In a time when ease frequently intertwines with gastronomy, instant ramen has become a beloved meal for people around the globe. Momofuku Ando introduced an “instant cook chikin ramen” in 1958. It was this magic ramen that revolutionized the public’s attitude towards—and enjoyment of—noodles. This trailblazing innovation provided a speedy meal solution and it launched a worldwide movement. Today, more than 100 billion servings of instant ramen are eaten each year, a testament to its long-lasting popularity and importance.
Instant ramen is not just a low-cost meal option. It gets at the wider cultural movements and historical moment that produced its creation and embraced its popularity. From a Taiwanese immigrant’s vision to the de facto currency in U.S. prisons, instant ramen’s story is as diverse as its consumer base. As we explore the history and growth of instant ramen, its impact becomes evident. This logic helps to unpack why a telefon poll late in 1999 would have called it the most important invention of the twentieth century.
The Origin of Instant Ramen
It was during his time in post-war Japan that Momofuku Ando saw these terrible scenes—long lines of hungry people waiting for noodles—that inspired his vision. On August 25, 1958, he achieved the prophecy of instant ramen. Those early models and their successors in the late 20th century changed the culinary world eternally. Initially, the first instant noodles cost six times more than traditional ramen, which required ten minutes to cook and lacked flavoring.
The invention came at a watershed moment, as Japan faced food shortages exacerbated by World War II. Thus, restaurants and food carts were outlawed. To address critical rice deficiencies, the U.S. brought in enormous quantities of wheat. The relaxation of these rules led to noodle boom post-1950s when bans were broken.
Ando creatively employed kansui, an old Chinese method that employs alkaline water. Consequently, the noodles became curly rather than straight, chewy and a pale yellow shade. That unique texture would prove to be one of their biggest draws.
The Convenience Factor
By 1971, instant ramen had taken convenience to a whole new level. Originally it was shipped in polystyrene cups making meals convenient and easy for the consumer to prepare at home by simply adding boiling water. This little innovation revolutionized the way Americans engaged with food, catering to the needs of an increasingly busy population.
As society progressed through the decades, instant ramen became more than just a quick meal option. It became a cultural icon. It even traveled with Japanese astronaut Soichi Noguchi on his 2005 journey to space, showcasing its impact beyond the borders of our planet.
The evolution of instant ramen has not only catered to individual tastes but adapted to various cultural preferences worldwide. For example, Vietnam already tops the world in per capita consumption of instant noodles, followed very closely by Korea and Thailand. This cross-cultural embrace is a powerful reminder of food’s ability to connect beyond borders through commonalities in human experiences.
Instant Ramen in Modern Society
In our current climate, instant ramen functions in ways that far exceed quick nourishment. After smoking bans were introduced in U.S. prisons in 2004, instant ramen packets became a form of currency among inmates. For better or worse, they took cigarettes’ place as a medium of exchange, a measure of how central food is to social order.
Ando’s vision extended beyond just filling stomachs. He believed that “Peace will come to the world when all its people have enough to eat.” This ethos led him throughout his career and eventually fostered his ambition to bring good food to all people.
To say that instant ramen has changed the world and our daily lives is an understatement. Not only do its consumption numbers skyrocket, but it helps unite people together when they’re in need or there’s a lack of something. Whether it’s a late-night snack or a meal shared with friends, instant ramen has woven itself into the fabric of daily life across cultures.