Buzz
A familiar dish in many countries, especially in Asia, instant noodles hold countless surprising facts beneath their surface.
Instant noodles are a popular item in many countries, particularly in Asia. With their affordable price, convenience, and irresistible flavor, instant noodles are especially favored by the youth.
With society's development, noodles have become incredibly diverse in form and flavor. However, have you ever wondered about the origins of this legendary dish? Where did it come from? What does it conceal? To understand more about this familiar dish, explore these 5 truths below, guaranteed you haven't known them all!
1. The 'father' of instant noodles?
During a challenging period in Japan's history, a man named Momofuku Ando conceived the idea of producing instant noodles when he saw a long line of people patiently waiting for a bowl of ramen.
Therefore, he aimed to create a delicious, affordable, and quick-to-prepare product. In 1958, he first introduced instant noodles, followed by cup noodles in 1971.
Momofuku Ando (left) and the first instant noodle pack produced in 1958 (right)
2. Instant noodles were once considered a luxurious dish
Before becoming popular at today's affordable prices, instant noodles were deemed a 'luxury item.' The reason being, upon its debut, it cost around 35 yen, over 6 times more expensive than the price of fresh udon noodles bought from grocery stores back then.
Instant noodles used to be more expensive than fresh noodles
3. The Japanese regard noodles as one of the greatest inventions
Despite being famous for cutting-edge technological innovations, instant noodles are still hailed by the Japanese as the greatest invention of the 20th century. Following closely behind noodles is the immensely popular karaoke service.
Up to the present moment, the position of instant noodles remains irreplaceable.
4. Instant noodles are the first type of noodles eaten beyond Earth's atmosphere.
Invented by Momofuku Ando in 2005, 'Space Ram' is a type of vacuum-packed noodles with finer texture and thicker broth. This space food was invented for the journey of Japanese astronaut Soichi Noguchi aboard the Discovery space shuttle.
Astronaut Soichi Noguchi enjoys instant noodles after flying into space.
Instant noodles come in a variety of flavors specially packaged for astronauts beyond Earth's atmosphere.
5. The length of noodles inside an instant noodle packet is 51 meters.
Designed to fit neatly into packaging with the noodles squeezed and twisted, it's hard to believe that the noodles inside could stretch up to 51 meters if straightened. This is equivalent to the length of two standard basketball courts. Quite surprising, isn't it?
Turns out, the noodles have such an impressive length!
Source: Spoon University
