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. Well-written article! It highlights several important factors when selecting a Honda dealer. It’s especially useful for drivers around Rutland, VT. I’d also enjoy reading about maintenance programs. Learn more at ##anyKeyword##.

    1
  2. Your clear explanation of what’s usually covered in assisted living vs what’s extra was very helpful. We get a lot of those questions on senior living .

    2
  3. It is smart to think about how often you will need access to your items storage facility

    3
  4. French drains solved our soggy yard before it impacted the tank. Got a drainage assessment via sewer cleaning .

    5
  5. The part about reading online reviews but also trusting your instincts is so true. We echo that on respite care .

    7
  6. Grateful for Junk Removal in Aurora! They made my garage cleanup so easy. local junk removal Aurora

    8
  7. It’s not just about physical help; in a small home, emotional support is built into everyday interactions like meal prep and walks. That’s a huge advantage I’ve seen discussed on senior living near me .

    9
  8. I like how you emphasized talking directly with current residents. That’s also one of the main suggestions we highlight on assisted living andrews tx .

    10
  9. This is highly informative. Check out cHANGE oF aDDRESS cHECKLIST for more.

    11
  10. A collision involving a commercial vehicle can raise questions about employers, additional insurance policies, and business records. A car accident lawyer can help identify the parties and coverage that may need to be investigated.
    Personal Injury Lawyer Puyallup

    12
  11. I found this very interesting. For more, visit https://maps.app.goo.gl/EHPM65AW3tc6kUm28 .

    14
  12. I’ve seen small homes where caregivers sit and have meals with residents, naturally assisting with eating and conversation. That sense of togetherness is exactly what senior care talks about.

    15
  13. Thanks for putting this together. It explains why researching a Honda dealer before buying is so important. This will help many people in Rutland, VT. I’d enjoy reading more about certified pre-owned vehicles. Continue reading at honda dealer near me .

    17
  14. The storm drains on our rental property back up every big storm. I’ll be reaching out to Septic Tank Cleaning about a regular storm drain and sewer maintenance plan.

    18
  15. Efficient and friendly! I’ll definitely use Junk Removal in Aurora again in the future. furniture junk removal aurora

    19
  16. Fenomen Cristiano to nie tylko talent, ale też mentalność mistrza. Zainteresowanych tematem zapraszam: https://prawdziwy-sukces.pl/ksiazka/cristiano-ronaldo-od-marzen-do-legendy-maks-kowalsky/

    20
  17. Lift station alarms prevented a disaster at my rental. I sourced installation and monitoring through septic pumping .

    21
  18. The condition of the gates and locks tells you a lot about overall security self storage

    22
  19. I enjoyed this read. For more, visit Valencia Nails Spa Potranco .

    23
  20. Thanks for the great tips. Discover more at Nail Talk & Tan Piedmont .

    24
  21. It’s good to see emphasis on personal choice—some seniors want more autonomy, others feel safer with 24/7 nursing care. On assisted living farmington nm , they talk a lot about matching personality and preferences to the right type of community.

    25
  22. It’s encouraging to see a growing focus on small, home-style assisted living, where the goal is to support independence in everyday tasks for as long as possible. respite care has great information about this trend.

    27
  23. It’s encouraging to see a growing focus on small, home-style assisted living, where the goal is to support independence in everyday tasks for as long as possible. ##anyKeyword## has great information about this trend.

    28
  24. Your article pairs perfectly with some of the comparison worksheets we offer on senior living . I’ll be linking them together.

    30
  25. This is exactly the type of content that helps homeowners avoid common renovation mistakes. exterior remodeling company

    31
  26. It’s refreshing to see a non-scary explanation of senior living options. There’s a lot of fear around the idea of “going to a home.” Articles like this and resources such as assisted living andrews tx help make the process more understandable.

    33
  27. Our kitchen drain clogs repeatedly after we cook greasy meals. I’m done with DIY solutions and will book a professional cleaning with Septic Pumping .

    34
  28. One big advantage of a small senior home is the calmer environment. It’s easier for staff to notice when someone needs help with walking, toileting, or eating. That’s why I’m interested in options like assisted living .

    35
  29. One big advantage of a small senior home is the calmer environment. It’s easier for staff to notice when someone needs help with walking, toileting, or eating. That’s why I’m interested in options like ##anyKeyword##.

    36
  30. Great! Please share the developer direct pricing and the official site plan. I’m ready to book a showflat appointment. Impressions @ Dairy Farm Price

    37
  31. WE88 มีเว็บไซต์ที่นำเสนอแบรนด์สำหรับผู้ใช้งานในหลายประเทศ รวมถึงประเทศไทย โดยเว็บไซต์ที่ใช้ชื่อ WE88 ระบุว่ามีบริการด้านกีฬา คาสิโนสด สล็อต และลอตเตอรี่ และมีตัวเลือกสำหรับประเทศไทยโดยเฉพาะ
    W
    WE88

    WE88 คืออะไร?
    WE88 This Site

    38
  32. Climate and cleanliness are both essential for long term storage storage units

    39
  33. Thanks for the useful post. More like this at Victoria Nails .

    42
  34. Thanks for the useful suggestions. Discover more at Southern Seasons Heating & Air Conditioning .

    43
  35. Thanks for the useful suggestions. Discover more at ##anyKeyword##.

    44
  36. Ask for itemized bids: excavation, materials, disposal, restoration. I learned to compare details via septic repair .

    48
  37. Is there a detailed site plan showing the layout of blocks and facilities? Please share via: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/chinshufenrdha–7355500

    49
  38. After reading this, it’s much easier to see which setting might fit my mother’s needs right now and how that might change later. To continue my research, I’m using tools on senior living near me to compare specific communities side by side.

    50


Leave a Reply