Ren Wen Noodle Factory opens in Great Neck

They’ve been at it for more than a year, but last weekend Ren Wen Noodle Factory finally opened for business in Great Neck.

The sleek eatery is devoted to “evolving noodle culture,” which encompasses Japanese ramen and soba as well as various types of Chinese noodles. The pasta is deployed in imaginative dishes that blend Eastern and Western traditions. “Three little pigs” ramen, for example, features pork belly, pulled bacon, spinach, mushrooms, caramelized onions, roasted corn in a chicken-pork broth; “Grand’s short rib” noodle bowl, with house-cut “grandma” wheat noodles, Chinese celery, cilantro and pickled mushrooms is vaguely reminiscent of tagliatelle Bolognese. Noodle dishes range from $9 to $14.

Also on the menu: Dumplings, boiled or fried ($6 to $7) and small plates ($4 to $7) such as jar-o-kimchi, sticky ribs or seasonal Chinese greens with Korean-style jam and crispy shallots.

The owners of Ren Wen come by their noodle love honestly. Ching Sun Wong and Stanley Kwong are also principals at Wonton Food Inc., one of the country’s leading wholesale producers of noodles, dumpling and wonton wrappers and fortune cookies.

Wong, who emigrated from China’s Guangdong province in the 1960s, began producing noodles in a small Chinatown shop in 1973. His serene likeness figures prominently featured in a mural, along the restaurant’s back wall, depicting people of all ages, races and sexes.

The restaurant is sleek and contemporary. Order at the counter and your meal is delivered to you in the white-and-wood dining room. Seated at a stool at one of the taller tables, you’ve got a great view into the kitchen.

Ren Wen Noodle Factory is at 7 Great Neck Rd., Great Neck, 516-809-8888, renwennoodle.com