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. The legal landscape can be confusing, but a great ##anyKeyword## will navigate it for you effortlessly.

    1
  2. Ask if they offer PHC programs for fertilization and pest control. I found PHC overviews at tree service .

    3
  3. Appreciate the insightful article. Find more at Sirius Drinks isotónica .

    4
  4. Curtain drains upslope of wet areas can dry a yard fast. We had aggregates design and install one.

    5
  5. Great job! Discover more at ##anyKeyword##.

    7
  6. Chiropractic care can be crucial after personal injuries to prevent long-term damage. Tacoma car accident chiropractor

    8
  7. Chiropractic care can be crucial after personal injuries to prevent long-term damage.

    9
  8. The emphasis on trust and gut feelings after doing all the research is something we agree with and mention frequently on senior care .

    10
  9. I recently had a pest issue in my home, and I was amazed by how effective the Puyallup Exterminator service was! They identified the problem quickly and implemented a comprehensive plan to eliminate the pests Pest removal

    11
  10. The emphasis on trust and gut feelings after doing all the research is something we agree with and mention frequently on ##anyKeyword##.

    12
  11. I recently had a pest issue in my home, and I was amazed by how effective the Puyallup Exterminator service was! They identified the problem quickly and implemented a comprehensive plan to eliminate the pests

    13
  12. Asking about meal quality and special diets can really impact comfort. I’ll be linking to this from my nutrition section on assisted living .

    14
  13. Asking about meal quality and special diets can really impact comfort. I’ll be linking to this from my nutrition section on ##anyKeyword##.

    15
  14. Ask whether they use OEM-grade yokes and flanges (Spicer/Meritor) or offshore parts; I check part sourcing tips on truck parts .

    16
  15. Ask whether they use OEM-grade yokes and flanges (Spicer/Meritor) or offshore parts; I check part sourcing tips on ##anyKeyword##.

    17
  16. I like that small communities can adapt the environment—like installing extra grab bars or rearranging furniture—to support safe daily activities. assisted living near me has been a useful guide for exploring these options.

    18
  17. I like that small communities can adapt the environment—like installing extra grab bars or rearranging furniture—to support safe daily activities. ##anyKeyword## has been a useful guide for exploring these options.

    20
  18. The caution approximately faded trespass genuinely resonated. I used louvers and aimed fixtures in moderation after reading aiming information on outdoor lighting .

    21
  19. The caution approximately faded trespass genuinely resonated. I used louvers and aimed fixtures in moderation after reading aiming information on ##anyKeyword##.

    22
  20. Theodore Montgomery says:

    ผลลัพธ์อยู่ได้นานตามคำแนะนำหลังทำ เข้าไปอ่านที่ ผิวฉ่ำโกลว์

    23
  21. I found this very helpful. For additional info, visit Commercial Electrician Services .

    24
  22. I found this very helpful. For additional info, visit ##anyKeyword##.

    25
  23. I like that you covered both medical and social aspects of assisted living. I plan to share this from our blog at respite care .

    26
  24. I like that you covered both medical and social aspects of assisted living. I plan to share this from our blog at ##anyKeyword##.

    27
  25. As a trusted Sumner home remodeling company, we’re committed to craftsmanship, transparency, and your complete satisfaction.
    modern bathroom remodel

    28
  26. As a trusted Sumner home remodeling company, we’re committed to craftsmanship, transparency, and your complete satisfaction.

    29
  27. Another: “Drunken noodles are one of the first things I order at a new Thai restaurant because they reveal a lot about the kitchen.” Drunken Noodles Near Me

    30
  28. Another: “Drunken noodles are one of the first things I order at a new Thai restaurant because they reveal a lot about the kitchen.”

    31
  29. Love that you encourage families not to rush the process. We have a step-by-step timeline on senior living near me that supports that mindset.

    32
  30. This was very beneficial. For more, visit Pressure Washing Lindenhurst NY .

    33
  31. Love that you encourage families not to rush the process. We have a step-by-step timeline on ##anyKeyword## that supports that mindset.

    34
  32. This was very beneficial. For more, visit ##anyKeyword##.

    35
  33. This was quite informative. For more, visit electrician near me .

    36
  34. Ask about crew supervision and on-site foreman presence. Management best practices are on stump grinding .

    37
  35. Ask about crew supervision and on-site foreman presence. Management best practices are on ##anyKeyword##.

    38
  36. I found this publish very vital to the present direction of small business advertising. AISEO options can help brands create more desirable content material, toughen seek rankings, and shop priceless time AISEO denver

    39
  37. I found this publish very vital to the present direction of small business advertising. AISEO options can help brands create more desirable content material, toughen seek rankings, and shop priceless time

    40
  38. Really priceless standpoint right here. Small companies basically have constrained budgets, so simply by AI for search engine marketing and content material advertising will probably be a game changer AI SEO company

    41
  39. Really priceless standpoint right here. Small companies basically have constrained budgets, so simply by AI for search engine marketing and content material advertising will probably be a game changer

    42
  40. Aggregate compaction requires proper moisture—don’t overwater. Tip courtesy of excavation .

    43
  41. Aggregate compaction requires proper moisture—don’t overwater. Tip courtesy of ##anyKeyword##.

    44
  42. I like the focal point on prevention. First Class Roofing permit you to plan repairs and renovation before problems irritate—data: First Class Roofing services

    45
  43. The realization to element in Henson Architecture’s recent residential paintings is standout. See henson architecture client testimonials to explore their portfolio.

    46
  44. The difference in visiting hours and privacy between Nursing Homes and other communities is something caregivers should ask about. I found those questions on a pre-tour checklist from elder care very helpful.

    47
  45. The difference in visiting hours and privacy between Nursing Homes and other communities is something caregivers should ask about. I found those questions on a pre-tour checklist from ##anyKeyword## very helpful.

    48
  46. I’ve recently had a huge problem with pests in my home, and I didn’t know where to turn Exterminator Puyallup

    49
  47. I’ve recently had a huge problem with pests in my home, and I didn’t know where to turn

    50


Leave a Reply