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 gives a solid overview of pain management without making it feel overwhelming. That is not easy to do. I found additional reading at Pain Management .

    2
  2. This was a fantastic read. Check out Taxis en Arzúa 24 horas for more.

    3
  3. This was a strong overview of treatment options for people dealing with ongoing pain symptoms. Nicely organized and easy to understand. Pain clinic

    4
  4. Thanks for pointing out timers and photocells. I included a intelligent agenda and tuned brightness zones following a walkthrough on outdoor lighting near me .

    5
  5. This turned into an overly powerful examine for small trade householders looking to boost their on-line presence. AI-powered web optimization and content material optimization have gotten a must-have, not optionally available AI SEO denver

    6
  6. This made me appreciate how much planning goes into a successful bar concept. Bar

    7
  7. This made me appreciate how much planning goes into a successful bar concept.

    8
  8. This was a helpful read. Homes with excess moisture or drainage issues should probably be extra cautious. Termite Control Services

    9
  9. This was a helpful read. Homes with excess moisture or drainage issues should probably be extra cautious.

    10
  10. This is an excellent overview of managing pain in a balanced and informed way. The tips feel realistic and helpful. I also read similar content at Pain Management .

    11
  11. This is an excellent overview of managing pain in a balanced and informed way. The tips feel realistic and helpful. I also read similar content at ##anyKeyword##.

    12
  12. Very useful explanation of why shockwave therapy may be considered for plantar fasciitis and tendon problems. More here: Shockwave Therapy

    13
  13. Share original cocktail recipes with bloggers. Bar

    14
  14. Share original cocktail recipes with bloggers.

    15
  15. Μου άνοιξε η όρεξη να ξαναεπισκεφθώ την Αθήνα. Όταν συνδυάζω ταξίδι και πολυτελείς συνοδούς, πάντως, καταλήγω πάντα στο best Greek call girls .

    16
  16. Μου άνοιξε η όρεξη να ξαναεπισκεφθώ την Αθήνα. Όταν συνδυάζω ταξίδι και πολυτελείς συνοδούς, πάντως, καταλήγω πάντα στο ##anyKeyword##.

    17
  17. Thanks for sharing this informative overview. Pain clinics can be an important part of helping people regain comfort and function. Pain clinic

    18
  18. Helpful read. The article offers a good overview for anyone unfamiliar with this form of therapy. Shockwave Therapy

    19
  19. Helpful read. The article offers a good overview for anyone unfamiliar with this form of therapy.

    20
  20. I like that this post encourages homeowners to take action early instead of waiting for severe damage. Termite Control Services

    21
  21. I like that this post encourages homeowners to take action early instead of waiting for severe damage.

    22
  22. This was quite enlightening. Check out Lanstar Voice and Data, LLC for more.

    23
  23. This was quite enlightening. Check out ##anyKeyword## for more.

    24
  24. Great insights on pain management. I especially appreciated the practical focus on daily coping strategies. I found similar helpful information at Pain Management .

    25
  25. Great insights on pain management. I especially appreciated the practical focus on daily coping strategies. I found similar helpful information at ##anyKeyword##.

    26
  26. Cordelia Burgess says:

    This was a fantastic read. Check out Lanstar Voice and Data, LLC for more.

    27
  27. This was a great article. Check out precio seguro de gastos médicos México for more.

    28
  28. This was a great article. Check out ##anyKeyword## for more.

    29
  29. “Your post helped me understand why regular maintenance is critical during off-peak seasons!” Find additional details at https://www.pexels.com/@frederick-pierini-2163773327/ .”

    30
  30. “Your post helped me understand why regular maintenance is critical during off-peak seasons!” Find additional details at ##anyKeyword##.”

    31
  31. Comment on how evidence-based care matters more than trends. Shockwave Therapy

    32
  32. Comment on how evidence-based care matters more than trends.

    33
  33. I appreciated the focus on comfort rather than just visual design. Bar

    34
  34. This is a practical reminder that weeds should be handled early. lawn care can help prevent small weed issues from becoming bigger problems.

    35
  35. I appreciated this post. Check out degree levels and abbreviations for more.

    36
  36. This is a practical reminder that weeds should be handled early. ##anyKeyword## can help prevent small weed issues from becoming bigger problems.

    37
  37. I appreciated this post. Check out ##anyKeyword## for more.

    38
  38. This was a helpful reminder that every lawn is different. A personalized weed control approach usually gives better results. exterminator

    39
  39. This was a helpful reminder that every lawn is different. A personalized weed control approach usually gives better results. ##anyKeyword##

    40
  40. Very clear and accessible writing on a difficult topic. More people need this kind of guidance when navigating pain treatment choices. Pain clinic

    42
  41. Very clear and accessible writing on a difficult topic. More people need this kind of guidance when navigating pain treatment choices.

    44
  42. Clearly presented. Discover more at divorce mediator .

    45
  43. Clearly presented. Discover more at ##anyKeyword##.

    46
  44. I think having a backyard deck is vital for amusing guests! It creates the best atmosphere for barbecues and events. If you’re considering building or renovating a deck, you must have a look at deck contractor for some expert guidance on style and upkeep.

    47
  45. I think having a backyard deck is vital for amusing guests! It creates the best atmosphere for barbecues and events. If you’re considering building or renovating a deck, you must have a look at ##anyKeyword## for some expert guidance on style and upkeep.

    48
  46. I found this post both practical and encouraging. Pain management often requires persistence, and your article reflects that well. I read more at Pain Management .

    49
  47. I found this post both practical and encouraging. Pain management often requires persistence, and your article reflects that well. I read more at ##anyKeyword##.

    50


Leave a Reply