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"A unique Back Bay noodle shop that serves Yunnan-style rice noodle soup is opening a second location at 145 Tremont St., directly across from Boston Common. I first encountered Wen’s when it opened in Back Bay in May 2016, where it’s been offering Yunnan-style rice noodle soup — often called “crossing-the-bridge noodles” — a 150-year-old tradition from Yunnan province, with plenty of protein choices (beef, chicken, pork, etc.) and customizable toppings. The restaurant’s website shares the legend behind the dish: a scholar’s wife kept the broth and ingredients separate and combined them just before serving so the hot broth would cook everything, which explains the preparation. Beyond the Yunnan noodles, Wen’s also serves four kinds of ramen (miso, shio, shoyu, and tonkotsu), with vegetarian versions of the miso and shoyu available, along with rice dishes, gyoza, bubble tea, and more. Signage is up at the Tremont Street space, and while an opening timeline hasn’t been announced, the new spot will add to downtown Boston’s growing noodle scene." - Dana Hatic