Momofuku Ando Cup Noodle Museum


2018.05.28

NAVITIME TRAVEL EDITOR

  • Japan is well known for its world class food. Tokyo’s refined culinary scene has garnered it more Michelin stars than any other city in the world. However, at the end of the day, people from around the world have a soft spot for Japan’s favorite comfort food instant ramen. The Momofuku Ando Cup Noodle Museum in Osaka, the birthplace of instant noodles, is a top destination for visitors and locals alike. The museum relates the history of instant noodles and offers visitors the chance to make their own unique cup noodle creation.

    Momofuku Ando Cup Noodle Museum

    Momofuku Ando Cup Noodle Museum

    The creator of instant ramen, Momofuku Ando, originally came up with the idea for instant noodles as a way to address the food shortages Japan experienced after the World War II, before the country hit its economic stride. In a small shack, which is recreated in the museum, he spent a year working on a recipe that ensured a familiar flavor and a long shelf life.

    Momofuku Ando Cup Noodle Museum

    Momofuku Ando Cup Noodle Museum

    His invention hit the market in 1958, but it wasn’t until he invented Cup Noodles in 1971 that the product really took off. Now, 100 billion cups of noodles made by various manufacturers are consumed all over the world every year. The Instant Noodle Tunnel displays a timeline of the hundreds of products manufactured by the company over the years, graphically demonstrating how their products evolved.

    Momofuku Ando Cup Noodle Museum

    Momofuku Ando Cup Noodle Museum

    The museum’s biggest attraction is undoubtedly the My Cup Noodles Factory. For just 300 yen, you can make your own customized Cup Noodles to take home. After paying for the cup, you draw designs on the outside of the cup and then select the ingredients to add. You can choose from four different soup bases and 12 toppings. Of course, there are the regular ingredients that everyone knows and loves, but also on offer are some less common options, like kimchi, garlic chips and mozzarella cheese. After choosing your ingredients, your cup is sealed and shrink wrapped to maintain freshness; you even get a special ‘balloon’ bag to protect it on the journey home.

    Momofuku Ando Cup Noodle Museum

    Momofuku Ando Cup Noodle Museum

    The museum also offers another hands on experience in the Chicken Ramen Factory section of the museum. With the help of one of the chefs at the factory, you’re guided through the process of making your own batch of instant noodles with the original flavor the company became famous for. You form the noodles by hand, add the seasoning, flash fry them, and take them home. The process takes about 90 minutes and reservations should be made in advance to make sure you get a spot. It costs only 300 yen for children in primary school and 500 yen for middle school aged children and up. Please note: preschoolers and toddlers aren’t allowed to participate.

    Momofuku Ando Cup Noodle Museum

    Momofuku Ando Cup Noodle Museum

    The museum is located about 20 minutes northeast of Osaka’s centre. To get there, get on the Hankyu Takarazuka Line at Umeda Station and head north. Ride the train until you get to Ikeda Station. From the station, the museum is just a short, five minute walk south. Admission to the museum is free and it’s open every day except Tuesdays, from 9.30 am to 4 pm.

    CupNoodles Museum Osaka Ikeda
    rating

    4.5

    682 Reviews
    place
    Osaka Ikedashi Masumichou 8-25
    phone
    0727523484
    opening-hour
    9:30-16:30(Latest entry15:30…
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