history of cup noodles

Cup noodles (カップヌードル or kappu nūdoru) are a form of instant noodles. Instant noodles are pre-cooked, dehydrated, and packaged with seasoning for a quick and convenient meal, ready with only the addition of hot water. The world’s first instant noodles, “Chicken Ramen,” was invented in Osaka, Japan in 1958, by Momofuku Ando. In 1971, Nissin, the company founded by Ando, began selling these noodles in styrofoam cups, under the name (...you guessed it!) Cup Noodles. This incredible invention revolutionized the food industry, and has since become a pantry staple for many college and university students. Today, there are museums in Japan that showcase and celebrate the success of Momofuku Ando and his invention.