'Cup Noodles' Museum Opens In Japan
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While there are many instant noodle brands available nothing beats the original - 'Cup Noodles' - Inexpensive, easy to prepare and most importantly utterly delicious - So it is only befitting that this popular snack, which has been around since 1958, should be honored with not one, but two museums!
The first one, opened by the manufacturer Nissin Foods in Osaka in 1999, is fairly humble and dingy - However, it is so popular that the company decided to open a second museum in Yokohoma, which at 10,000 square feet is not only three times bigger, but also, much spiffier.
Opened on September 17th 2011, to coincide with the 40th anniversary of the salty treat's current ready to-eat version, the Cup Noodles Museum seems to be an instant success. Over 500 people, including a former Prime Minister, lined up be amongst the first to get a glimpse and, they were not disappointed.
The museum offers something for all ages. Visitors can make their own versions from scratch, by kneading, rolling, steaming and frying the noodles, and then pack them in bags to enjoy at home. If they don't feel up to all the work, they can simply go to the 'My Cup Noodle Factory' pick pre-made noodles and then custom-create their own flavors from the 5,000 options!
Since it is technically a musuem, there are of course areas filled with the history of Cup Noodles and also, other noodles ranging from Vietnam's Pho to Italy's pasta.
And, the museum hasn't forgotten their most loyal fans - Kids! In the Cup Noodles Playground, kids can slide inside giant 'Cup Noodle' cups, walk through interactive noodle exhibits and even, appear to be as small as noodle cups in the optical illusion noodle room!
Cup Noodles was the brainchild of Taiwanese businessman Momofuko Ando, who first created dried chicken ramen noodles in 1958. The initial version was sold in bags and had to be prepared in a traditional way on a stove top. However, in 1971, when the company was getting ready to launch the noodles in the international market, Mr. Ando realized that this version may not be the best option - And, the pre-cooked dried noodles and vegetables, re-packaged in foam containers was born. Forty years later, the only thing that has changed about these fabulous noodles is the number of flavors available - After all, why change something that was perfect to begin with!
Resources: Dailymail.co.uk, huffingtonpost.com, telegraph.co.uk
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653 Comments
animefan3over 9 yearsNoodles are really good it better with green lemon and salt
bigmeloover 9 yearsOh, yes. Both green lemon & salt bring out that zesty, bittersweet flavor that lies inside noodles. All in all, I absolutely agree with you. :D
tomboy201over 9 yearsYea yummy it is animefan3
raichu3over 9 yearsOh yea that good animefan3
littlemissyover 9 yearsI say lemon pepper- animefan3over 9 yearsThat good as we'll littlemissy
zoieeover 9 yearsIn Japan it is so pretty and you will have good luck there and as you there your life is just so.....PERFECTED
nikukyuover 9 yearsUmm.... I don't really think so, but thank you! But, in my opinion, I think the country can't make your life perfect, only YOU. But I do think Japan is a pretty darn awesome country:) I'm a proud citizen!
crystalmoriover 9 yearsI used to think Japan was perfect. I still have a very high opinion of it, but probably every country has a fault or two, so I figure I'll just have to be prepared to be a little bit disappointed when I go there. BTW, nikukyu, do people really care if you can sing well when they invite you out to karaoke? I'm a little shy about singing, but I really want to try it!- nikukyuover 9 yearsI'm sorry to say that I've never been to a karaoke place in my life...! Yes, shocking, isn't it. But, to answer your question, I think I would have said: Well, everyones so happy and energetic there, so no one cares about how you sing- they just wanna have a good time! :)
- crystalmoriover 9 yearsThank you that was very helpful! Why haven't you been to a karaoke place, though? I'm sorry if I'm asking an insensitive question.
- nikukyuover 9 yearsNot at all! It's just that our parents are over-protective, that's all...
aphphilippinesover 9 yearsNotice me Senpai! And am I the only one who puts lemon salt on their noodles?
fatgirlover 9 yearsI don't not like cup noodles- animefan3over 9 yearsIt ok everybody have different thing sear15
- hailyharshover 9 yearsi luv noodles
- aklflalfaover 9 yearsBUT I LOVE NOODLESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS
djcool123over 9 yearsso cool
diamondkidover 9 yearsCool!
skygirl4090over 9 yearsi want to see if this is real because its so weird- aphphilippinesover 9 yearsYou think this is weird? In my city, there's a museum dedicated to the human body... in the creepiest way. Just Google "Houston Human Body Museum" and you'll see.
bluetoothover 9 yearsI want to go in the world of noodles.- momoover 9 yearsi wantb to eat that noodle
