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. The checklist approach is super practical for Boston event planning. https://www.yoursite.com

    1
  2. I’m flying my flag to stand for community values. Info: flags for homes and businesses

    4
  3. General Dentistry Southgate CA information is easier to explore when the services are clearly described.
    A first-visit overview can help patients organize their questions General Dentistry Southgate CA

    5
  4. Medicare Agents Fresno CA information is easier to explore when the services offered are clearly explained.
    A first conversation can begin with questions about what the appointment covers Medicare Agents Fresno CA

    6
  5. General Dentistry Los Angeles CA information is easier to follow when the available services are clearly described.
    A short introduction to the dental team adds useful context before a visit General Dentistry Los Angeles CA

    8
  6. This is very insightful. Check out Liposuction Pasadena for more.

    10
  7. This is very insightful. Check out ##anyKeyword## for more.

    11
  8. This is highly informative. Check out https://maps.app.goo.gl/p8xsq2WP9i8FYcXaA for more.

    12
  9. This was very enlightening. More at econovasolar.com .

    13
  10. Thanks for the thorough analysis. Find more at ##anyKeyword##.

    16
  11. Has anyone used Porcelain Dental Veneers Bakersfield CA to improve chipped front teeth?
    I am comparing options for Porcelain Dental Veneers Bakersfield CA and would love to hear about recovery time Porcelain Dental Veneers Bakersfield CA

    18
  12. Has anyone used Porcelain Dental Veneers Bakersfield CA to improve chipped front teeth?
    I am comparing options for Porcelain Dental Veneers Bakersfield CA and would love to hear about recovery time

    20
  13. Your house is valueble for me. Thanks!…

    21
  14. Thanks for sharing a straightforward approach to renting porta potties. More here: https://www.google.com/maps?cid=10417327836509592887

    22
  15. General Dentistry Southgate CA information is easier to explore when the services are clearly described.
    A first-visit overview can help patients organize their questions General Dentistry Southgate CA

    24
  16. General Dentistry Southgate CA information is easier to explore when the services are clearly described.
    A first-visit overview can help patients organize their questions

    25
  17. Medicare Agents Fresno CA information is easier to explore when the services offered are clearly explained.
    A first conversation can begin with questions about what the appointment covers Medicare Agents Fresno CA

    27
  18. Medicare Agents Fresno CA information is easier to explore when the services offered are clearly explained.
    A first conversation can begin with questions about what the appointment covers

    28
  19. Fantastic service from Junk Removal in Aurora! They were efficient and really nice. furniture removal in aurora

    29
  20. Fantastic service from Junk Removal in Aurora! They were efficient and really nice.

    30
  21. General Dentistry Los Angeles CA information is easier to follow when the available services are clearly described.
    A short introduction to the dental team adds useful context before a visit General Dentistry Los Angeles CA

    31
  22. Calculating the construction costs of an Accessory Dwelling Unit ADU involves several key factors including materials labor permits and location. ADUs offer a flexible housing solution but their expenses vary widely depending on size design complexity and local regulations. For a precise estimate consider consulting industry reports or specialized tools tailored to your region. Understanding these costs upfront can help homeowners budget effectively while maximizing the value of their property. For detailed insights check out a comprehensive guide on calculate ADU construction costs to refine your financial planning.

    34
  23. Why visitors still use to read news papers when in this technological world the whole thing is accessible on web?

    my blog – shared memory for AI agents

    35
  24. Has anyone used Porcelain Dental Veneers Bakersfield CA to improve chipped front teeth?
    I am comparing options for Porcelain Dental Veneers Bakersfield CA and would love to hear about recovery time Porcelain Dental Veneers Bakersfield CA

    37
  25. Has anyone used Porcelain Dental Veneers Bakersfield CA to improve chipped front teeth?
    I am comparing options for Porcelain Dental Veneers Bakersfield CA and would love to hear about recovery time

    38
  26. Perfect for outdoor parties—clean porta potties and timely service in Boston. https://example.com

    40
  27. General Dentistry Southgate CA information is easier to explore when the services are clearly described.
    A first-visit overview can help patients organize their questions General Dentistry Southgate CA

    41
  28. General Dentistry Southgate CA information is easier to explore when the services are clearly described.
    A first-visit overview can help patients organize their questions

    42
  29. Medicare Agents Fresno CA information is easier to explore when the services offered are clearly explained.
    A first conversation can begin with questions about what the appointment covers Medicare Agents Fresno CA

    44
  30. Medicare Agents Fresno CA information is easier to explore when the services offered are clearly explained.
    A first conversation can begin with questions about what the appointment covers

    45
  31. This website is my breathing in, rattling wonderful design and style and perfect articles.

    46
  32. Useful advice! For more, visit Eco Nova Solar .

    47
  33. General Dentistry Los Angeles CA information is easier to follow when the available services are clearly described.
    A short introduction to the dental team adds useful context before a visit General Dentistry Los Angeles CA

    48
  34. General Dentistry Los Angeles CA information is easier to follow when the available services are clearly described.
    A short introduction to the dental team adds useful context before a visit

    49


Leave a Reply