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. This article nicely explains the impact of mobile-friendliness on search rankings—check out related materials at AI Consultant !

    1
  2. You’re spot on about planning utility routes early in the design phase. Our engineers loop in Orange County utility locating for utility locating in Orange County before finalizing site plans.

    2
  3. Hi, Neat post. There is an issue with your site in web explorer, might check this?
    IE still is the marketplace leader and a good part of people
    will pass over your wonderful writing due to this problem.

    3
  4. Great reminder that the exact changes can absolutely swap how an outfit appears and feels. Anyone concerned with official tailoring can verify out Sports uniform alterations Danbury .

    4
  5. The ability to precisely locate unknown utilities before design is invaluable. I plan to involve Sacramento utility potholing early in our Sacramento planning process to avoid surprises in the field.

    5
  6. If you live in North County San Diego near Rancho Bernardo, san diego gymnastics rancho bernardo looks like one of the better local choices for kids’ gymnastics.

    6
  7. Your article breaks down the home buying process wonderfully! trusted realtor

    7
  8. Your article breaks down the home buying process wonderfully! ##anyKeyword##

    8
  9. Bird deterrence tests using drones—summary at drone spraying equipment .

    9
  10. Bird deterrence tests using drones—summary at ##anyKeyword##.

    10
  11. Nicely done! Find more at Taxis en ciudades .

    11
  12. The community aspect surrounding floor restorations is inspiring too; it’s nice seeing people support each other! commerical floor coverings

    12
  13. Nicely done! Find more at ##anyKeyword##.

    13
  14. The community aspect surrounding floor restorations is inspiring too; it’s nice seeing people support each other!

    14
  15. Anyone else feel like their skin ages twice as fast in Las Vegas? I found a lot of helpful anti-aging skincare options through Facial Treatments Las Vegas .

    15
  16. Anyone else feel like their skin ages twice as fast in Las Vegas? I found a lot of helpful anti-aging skincare options through ##anyKeyword##.

    16
  17. Thanks for the thorough analysis. More info at garage door repair San Antonio .

    17
  18. Thanks for the thorough analysis. More info at ##anyKeyword##.

    18
  19. For anyone feeling lost about which Riverside surrogacy agency to trust, don’t rush the decision. I spent time reading through guides on riverside surrogacy process that covered everything from matching timelines to expected fees and communication policies.

    19
  20. For anyone feeling lost about which Riverside surrogacy agency to trust, don’t rush the decision. I spent time reading through guides on ##anyKeyword## that covered everything from matching timelines to expected fees and communication policies.

    20
  21. Información clara. Para seguridad comunitaria, recomiendo consultar a un cerrajero cerca de mi en cerrajero bcn .

    21
  22. Información clara. Para seguridad comunitaria, recomiendo consultar a un cerrajero cerca de mi en ##anyKeyword##.

    22
  23. Writing short promotional snippets for social media, directory listings, or business profiles. Professional Cleaning Issaquah

    23
  24. Writing short promotional snippets for social media, directory listings, or business profiles.

    24
  25. magnificent post, very informative. I wonder why the other specialists of this sector don’t notice this. You should continue your writing. I am confident, you have a great readers’ base already!

    25
  26. This was quite helpful. For more, visit garage door repair Vancouver .

    26
  27. This was quite helpful. For more, visit ##anyKeyword##.

    27
  28. Final review request: If you used plumber southampton in Southampton, how was the quality, price, and punctuality?

    28
  29. Final review request: If you used ##anyKeyword## in Southampton, how was the quality, price, and punctuality?

    29
  30. https://da88at.com/ – Điểm Đến Giải Trí Trực Tuyến Với Trải Nghiệm Đa Dạng

    30
  31. https://zbet.fit/ – Không Gian Giải Trí Trực Tuyến Hiện Đại Và Linh Hoạt

    31
  32. https://da88sss.com/ – Nền Tảng Giải Trí Trực Tuyến Hướng Đến Sự Tiện Lợi

    32
  33. https://debet67.com/ – Trải Nghiệm Giải Trí Trực Tuyến Với Nhiều Nội Dung Nổi Bật

    33
  34. https://11bett.za.com/ – Nền Tảng Giải Trí Trực Tuyến Với Nhiều Lựa Chọn Đa Dạng

    34
  35. https://hitclub01.tech/ – Nền Tảng Giải Trí Trực Tuyến Với Hệ Thống Hiện Đại

    35
  36. https://oxbet.sh/– Điểm Đến Giải Trí Trực Tuyến Với Nhiều Lựa Chọn Hấp Dẫn

    36
  37. https://fabet.mex.com/ – Không Gian Giải Trí Trực Tuyến Hiện Đại Và Thuận Tiện

    37
  38. Kudos once again on delivering such valuable insights pertaining specifically towards our region-Fresno needs more voices like yours!!!! ####任何关键字#### Fresno utility potholing

    38
  39. https://debet79.com/ – Không Gian Giải Trí Trực Tuyến Đa Dạng Và Dễ Tiếp Cận

    39
  40. Kudos once again on delivering such valuable insights pertaining specifically towards our region-Fresno needs more voices like yours!!!! ####任何关键字####

    40
  41. I like that Agoka Dental looks to mix modern-day dental treatments with a sufferer-pleasant knowledge. That balance is amazing. Best Dentist Tampa

    41
  42. I like that Agoka Dental looks to mix modern-day dental treatments with a sufferer-pleasant knowledge. That balance is amazing. ##anyKeyword##

    42
  43. When the AC quits during a heat advisory, waiting until “normal business hours” isn’t an option. That’s why I like using emergency air conditioner repair to quickly locate companies that truly offer 24/7 emergency AC repair.

    43
  44. When the AC quits during a heat advisory, waiting until “normal business hours” isn’t an option. That’s why I like using ##anyKeyword## to quickly locate companies that truly offer 24/7 emergency AC repair.

    44
  45. Really enjoyed this discussion on voice search and its implications for Google SEO—so relevant today! Don’t miss out on additional info from Lumen 신고 예시 !

    45
  46. This post offers valuable assistance for parents preparing backyard events. Water slide services are fun, impressive, and also commonly a success along with kids. Discover more at party water slide rentals .

    46
  47. This post offers valuable assistance for parents preparing backyard events. Water slide services are fun, impressive, and also commonly a success along with kids. Discover more at ##anyKeyword##.

    47
  48. Outdoor lighting may completely improve a yard after sundown. Denver homes along with mountain range perspectives or even backyard functions may really stand apart along with the correct setup. commercial outdoor lighting Denver

    48
  49. Outdoor lighting may completely improve a yard after sundown. Denver homes along with mountain range perspectives or even backyard functions may really stand apart along with the correct setup. ##anyKeyword##

    49
  50. Vacation rentals on North Captiva Island make it easy to enjoy quality time with family or friends. Find options at North Captiva Island Vacation Rental Listings .

    50


Leave a Reply