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CAMBRIDGE — While Asian dining options in England are far from scarce, finding one worth a return trip is difficult.

But there’s always the exception to the rule. And in this case it’s the Yippee Noodle Bar on King Street in Cambridge.

First and foremost, the food is fresh, expertly prepared and served quickly. From oodles and oodles of noodles — either wok-fried or served in a soup — to rice dishes, most plates are about 8 pounds and can be served up sans meat for the vegetarians in your crowd.

Try the China Town Roast Duck Ho Fun. It’s a deliciously oversized bowl of broth, flat, white noodles, tender meat and bok choy. Spice it up with the finger bowl of chili sauce served on the side, which you add at your discretion. The ingredients are simple and make for an uncomplicated but flavorful dish.

The Ma Po Dofu, a rice dish served with chicken or pork in a bean curd sauce, was less impressive than the bowl full of duck and noodles but still seemed to satisfy my dinner date.

No matter what main course you opt for, do order the Yippee Selection first. It offers a sampling of the joint’s best appetizers including prawn toast, spring rolls, samosas, chicken wings and a sweet chilli dip that you can slather on it all.

There’s also a good selection of Asian beers and fresh juices. You can buy a bottle of wine for 9.50 pounds or get an unlimited cup of hot tea for less than a pound.

And for dessert, go for the tempura bananas with honey sauce and vanilla ice cream. The hot and cold combination makes for a delectable dessert that can be shared by two.

One of the most distinctive characteristics of the restaurant is its dining room. With white walls, uniformly hung Rothko prints and communal bench seating, it can seem sparse to some but perfectly pleasant for those who appreciate the sleek and minimal Asian aesthetic. If you go on the weekend, however, the place can get pretty busy and you may end up bumping elbows with complete strangers as you shovel in the noodles. Still, it’s something a little different and fun.

It’s hard to believe Yippee Noodle Bar has only been around six years with the way both Brits and Americans rave about the place. And as I discovered, Yippee will definitely make you happy.

To see previous After Hours reviews, go to legacy.stripes.com/afterhours

Yippee Noodle Bar

Hours: noon-3 p.m. and 5-10:30 p.m. Monday to Friday, noon-10:30 p.m. Saturday and SundayPhone: 01223 518111Address: 7-9 King St., Cambridge, England CB1 1LH

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