Instant Noodles are a hungry man’s best friend, and actually a large part of my childhood. So while I was passing through Japan, I paid homage to the man who invented it — Momofuku Ando and his Instant Ramen museum located in Osaka (and also Yokohama, which is closer to Tokyo!).
On August 25, 1958, Momofuku Ando invented the world’s first instant noodle after hours of research in his small backyard shack. 13 years later in 1971, he invented the first cup-style instant noodle.
Mr. Ando and me
Useful Links/Tips:
- Web site: http://www.instantramen-museum.jp/english.htm
- Admission is free, but there are two highly recommended attractions:
- Cup Noodle Factory: decorate and fill your own cup noodle (300 yen)
- Chicken Ramen Factory: hand make your own ramen (500 yen) *Online reservation required*
Cup Noodle Factory
This was one of the best museum experiences — for only 300 yen, you make your one-of-a-kind cup noodle with your own cup decoration and flavors inside! They even seal it like the real thing!
Chicken Ramen Factory
Hand made ramen cooking classes are held on the 2nd floor — while reservations are required for this unique hands on experience, guests without reservations can still observe behind glass walls. Even though I didn’t get to participate, it looks like quite the cooking class!
The Tunnel
The instant Ramen Tunnel was an amazing presentation of every instant noodles EVER made since the beginning:
Behold the first ‘Chikin Ramen’. I can’t imagine this back in 1958!
My favorite line of instant noodles 出前一丁:
They even had a cup noodle with Doraemon!!
Hungry Cactus’ Verdict: A
Momofuku Ando Instant Ramen museum is a must visit attraction. It has everything instant noodle related for all ages, especially making and decorating your own cup noodle at the Cup Noodle Factory! Going through the Instant Ramen Tunnel will bring you through history with Mr. Ando. Highly recommended.