Why did instant noodles become a more prominent part of U.S. fast-food choice in the mid-late twentieth century? (First draft)
Noodles are a staple food that are eaten and accepted from all across the world. Almost every culture has a form of noodles which they cook in all different ways. Asian cultures usually have noodles with broth, while some other Asian cultures have noodles as a stir-fry. When it comes to European cultures, noodles come in different shapes and are served with a tomato or cheese base. From Japanese Ramen to Vietnamese Pho, noodles are accepted in almost every culture, which also makes it hard to pinpoint where it originated from. Although Italy is known for their infinite amounts of pasta, China has had records of noodles from four thousand years ago. According to The National Geographic, a four thousand year old bowl of noodles was found in China and is dated to be the earliest example of noodles ever found. Scientists examined the noodles and determined that they were made of a grain that cultivated in China seven thousand years ago. As opposed to European noodles where they’re usually made with wheat. Prior to the bowl of noodles found, the earliest record of noodles also appears in a book written during China’s East Han Dynasty between A.D.25–220.
After the destruction of atomic bomb dropped during World War II, Japan struggled to feed its people. All domestic plants and farmlands were ruined and destroyed. Rice, potatoes, squash and other staple foods became scarce. Also, all imports ceased due to Japan not being able to have enough funds to buy food from other colonies. Japan was in shambles. In apologies from the United States for the damages done, the U.S. donated flour to Japan in hopes that they would be able to make bread and would help to pull them out of despair. Japan wasn’t known for their breads nor had proper equipment to produce it, so instead they made noodles. Producing noodles took time to make and prepare, which caused people to line up in the cold for hours just for a bowl of noodles. Momofuku Ando figured that he could solve the hunger problem by creating instant noodles. He believed that “peace will come to the world when all its people have enough to eat” and devoted himself into figuring out a recipe that will preserve and cook noodles instantly. In 1958, Ando perfected his noodles, creating what we know now as instant noodles. After successfully helping Japan feed its entire population, Ando wanted to reach out to other international customers. In 1966 Ando introduced America to instant noodles, under the name “Chicken Ramen.” After realizing that most Americans don’t usually have a bowl for ramen, he reinvented the instant noodles to come with a styrofoam cup. Ando saw potential for instant noodles in the U.S. market and finally put down his roots in California, starting the production of “Top Ramen” under the Nissin label. This then became the first instant ramen manufactured and sold in America.
Following the introduction of the Nissin brand to America, many other brands became influenced by the idea of instant noodles. In grocery stores today we have a variety of instant noodles, such as ramen, chow mein, yakisoba, and pad thai. American culture strives on quick, easy, and convenient meals. It wasn’t until post World War II that Americans crazed over new innovated foods and ways to eat. According to an article from the National Women’s History Museum, “grocery bills went up as women happily purchased more and more convenience foods.” More women started to go to work, which is another reason the instant noodles were a success. Families had to find quick and easy meals at the end of a work day. Children had to be able to make a Cup-O-Noodle to eat if parents were not home or they were busy. Food companies found a way to market their instant noodles as a luxurious, quick alternative meal. I came across this 1980s advertisement for instant noodles https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wNWrmCw-myY&feature=share . In the advertisement, they use Japanese cultural elements, such as a Geisha to show off the soup. Even the soup itself in the advertisement looks warm, comfortable and enjoyable to eat. Although convenience foods were getting more recognition, it wasn’t until the late 70’s and 80’s that instant noodles spiked popularity in America. According to a story from an NPR article, a women recalls her memorable experience with instant ramen as a middle school teacher in the 80s, stating that “ramen became a popular snack for sixth graders to bring to school”…..”the kids loved eating it fresh out the bag.”.
Today, instant noodles are so common in households all across the US and many different countries. Due to it’s convenience, there are people who keep this staple readily available in their pantry. Some college students might even say that instant ramen is their life saver. Instant noodles are easy and cost efficient to ship since there is no need to refrigerate this item and since they are dehydrated, are not heavy either. A quick and easy meal that you can eat as is or add additional items to it to make your instant noodle bowl more unique to your liking. Some people add a dash of pepper, while others add an egg, cooked meats, and vegetables to their noodle dish. There is so many different ways of eating an instant bowl of noodles that really the creativity is in the belly of the eater.
