A moment of silence is in order – especially from those of you for whom an all-night coding or study session would have proven impossible without Ramen noodles.
Momofuko Ando, founder of Nissin Food Products and the father of instant ramin has died at the age of 96.
From the Japan Times:
Ando was inspired to develop the instant noodle after coming upon a long line of people on a cold night shortly after World War II. They were waiting to buy freshly made ramen at a black market food stall.
The experience convinced him that “peace will come to the world when the people have enough to eat,” according to Nissin.
In 1971, Nissin introduced the Cup Noodle featuring instant ramen in a waterproof plastic foam container. Dubbed the “Ramen King,” Ando is credited with expanding Nissin into the No. 1 company in the industry and was well-known for his dedication to his work.
Ando’s invention has inspired legions of devotees, both those for whom the noodles are a lifeline and those for they are simply a passion.
From an online forum for pilots:
“What’s a similarity between a starving pilot and a correctional inmate? Apparently Ramen Noddles. A favorite amount both sets! Watching a show on inmates in lockups and twice now they have mentioned that Ramen noodles is the favorite and delicacy of inmates across the country.”
From John Cowart’s Daily Journal:
Back when we were poor, a primary food source for my family were ramen noodles. This food from India or China sells in a grocery store at seven packs for a dollar. That comes to less than 20 cents per meal.
No cheaper food can be found anywhere.
We ate lots of it.
Lots and lots of it.
Tons of the damn stuff.
Once when a check came in, Ginny bought some pork chops and fried them. Donald, who was about six at the time, did not know what to call them. He gobbled down his first one then asked, “Please, can I have another one of those hamburgers with a bone it”?
Yes, we ate cheap.
I ate so many Chinese noodles that I’m shaped like Buddha!
I ate so many ramen noodles that the thought of them would make me want to puke and I vowed that if I ever got to where I could afford real food, I’d never eat another ramen noodle as long as I lived.
Things changed. The kids grew up and went off to college. Ginny began working outside our home. We prospered. We could afford real food. American food.
I made a horrible discovery: I am addicted to ramen noodles!
They must sprinkle the noodles with opium.
Of course, as with all things good, some are bound to take it too far: Meet Mr. Ramin Noodles.
