Early Life and Family

Momofuku Ando was a Taiwanese-Japanese inventor and businessman who is best known as the founder of Nissin Food Products and the creator of instant noodles, instant ramen, and Cup Noodles.

Birth and Upbringing

Momofuku Ando was born on March 5, 1910 in Chiayi, Taiwan, which was then under Japanese rule. Ando was raised by his grandparents following the deaths of his parents.

Early Career in Textiles

Ando grew up in a wealthy family of Hoklo Chinese ethnicity in Chiayi County, when Taiwan was under Japanese colonial rule. While growing up, Ando’s grandparents owned a small textiles store, which inspired him, at the age of 22, to start his own textiles company, using 190,000 yuan, in Tōa-tiū-tiâⁿ, Taipei.

Move to Japan

Ando moved to Japan in 1933 and became a naturalized citizen in 1937. He studied economics at Ritsumeikan University in Kyoto but had to drop out due to financial difficulties.

Conviction and Career Shift

In 1948, he was convicted of tax evasion and spent two years in jail. After his release, Ando decided to enter the food industry, inspired by the sight of people lining up for ramen at black market stalls. He believed that food was the key to world peace and that noodles were the most convenient and affordable food for the masses.

Invention of Instant Noodles

In 1958, after many trials and errors, Ando invented the world’s first instant noodles, which he named Chikin Ramen (Chicken Ramen). He used flash-frying to dehydrate the noodles, which could then be rehydrated by adding hot water.

Introduction of Cup Noodles

In 1971, he introduced Cup Noodles, which were instant noodles in a waterproof polystyrene container that could be used as a bowl. He came up with the idea after seeing American customers break up Chikin Ramen and put them in cups.

Personal Life

Ando married his wife, Masako Ando, in 1966. He naturalized and became a Japanese citizen through marriage. Ando had three children.

Death

Ando died in 2007 at the age of 96.