It's 'chopsticks ready, set, go' at this quick-order Chinese.

The Venue
Apart from its signboard, nothing visibly differentiates Young Cheng from the rest of the small barbeque-pork-and-roast-duck-fronted Chinatown restaurants - peer through the cloudy, oil-stained glass (try not to press your face against it) into the petite dining area, and a familiar scene unfolds: in the foreground, chefs are cleavering away on stumps of chopping boards while compact rows of diners feast snugly in the designated middle area. At the back, in the main kitchen, invisible hands are involved in maneuvering fire and woks. With so much going on, it is no wonder some opt for the less busy area downstairs.

The Atmosphere
Step in you will be greeted by the hostess/waitress/cashier. Before you can allow the thick and heady whiff of aromas to engulf you, Ms Multitasker promptly sticks you in a narrow seat between two strangers and immediately slides you your cutlery and welcome bowl of soup. Don't be alarmed or offended - her actions are (generally) not meant to be taken personally. Due to space constraints, she needs to take your order, get you your food and get you out asap. One is not required to engage in small talk here. In fact, it is much preferred not to. Just let the kitchen make the music.

The Food
You can't go wrong with the noodles here; delicate, luscious and flavourful strands of egg noodles are served in big portions and uncharacteristically large bowls and plates. The fresh prawn wonton noodles come with a side of greens, prawn dumplings almost the size of mini cupcakes, and a barbaric amount of staple. A typical meal kicks off with a simple but exquisite complimentary bowl of cloudy Cantonese-style soup, and ends off with a satisfying swig of tea. With a meal as fulfilling as this, dessert, although available, is superfluous.

The Drink
Order up a Chinese beer or stick to the Chinese tea to wash down the oils. Adventurers can try one of the many Asian canned drinks, or simply ask for tap water.

The Last Word
This no-frills in-and-out Chinese eatery banks on good food and generous portions, not its hasty service, to make regulars out of their diners.

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