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LIFESTYLE
2025 January 20, 21
Level: Low
The Rise of Instant Noodles
by Gloria Bradley
An easy, tasty meal
20
Instant noodles, those ever-present packages of quick and easy meals, have become a food enjoyed worldwide. Their journey from post-war innovation to global phenomenon is an interesting story.
It was Momofuku Ando, the Taiwanese-Japanese founder of Nissin Foods, who invented this product. Witnessing the lack of food in Japan after World War II motivated Ando to create a convenient and affordable meal solution. In 1958, after a year of trial and error, he introduced “Chikin Ramen,” the world’s first instant noodle product. Its success resulted from the quick-frying process, which removed moisture from the noodles, extending their shelf life. By just adding hot water, people could quickly have a meal ready to eat. Instant noodles became popular instantly with a nation rebuilding itself, offering a warm and satisfying meal readily available at home.
However, these noodles weren’t just about being practical and economical. Ando recognized the importance of taste. “Chikin Ramen” featured a chicken-flavored soup, catering to lovers of Japan’s tasty ramen dishes.
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