover home and facility safety tips on respite care .

    50


Leave a Reply