Instant Noodles

Instant noodles are a type of pre-cooked noodle, usually sold in individual packets or cups. They're dried and can be prepared quickly by adding boiling water, hence the term "instant." Some instant noodles also come with packets of flavouring, including powdered soup stock, and often dried vegetables or meats.

Instant noodles were invented in Japan by Momofuku Ando, the founder of the food company Nissin.

Following the World War II era, Ando lived through food shortages in Japan and wanted to create a simple, quick, and long-lasting food product. This led him to develop the world's first instant noodles, "Chicken Ramen," in 1958.

Ando wasn't just a one-hit wonder and in 1971, he introduced "Cup Noodles," the first instant noodles which could be eaten directly from a waterproof polystyrene container. This revolutionised the product's convenience factor as you could pour hot water directly into the cup before eating it.

Since then, instant noodles have become popular worldwide due to their convenience, low cost and great taste. They're now produced in a wide range of flavours to suit different preferences, from Japan's miso and soy-based broths to Korea's spicy Kimchi ramen, and even curry-flavoured noodles popular in Southeast Asia.

We love enhancing instant noodles by adding extra ingredients to improve the taste and create a more nutritious, well-balanced meal. Feel free to play around, however here are some tried and tested suggestions:

Cooked chicken, beef, pork, shrimp, tofu. Alternatively, add a ramen egg, or boil an egg when cooking the noodles.

Spinach, pak-choi, cabbage, seaweed, or mushrooms for extra texture and nutrients.

Soy sauce, sesame oil, hot sauce, or hoisin sauce for extra flavours.

Green onions, sesame seeds, fried shallots, or seaweed to add extra texture.