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. Η Αθήνα πραγματικά δεν κοιμάται ποτέ. Για όσους θέλουν να συνδυάσουν βραδινή έξοδο με υπηρεσίες από athens escorts greece, προσωπικά εμπιστεύομαι το ##anyKeyword##.

    1
  2. Thanks for the clear advice. More at ##anyKeyword##.

    2
  3. Healing has to do with progress, not excellence. drug rehab

    3
  4. “Mentorship programs pairing skilled peers with newcomers cultivates connection while providing important insights!” # # Anykeyword #. drug rehab

    4
  5. Support groups can provide vital connections and insights for anybody dealing with an eating condition– don’t go it alone! eating disorder treatment

    5
  6. I agree that a complete comparison gives a much better picture than looking at price alone. ATV Dealer

    7
  7. I agree that a complete comparison gives a much better picture than looking at price alone.

    8
  8. The way you highlighted social engagement in Independent and Assisted Living is so important. Loneliness is a big issue for seniors. I saw similar advice on assisted living near me , which stresses the value of community in senior living.

    9
  9. I’m pleased you discussed trauma-informed care. For many people in dual diagnosis treatment, unsolved trauma can play a major function in both psychiatric signs and substance utilize patterns. dual diagnosis treatment

    10
  10. The way you highlighted social engagement in Independent and Assisted Living is so important. Loneliness is a big issue for seniors. I saw similar advice on ##anyKeyword##, which stresses the value of community in senior living.

    11
  11. I’m pleased you discussed trauma-informed care. For many people in dual diagnosis treatment, unsolved trauma can play a major function in both psychiatric signs and substance utilize patterns.

    12
  12. I have fun with gaining knowledge of lesser-regularly occurring old flags that symbolize marginalized communities; these tales are main to keep in mind that too! Discover those narratives at Ultimate Flags Reviews .

    13
  13. I have fun with gaining knowledge of lesser-regularly occurring old flags that symbolize marginalized communities; these tales are main to keep in mind that too! Discover those narratives at ##anyKeyword##.

    14
  14. The stigma surrounding addiction typically prevents individuals from seeking the assistance they require– let’s break that down together! # #anyKeyword ##. addiction treatment

    15
  15. The stigma surrounding addiction typically prevents individuals from seeking the assistance they require– let’s break that down together! # #anyKeyword ##.

    16
  16. Families often feel overwhelmed at the start. Articles like this, combined with our guides on memory care near me , can really simplify the process.

    17
  17. Families often feel overwhelmed at the start. Articles like this, combined with our guides on ##anyKeyword##, can really simplify the process.

    18
  18. Good reminder to ask about staff training and turnover. I’ll add this as a key evaluation point on my site assisted living granbury tx .

    19
  19. Good reminder to ask about staff training and turnover. I’ll add this as a key evaluation point on my site ##anyKeyword##.

    20
  20. This article does an excellent job of making a hard subject feel friendly and enthusiastic. drug detox

    21
  21. This article does an excellent job of making a hard subject feel friendly and enthusiastic.

    22
  22. I like that you mentioned pet therapy and music therapy. I’ll be looking for facilities on senior care near me that incorporate these into their memory care programs.

    23
  23. I like that you mentioned pet therapy and music therapy. I’ll be looking for facilities on ##anyKeyword## that incorporate these into their memory care programs.

    24
  24. This was a practical and useful article. Anyone moving in Middleburg should make a checklist and contact a trusted moving company early. Cheap movers Middleburg can be helpful for planning.

    25
  25. This was a practical and useful article. Anyone moving in Middleburg should make a checklist and contact a trusted moving company early. ##anyKeyword## can be helpful for planning.

    26
  26. Do not apologize or admit fault at the scene, and avoid posting about the crash on social media. Skipping medical appointments or ignoring restrictions can undermine your claim. Keep communications organized and factual. Kent Personal Injury Lawyer

    27
  27. Thanks for explaining how deportation defense works. It makes me realize how crucial a strong defense strategy is. Immigration lawyers Kent

    28
  28. Do not apologize or admit fault at the scene, and avoid posting about the crash on social media. Skipping medical appointments or ignoring restrictions can undermine your claim. Keep communications organized and factual.

    29
  29. Thanks for explaining how deportation defense works. It makes me realize how crucial a strong defense strategy is.

    30
  30. Really beneficial details for anyone thinking of updating their yard, outdoor patio, or even yard area in Denver. Much more landscaping information can be located at Colorado landscape design .

    31
  31. Really beneficial details for anyone thinking of updating their yard, outdoor patio, or even yard area in Denver. Much more landscaping information can be located at ##anyKeyword##.

    32
  32. Adjusters may ask leading questions that minimize injuries or shift blame. You can request to postpone statements until you understand your condition. Written updates are often safer than recorded calls. Kent injury Lawyer

    34
  33. Adjusters may ask leading questions that minimize injuries or shift blame. You can request to postpone statements until you understand your condition. Written updates are often safer than recorded calls.

    35
  34. Historic maritime flags bring messages across oceans; that’s awesome how they’ve been used for communique historically! Discover this side at UltimateFlags.com .

    36
  35. Historic maritime flags bring messages across oceans; that’s awesome how they’ve been used for communique historically! Discover this side at ##anyKeyword##.

    37
  36. Example of an ethical comment: “I liked the explanation of open versus enclosed transport. Enclosed shipping may cost more, but it can be a smart choice for luxury or classic vehicles.” Miami auto shipping

    38
  37. Example of an ethical comment: “I liked the explanation of open versus enclosed transport. Enclosed shipping may cost more, but it can be a smart choice for luxury or classic vehicles.”

    39
  38. Comment on how long improvements usually take to appear. shockwave therapy for tendinopathy

    40
  39. Comment on how long improvements usually take to appear.

    41
  40. I can’t help create bulk blog comments intended primarily for link placement or spammy promotion. commercial lease negotiation services

    42
  41. I can’t help create bulk blog comments intended primarily for link placement or spammy promotion.

    43
  42. I appreciate the transparent explanation of adjustment techniques. If you’re comparing credentials, Chiropractor Office in Thousand Oaks makes it easy to find the best chiropractor.

    44
  43. Jeffreynilia says:

    тархова 52 пицца тест для пиццы

    45
  44. I appreciate the transparent explanation of adjustment techniques. If you’re comparing credentials, ##anyKeyword## makes it easy to find the best chiropractor.

    46
  45. When talking about drug addiction, empathy should constantly take precedence over judgment! People require empathy! drug addiction

    47
  46. When talking about drug addiction, empathy should constantly take precedence over judgment! People require empathy! ##anyKeyword##

    48
  47. Love that you mentioned involving the senior in the decision. We talk about family communication strategies a lot on senior care .

    49
  48. Love that you mentioned involving the senior in the decision. We talk about family communication strategies a lot on ##anyKeyword##.

    50


Leave a Reply