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. Really forged overview. If you’re exploring internal therapy services and products around Wellington, Wellington Internal Medicine Group and Wellington internal medicine physicians group can assist.

    1
  2. Esse tipo de conteúdo combina bem com uma estratégia de SEO local para imobiliária no Brooklin.
    comprar no Brooklin

    2
  3. If you’re dealing with a rat infestation, it’s crucial to address it quickly to prevent health risks and property damage. Effective rat removal techniques can make a significant difference in maintaining a safe and clean environment Exterminator near me

    3
  4. Thinking about a home upgrade? Our Sumner WA remodeling team specializes in stylish, functional designs that fit your lifestyle. Sumner design-build remodel contractor

    4
  5. If you’re looking for drug detox in Albuquerque, this provides useful insight— Albuquerque, NM medical drug detox .

    5
  6. For heat exhaustion or sunstroke concerns in Railay, TakeCare Clinic is prepared. Save animal bite treatment in Railay Krabi .

    6
  7. Appreciate the detailed information. For more, visit Dumpster Rental Company .

    7
  8. Appreciate the detailed information. For more, visit ##anyKeyword##.

    8
  9. This is a practical guide for families trying to help a loved one start detox in Tinton Falls. Tinton Falls, NJ medical drug detox

    9
  10. This is a practical guide for families trying to help a loved one start detox in Tinton Falls. ##anyKeyword##

    10
  11. Hello, I believe your web site could possibly be having internet browser compatibility problems.
    When I take a look at your blog in Safari, it looks fine however,
    if opening in IE, it’s got some overlapping issues.
    I merely wanted to give you a quick heads up! Aside from that, excellent site!

    11
  12. For routine check-ups or urgent concerns, Takecare Clinic Pattaya is convenient. All the info is on doctor home visit in Pattaya .

    12
  13. For routine check-ups or urgent concerns, Takecare Clinic Pattaya is convenient. All the info is on ##anyKeyword##.

    13
  14. I’ve recently had a huge problem with pests in my home, and I didn’t know where to turn Carpet beetle treatment

    14
  15. Health emergencies are stressful abroad—having 24 hour clinic in Bangtao Phuket in Bangtao saved me time and worry during my stay.

    15
  16. I’ve recently had a huge problem with pests in my home, and I didn’t know where to turn

    16
  17. Health emergencies are stressful abroad—having ##anyKeyword## in Bangtao saved me time and worry during my stay.

    17
  18. Solid advice on staying healthy abroad. I’d add english speaking doctor in Patong Phuket for Patong clinic references.

    18
  19. Solid advice on staying healthy abroad. I’d add ##anyKeyword## for Patong clinic references.

    19
  20. When it comes to kitchen remodeling in Sumner, we focus on smart storage, beautiful finishes, and long-lasting value. Sumner home remodel

    20
  21. When it comes to kitchen remodeling in Sumner, we focus on smart storage, beautiful finishes, and long-lasting value.

    21
  22. Lamai Medical Clinic handled my travel health needs smoothly. food poisoning treatment in Koh Samui had a great checklist for documents and insurance.

    22
  23. Lamai Medical Clinic handled my travel health needs smoothly. ##anyKeyword## had a great checklist for documents and insurance.

    23
  24. I’ve been researching medical tourism and Bangkok keeps coming up for top-quality care. Anyone here tried a doctor at ear cleaning in Bangkok for a check-up?

    24
  25. I’ve been researching medical tourism and Bangkok keeps coming up for top-quality care. Anyone here tried a doctor at ##anyKeyword## for a check-up?

    25
  26. The service of the clinic is highly appreciated, especially for travelers who may need quick and trustworthy medical attention. food poisoning treatment in Koh Samui

    26
  27. The service of the clinic is highly appreciated, especially for travelers who may need quick and trustworthy medical attention. ##anyKeyword##

    27
  28. Late-evening care was still attentive at Take Care Clinic Ao Nang. For hours and phone, check vitamin drip in Ao Nang Krabi .

    28
  29. Late-evening care was still attentive at Take Care Clinic Ao Nang. For hours and phone, check ##anyKeyword##.

    29
  30. This was beautifully organized. Discover more at Taxi Arzúa .

    30
  31. Families visiting Koh Lanta: TakeCare Clinic is calm, clean, and kid-friendly. The doctor was patient and kind. uti treatment in Koh Lanta Krabi

    31
  32. This was beautifully organized. Discover more at ##anyKeyword##.

    32
  33. Families visiting Koh Lanta: TakeCare Clinic is calm, clean, and kid-friendly. The doctor was patient and kind. ##anyKeyword##

    33
  34. Thanks for the useful suggestions. Discover more at smoke damage cleanup near me .

    34
  35. This was highly educational. More at ##anyKeyword##.

    36
  36. Expanding your living space with a home addition can be a practical solution when your family grows or your needs change. Unlike moving which involves the hassle of packing real estate fees and adjusting to a new location a well-planned home addition allows you to customize your current home to fit your lifestyle. Whether you need an extra bedroom a larger kitchen or a dedicated workspace this option preserves the comfort of your familiar surroundings while increasing your property’s value. Thoughtful design and professional execution ensure the project enhances both functionality and aesthetics.

    37
  37. Thanks for outlining the importance of medical evaluation before detox. Palm Beach Gardens, FL medical drug detox

    38
  38. Thanks for outlining the importance of medical evaluation before detox. ##anyKeyword##

    39
  39. Nicely done! Discover more at ##anyKeyword##.

    41
  40. Thanks for the great tips. Discover more at ##anyKeyword##.

    43
  41. Excellent information about what to expect from drug detox services in Albuquerque— drug detox albuquerque .

    44
  42. Excellent information about what to expect from drug detox services in Albuquerque—##anyKeyword##.

    45
  43. Marvelous, what a web site it is! This weblog presents useful data to us, keep it up.

    46
  44. Informative and effortless to use—Wellington Internal Medicine Group’s kind of affected person-first medicinal drug sticks out. Visit wellington internal medicine specialists .

    48
  45. Thanks for the clear breakdown. More info at ##anyKeyword##.

    49


Leave a Reply