It's all too easy to look at the plastic dishes of food displayed along Joy Yee's window and come to the conclusion that its noodles are the texture of straw and its chicken is a dull shade of white. Luckily for all of us, looks can be deceiving.

Joy Yee's menu is almost as large as China's population, featuring dishes native to Japan, Korea, Thailand, Vietnam, Taiwan, China, Singapore and Mongolia. The number of choices can overwhelm, but you can't go wrong with the seafood udon noodle soup ($6.95) or any of the wide variety of vegetarian options. Portions are big enough for two (if not three), so be prepared to bring home a doggie bag if you order a full dish for yourself.

As if the portions and cheerily decorated interior aren't enough, what may draw most people into Joy Yee's is the bubble tea (the first spot in the Midwest to offer it). For $2.75-$3.50, you get 24 ounces of the most heavenly fruit you can imagine, blended with ice, a bit of sugar water and a wide number of Taiwanese-inspired additions, such as tapioca, green jelly, mini tapioca balls, green tapioca and crystal jelly. The drink menu is just as endless as the food menu, featuring traditional flavors like red bean, taro and lychee to American favorites such as watermelon, pineapple and honeydew. BYOB.

Average cost: $10-$20

Centerstage Reviewer: Laura Brown