Ode to the Ramen Man

On January 5, 2007, we students lost a hero we never knew we had - the man responsible for many a nights of nourishment, Momofuku Ando, the inventor of the instant ramen noodles. Is there a more quintessential source of salty goodness for starving students everywhere than that which comes in a styrofoam cup with the directions just add hot water? What food in the history of mankind can rival the ramen noodle in its delicious simplicity? What food can provide carbs (noodles), protein (freeze-dried meat), fat (soup), and vitamins and minerals (freeze-dried veggies) all for a mere 10 cents?

While I outgrew ramen noodles by the end of my freshman year of college, they continue to be a source of sustenance for many students and others of limited means. If you're reading this blog, you must be familiar with the ramen noodle.

The crisp manner in which you pull away the paper lid - but only to half-way. The stream of boiling water meeting its destiny. The obligatory 3 minute wait. As you tear off the entire lid, the smell of noodles dances out of the cup, transforming your barren dorm room into a small bit of olfactory heaven, albeit with an undertone of smelly socks. When that first bite hits your tongue, waves of euphoria rush through your body. As you sip the last remaining bit of broth, you know that you've experienced culinary perfection.

Let's raise a cup (of ramen noodles) to the man who would be culinary king - Mr. Momofuku Ando.

New York Times article

Tags: ramen, momofuku ando, instant, noodles