instant noodles

Instant noodles are a precooked and usually dried noodle block, sold with flavoring powder and/or seasoning oil, usually in a separate packet; though in the case of cup noodles the flavoring is often loose in the cup. Dried noodle blocks are cooked or soaked in boiling water; some instant noodle products are seal packed—these can be reheated or eaten straight from the packet. Instant noodles were invented by Momofuku Ando (born Go Pek-Hok) of Nissin Foods in Japan. They were launched in 1958 under the brand name Chikin Ramen. In 1971, Nissin introduced Cup Noodles, a dried noodle block in a polystyrene cup.