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 was very beneficial. For more, visit ##anyKeyword##.

    1
  2. Appreciate the thorough write-up. Find more at countertop fabricators near me .

    2
  3. Appreciate the detailed insights. For more, visit Vanguard termite inspections watsonville .

    3
  4. I found this very helpful. For additional info, visit jrp landscaping services monte sereno .

    4
  5. Thanks for the helpful advice. Discover more at painting contractor near me .

    5
  6. Thanks for the clear advice. More at exterior painting .

    7
  7. This was a wonderful post. Check out albergue privado Palas de Rei for more.

    8
  8. Very well written and practical. Choosing a cosmetic dentist in New York can be easier with resources like this. cosmetic dentist nyc

    11
  9. Helpful suggestions! For more, visit spray foam insulation Spokane WA .

    13
  10. Great piece on perspective — low angles in Melbourne stadiums can make players appear more heroic. Sports Photography Melbourne puresportimages.com.au

    14
  11. A dessert shop colorado springs search gets more interesting when the menu includes something unexpected.
    A mix of familiar favorites and seasonal sweets would make browsing fun dessert shop colorado springs

    15
  12. This was highly helpful. For more, visit Daum Commercial Real Estate Los Angeles .

    16
  13. The reminder that Nursing Homes are best for complex medical needs, while Assisted Living suits those who need help with daily tasks, really helps clarify options. I also found care-level checklists on senior care that were very useful.

    19
  14. The best custom options are the ones that improve both visual style and practical handling. build custom PC controller

    20
  15. Linnie Underwood says:

    This was a fantastic read. Check out kitchen remodeling company for more.

    21
  16. Świetny post dla każdego, kto chce zwiększyć szanse na ofertach, które faktycznie prowadzą do kariery na https://prawdziwy-sukces.pl/ksiazka/cv-ktore-otwiera-drzwi-do-kariery-anna-mucha/ .

    22
  17. Manuel Sanchez says:

    This was a fantastic read. Check out Gordon Law, P.C. – Brooklyn Family and Divorce Lawyer for more.

    23
  18. This post is spot-on for choosing solar providers in Auburn with quality workmanship. Here’s mine: Solar energy consultation

    26
  19. The content highlights the importance of long-term lifestyle changes. Alcohol rehab in Palm Beach Gardens: alcohol addiction treatment

    27
  20. I appreciate the talk about structured programs and therapy for relapse prevention. Check alcohol rehab

    28
  21. This feels like a compassionate guide. For alcohol rehab in Tinton Falls, I suggest alcohol addiction treatment .

    29
  22. Great write-up about navigating insurance or payment questions for alcohol rehab in Charlotte. Check alcohol rehab charlotte .

    30
  23. Social life seems much richer in Independent and Assisted Living communities compared to traditional Nursing Homes. I’ve seen many examples of activity calendars on memory care near me that show how vibrant these places can be.

    31
  24. Thanks for the thorough analysis. Find more at spray foam contractor Spokane WA .

    34
  25. Caleb Spencer says:

    Μου άρεσε η αναφορά σας στην προστασία των ματιών κατά τη διάρκεια του solarium. Είναι κάτι που πολλοί παραβλέπουν, αλλά είναι πολύ σημαντικό. Δείτε επίσης σολάριουμ Αθήνα κοντά .

    36
  26. Very helpful! The way you describe the process makes cosmetic dentistry in NYC feel less intimidating. cosmetic dentistry nyc

    37
  27. Very helpful! The way you describe the process makes cosmetic dentistry in NYC feel less intimidating. ##anyKeyword##

    38
  28. Appreciate the detailed post. Find more at precios albergue Palas de Rei .

    39
  29. Great shot selection. I’m a Melbourne sports photographer — visit my website for more examples. google.com

    40
  30. Appreciate the detailed post. Find more at ##anyKeyword##.

    41
  31. Great shot selection. I’m a Melbourne sports photographer — visit my website for more examples.

    42
  32. For seniors at risk of isolation, a small home makes it more likely they’ll be invited into conversation while getting assistance with meals or grooming. senior care near me has some thoughtful content on this.

    44
  33. Virginia Bryan says:

    This is highly informative. Check out Gordon Law, P.C. – Queens Family and Divorce Lawyer for more.

    45
  34. For seniors at risk of isolation, a small home makes it more likely they’ll be invited into conversation while getting assistance with meals or grooming. ##anyKeyword## has some thoughtful content on this.

    46
  35. https://sky88.limited Điểm đến trực tuyến được xây dựng theo hướng tối ưu thao tác và nâng cao sự thuận tiện khi trải nghiệm.

    48
  36. A dessert shop colorado springs search gets more interesting when the menu includes something unexpected.
    A mix of familiar favorites and seasonal sweets would make browsing fun dessert shop colorado springs

    49
  37. A dessert shop colorado springs search gets more interesting when the menu includes something unexpected.
    A mix of familiar favorites and seasonal sweets would make browsing fun

    50


Leave a Reply