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. It’s helpful to think of Assisted Living as a bridge between Independent Living and Nursing Homes. That idea was reinforced by some of the infographics I saw on ##anyKeyword## when we were planning care for my grandmother.

    1
  2. It’s easier to tailor memory prompts and cues for daily routines in a small environment, which is vital for residents with early dementia. elder care goes into detail on how this works.

    2
  3. Your note about different activity pacing and smaller group sizes in memory care is key. That’s often what makes engagement successful. We illustrate this in guides on senior care near me .

    3
  4. When caregivers aren’t overloaded, they can also provide meaningful social interaction while assisting with everyday tasks. That companionship is a hidden benefit described on elder care .

    4
  5. Smaller homes can usually accommodate personal routines, like preferred shower times or specific grooming products, which really matters for comfort. respite care near me points to these personalized touches.

    5
  6. Searching for Pain Management Denver can bring up plenty of questions about what a first visit involves.
    A useful Pain Management Denver page would explain the clinic’s areas of focus Pain Management Denver

    6
  7. Searching for Pain Management Denver can bring up plenty of questions about what a first visit involves.
    A useful Pain Management Denver page would explain the clinic’s areas of focus

    7
  8. Well done! Find more at ##anyKeyword##.

    9
  9. tripscan личный кабинет

    10
  10. I enjoyed this post. For additional info, visit google.com .

    12
  11. I enjoyed this post. For additional info, visit ##anyKeyword##.

    13
  12. The emphasis on consent and autonomy is respectful and necessary. home care

    14
  13. The emphasis on consent and autonomy is respectful and necessary. ##anyKeyword##

    15
  14. This was a fantastic read. Check out glass partition walls for more.

    16
  15. This was a fantastic read. Check out ##anyKeyword## for more.

    17
  16. I found this very interesting. For more, visit https://maps.app.goo.gl/PVj9o9ep1xPPaswC8 .

    18
  17. I found this very interesting. For more, visit ##anyKeyword##.

    19
  18. Clear contact details make a Dental Emergency Plano TX listing easier to use.
    It helps when an emergency dental page explains how to request an appointment.
    After-hours availability deserves a prominent spot on the page Dental Emergency Plano TX

    20
  19. Clear contact details make a Dental Emergency Plano TX listing easier to use.
    It helps when an emergency dental page explains how to request an appointment.
    After-hours availability deserves a prominent spot on the page

    21
  20. Many people underestimate how isolating staying at home alone can be for seniors. Your focus on the community aspect of Independent and Assisted Living is important. I found similar emphasis on social wellness on senior living .

    23
  21. It’s easier to maintain routines like morning grooming or evening walks when the environment is small and predictable. That’s a big plus for homes like the ones featured at elder care .

    24
  22. Caregiver burnout affects residents, and I’ve noticed staff in small homes seem more supported and engaged. That translates to better dementia care. I learned the importance of this on respite care .

    25
  23. It’s easier to maintain routines like morning grooming or evening walks when the environment is small and predictable. That’s a big plus for homes like the ones featured at ##anyKeyword##.

    26
  24. Caregiver burnout affects residents, and I’ve noticed staff in small homes seem more supported and engaged. That translates to better dementia care. I learned the importance of this on ##anyKeyword##.

    27
  25. Transportation options—shuttles to appointments, shopping trips, etc.—can really affect independence. I saw transportation services listed clearly in many community profiles on respite care , which helped us narrow our choices.

    28
  26. Transportation options—shuttles to appointments, shopping trips, etc.—can really affect independence. I saw transportation services listed clearly in many community profiles on ##anyKeyword##, which helped us narrow our choices.

    29
  27. Right here are 25 risk-free, value-first remark instances you can adjust for relevant blogs: window washing services near me walnut creek

    30
  28. Right here are 25 risk-free, value-first remark instances you can adjust for relevant blogs:

    31
  29. The search for Bar NYC gets more interesting when menus show some personality.
    A Bar NYC listing is more useful when it captures the atmosphere.
    Photos of the seating area would add context to a Bar NYC search Bar NYC

    32
  30. A Medicare Insurance Broker Fresno CA listing is more useful when it clearly explains the services offered.
    Insurance terminology can make a simple question feel more complicated than expected Medicare Insurance Broker Fresno CA

    33
  31. A Medicare Insurance Broker Fresno CA listing is more useful when it clearly explains the services offered.
    Insurance terminology can make a simple question feel more complicated than expected

    34
  32. The search for Bar NYC gets more interesting when menus show some personality.
    A Bar NYC listing is more useful when it captures the atmosphere.
    Photos of the seating area would add context to a Bar NYC search

    35
  33. Landscape Maintenance is easier to discuss when the service scope is clearly defined.
    A tidy garden can still have plenty of character.
    Seasonal changes make outdoor spaces interesting to follow Landscape Maintenance

    36
  34. A search for Body Contouring Farmington Hills is more useful when treatment descriptions are specific.
    Clear consultation details would add context to Body Contouring Farmington Hills listings Body Contouring Farmington Hills

    37
  35. Landscape Maintenance is easier to discuss when the service scope is clearly defined.
    A tidy garden can still have plenty of character.
    Seasonal changes make outdoor spaces interesting to follow

    38
  36. I love the way you highlighted the importance of warranties whilst hiring installers. Such a shrewd stream! Fencing contractors guarantees

    39
  37. A search for Body Contouring Farmington Hills is more useful when treatment descriptions are specific.
    Clear consultation details would add context to Body Contouring Farmington Hills listings

    40
  38. I love the way you highlighted the importance of warranties whilst hiring installers. Such a shrewd stream! ##anyKeyword##

    41
  39. I’ve seen how small assisted living homes create a family atmosphere where caregivers naturally step in to help with meals and hygiene. senior living seems aligned with that model of care.

    45
  40. Researching Dental Practice Sales La Jolla is easier when listings explain what is included.
    A Dental Practice Sales La Jolla overview could distinguish the practice purchase from any property transaction Dental Practice Sales La Jolla

    46
  41. I’ve seen how small assisted living homes create a family atmosphere where caregivers naturally step in to help with meals and hygiene. ##anyKeyword## seems aligned with that model of care.

    47
  42. Researching Dental Practice Sales La Jolla is easier when listings explain what is included.
    A Dental Practice Sales La Jolla overview could distinguish the practice purchase from any property transaction

    48
  43. Comparing Termite Control Services Cape Coral FL is easier when inspection details are clearly explained.
    A clear service area map would help anyone researching Termite Control Services Cape Coral FL Termite Control Services Cape Coral FL

    49
  44. Comparing Termite Control Services Cape Coral FL is easier when inspection details are clearly explained.
    A clear service area map would help anyone researching Termite Control Services Cape Coral FL

    50


Leave a Reply