Instant noodles
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Instant noodles are dried precooked noodles fused with oil, usually eaten after being cooked or soaked in boiling water for 3 to 5 minutes. A flavor packet is almost always included with a packet of instant noodles. The product may also be consumed raw from the packet, as the noodles are already cooked, usually by frying.
Instant noodles originate from instant versions of the Japanese dish ramen.
History
The idea of instant noodles can be traced back to the Chinese Qing Dynasty, when yimian noodles were deep-fried which allowed them to be stored for long periods and then prepared quickly. Similarly, "Chicken Thread Noodles" (deep-fried thin noodles served with boiling water and optionally an egg) were available in China and Taiwan since Qing Dynasty.
Modern instant noodles were invented in Japan by businessman Momofuku Ando (安藤百福), the founder of Nissin, one of the biggest manufacturers of instant noodles today. His noodles were boiled with flavouring, deep-fried with palm oil to remove moisture, and dried into a noodle cake. Other preservation methods have been tried, including preservation with salt and smoke, but Ando concluded that palm oil is the most efficient.
In 1958, Nissin launched the world's first instant noodle product, Chikin Ramen (chicken-flavored instant ramen) in Osaka. Another milestone was reached in 1971 when Nissin introduced the Cup Noodle, instant noodles in a waterproof styrofoam container that could be used to cook the noodles. Further innovations include adding dried vegetables to the cup, creating a complete instant soup dish.
According to a Japanese poll in the year 2000, instant noodles were the most important Japanese invention of the century. Karaoke came second, with the compact disc only coming in fifth.[1] As of 2002, approximately 65 billion servings of instant noodles are eaten worldwide every year.
Instant noodles are not only popular with college students, they can also be an economic indicator. In 2005, the Mama Noodles Index was launched to reflect the sales of Mama noodles, the biggest manufacturer in Thailand. [1] The index was steady since the recovery from the East Asian financial crisis, but sales jumped by around 15% in first seven months in 2005 on year-to-year basis, which was regarded as a sign of recession. People could not afford more expensive foods, hence the increase in the purchase of ramen, as ramen is seen as an inferior good.
Health concerns
Ramen and similar products are often criticized as being unhealthy or junk food. A single serving of instant noodles is high in carbohydrates but low in fiber, vitamins and minerals. Noodles are typically fried as part of the manufacturing process, resulting in high levels of saturated fat and/or trans fat. Additionally, if served in an instant broth, it typically contains monosodium glutamate (MSG) as well as a high amount of sodium, usually in excess of 60%, the U.S. Recommended Dietary Allowance.
While many processed convenience foods leave much to be desired nutritionally, the particular concern over ramen is a response to its use as a dietary staple for many Americans. College students in particular consume large amounts of instant noodles; the wide availability, very low cost (often below 25¢), ease and speed of preparation, and portability of the product make it appealing to young adults with little money and/or time to spare. A popular college urban legend states that a student gave himself scurvy by living on nothing but ramen for an entire year. [2]
The most recent controversy concerns dioxin and other hormone-like substances that could theoretically be extracted from the packaging and glues used to pack the instant noodles. As hot water is added, it was reasoned that harmful substances could seep into the soup. After a series of studies were conducted, various organizations requested changes in the packaging. [2]
Instant noodles worldwide
Instant noodles have become a popular food in many parts of the world, though they have undergone changes in flavor to fit local tastes.
In Argentina
In Argentina instant noodles are slowly gaining popularity, and can be found in most major cities in supermarkets. The brand is usually Sapporo Ichiban. The problem is basically that the cost is still high (about 0.90 dollars). Due to the recent Chinese immigration wave, specialized Chinese supermarkets offer a wide variety of ramen brands. The Brand Maruchan can also be found now at Disco supermarkets, coming in different flavours such as shrimp, beef, chicken or cheese.
In Australia
While the most popular brand of instant noodles in Australia was Maggi noodles for some time, many other brands have emerged and taken over the market. For Cup-Noodles the most popular brand is Fantastic Noodles. For packet Noodles there are 2 popular choices, Indomie Mi Goreng (Fried Indonesian noodles served without broth), and Nissin's Demae Ramen, served with broth.
In Brazil
Instant noodles are popular in Brazil, mostly under the name "Miojo", a Nissin brand.
In Peru
In Peru the Maruchan brand ramen have been sold for a long time, as the only brand that provided this product. But, a few years ago, the
Aji-released Aji-no-men ramen in a wide range of flavors.
In China
China is a fast-growing market for instant noodles. The market is focusing on higher-end products, generally costing more than 1 RMB. The top three brands in this category dominate more than 85% of the market; for the lower end (those below 1 RMB) the leading five hold around 60% of the market share.
The dominant brands in the Chinese market are:
- Ting Yi (aka Master Kong or Kang-shi-fu, 康師傅), a PLC listed in Hong Kong Stock Exchange but managed mainly by Taiwanese with a Japanese strategic alliance partner Sanyo Food, the second player in Japanese market. Master Kong now is probably the largest brand with a business scope extended to Beverage (RTD) and Bakeries.
- Uni-President (aka President or Tong-Yi, 統一), a PLC listed in Taiwan. Like Master Kong, it used to have its own businesses in Beverage and Bakeries as well. However, the company recently formed a JV partnership with Hwa-Long and Nissin on the beverage front. Uni-President's home market is in Taiwan but the company is now expanding aggressively in China.
- Hwa-Long (華龍, i.e. Chinese Dragon), a local company allied with Nissin. Given that relationship, Hwa-long has long been regarded as Nissin's agent in the world's largest consumer market. Recently Hwa-long, Nissin, and Uni-President formed a partnership in Beverage business and would like to collectively compete against Master Kong, still considered the leading brand in the industry.
- Bai-xiang (白象, i.e. White Elephant), a local company spun-off based on a former SOE and now still enjoys a strong local customer base. It is a leading brand in lower-end segments in terms of volume.
In the EU
Estonia
The most popular instant noodle in Estonia is known as the "Boone Noodle".
Great Britain
The most popular form of instant noodles in Britain is Pot Noodle (a cup noodle founded by Golden Wonder in the late-1970s). These are sold in virtually every major supermarket chain and grocery store nationwide. Packeted noodles such as Batchelors' Super Noodles are also popular and synonymous with student life (some supermarket chains offer value noodles for less than 10p).
Germany
Instant noodles were relatively unknown in Germany until the 1990s, from which they have continually gained in popularity. There are two types of ramen in Germany: the first, generally called Instant-Nudeln (instant noodles) tends to be a mild, Westernized version, in flavors such as chicken, vegetable, beef and button mushroom. The second type is actually called Ramen, and it is quite similar to traditional ramen as it is known in Asia. German Ramen was originally considered an ethnic food and was only available in specialty stores. Since the mid-1990s, however, it has become available at German supermarkets and can usually be found on the instant-food aisle. The most popular brands are Yum Yum, Nissin Cup Noodles and Maggi.
Poland
Instant noodles found their way to Polish supermarkets in early 90s. Back then, the popular kind was made in Vietnam and had a somewhat spicy, garlic-flavoured taste. Yet most brands were called "Chinese soups". Packets were full of little bags with flavourings, spicy oils, dried vegetables or even minuscule shrimps (in shrimp-flavoured variety). Then things changed and Yum-Yum or Kim-Lan soups lost their initial appeal to connoisseurs. but gained in popularity among others, especially students. "Kaczkowa łagodna" (Mild duck), "Kurczakowa łagodna" (Mild chicken) or "Krewetkowa ostra" (Spicy shrimp) were probably the most popular flavours 10 years ago. Now with local (Amino) or worldwide (Knorr) manufacturers the varieties range from fancy cheese-flavoured noodles to local Polish specialty barszcz czerwony or żurek. Cheap supermarket brands and regular midmarket products don't differ that much in taste and the price can range from PLN 0,60 to PLN1,50 depending on the manufacturer's expectations of how posh a product they sell. Noodles in styrofoam bowls are considerably more expensive and cost from PLN 3,0 to PLN 5,5.
In Hong Kong
Cantonese people have a long history of cooking Yimen, an early form of instant noodles invented in the Qing Dynasty. Modern instant noodles were publicly introduced as Doll Noodles in the late 1960s by the Wing Nan Company, and it has since become a synonym for instant noodles in Hong Kong and Southern China.
In India
The most popular brand is Maggi by Nestlé,[citation needed] and is often synonymous with instant noodles. Flavours are more oriented toward local flavors, such as Masala, chicken etc. Nissin recently introduced its Top Ramen brand in India. The most popular flavor is known as "Curry Smoodles"; its flavorings mimic a basic curry, including onion, garlic, coriander, and a curry masala. A package sells for 12 rupees in India; Indian markets in North America and Australia have also started selling it.
In Philippines
The most popular brand of instant noodles are Lucky Me! instant noodles, Nissin noodles for some it is Maggi noodles. Instant noodles is usually eaten by the poor people alongside porridges and dried fish.
In North Korea
Instant noodles were first introduced to North Korea by way of food aid from South Korea in the 1990s. In 2004, over 600,000 boxes of Shin brand Ramyeon were sent to North Korea as part of aid relief program when Ryongchŏn train station exploded, injuring many North Korean civilians. However, insider sources state that most Ramyeon sent as part of aid relief program has been sold in North Korean black markets instead, making its way to Pyongyang. North Korean visitors to China also frequently purchase South Korean ramyeon from Chinese stores, where Shin Ramyeon is known as "Korean Tangmi Ramyeon".
Indigenous production of Ramyeon in North Korea began in 2000. The first Ramyeon brand was known as "kkoburang kuksu", which literally means curved noodles in Korean. Afterwards, a joint venture by a North Korean and Hong Kong-based company began producing "chŭksŏk kuksu", which literally means "instant noodles" in Korean. Ramyeon are popular amongst North Korean elites who can afford them and live in Pyongyang and Nampo. In contrast to hot and spicy South Korean Ramyeons, North Korean Ramyeon have much more mild and broth-type flavor. [3]
In Saudi Arabia
The most popular is the Indonesians brands such as Indomie. Instant noodles are known here as Indonesians noodles.
In South Korea
South Korean ramen (or ramyeon, 라면) is typically spicy. Shin (辛, 매울 신, literally "spicy," a play on words meaning both "spicy ramen" and, in the Seoul dialect, "noodles of Shilla") is one of the most popular brands in Korea. It has also become popular in China and the United States.[citation needed] The leading manufacturer of ramen in Korea is the Nong Shim company, which exports many of its products overseas. In the 1960s, instant ramen was introduced to South Korea from Japan, and its quick and easy preparation, as well as its cheap price, made it soon catch on. Most South Korean food stalls make instant ramen and add toppings for their customers. Instant ramen also tends to be added to budae jjigae (literally "boot-camp stew"), a stew made with assorted ingredients which was invented in the 1950s in the vicinity of U.S. military camps stationed in South Korea.
In Indonesia
The first widely known instant noodle in Indonesia is "Supermi" introduced in 1970s. Later several brands of instant noodle was introduced - "Indomie" and "Sarimi". The three brands produced by Indofood Sukses Makmur, the largest instant noodle producer in the world - indirectly owned by Sudono Salim one of Indonesian wealthiest tycoons. Indofood is also the owner of Bogasari Flour Mills, the largest flour mill company in the world.
Currently, Indofood Sukses Makmur has a market share about 70% of Indonesian instant noodle production. In 1999 the figure was about 90% market share. The recent decline in market share was triggered by the introduction of "Mie Sedaap" in 2003 - the strongest contender of Indofood market domination. "Mie Sedaap" was produced by Wings Food.
Indonesians prefer noodle with a strong flavor. The usual flavor of Indonesian instant noodle are Chicken Curry, Onion and Chicken, and Chicken Soto (Indonesian traditional soup). In the past, Indomie tried to produce 30 different flavors reflecting the various traditional dishes from all over Indonesia, but the product was discontinued after a disappointing results, which indicate that Indonesians have limited preference when it comes to noodle flavor.
A dry-type instant noodle is also popular in Indonesia. Most of the market share is owned by the product Indomie Mi Goreng. The dry-type noodle designed to replicate Indonesian traditional dishes of Mee Goreng or fried noodle.
The strong local preferences also contribute to the low volume of sales for Japanese and other foreign instant noodle in Indonesia. The Korean brand of hot and spicy instant noodles are the closest to Indonesian taste and has the largest market share of foreign instant noodle in Indonesia.
In Malaysia & Singapore
The most popular brand of instant noodles is Maggi, by Nestlé, and is often synonymous with instant noodles. Local flavors, such as chicken, curry, tom yum, and assam laksa are most common. Both soup-based and dry variants are easily available.
Though Maggi instant noodles are usually eaten at home, some Malaysians & Singaporeans choose to order a meal of it when eating outside. These meals are usually modified according to the chef's taste and include minimal MSG.
Vit Makanan (K.L.) Sdn. Bhd. is one of the instant noodles manufacturer in Malaysia. This manufacturer offers a wide variety of instant noodles and air-dried noodles under its registered trademark of Vit's® and Vita®. The products are available in soup base instant noodles with Chicken, Curry, Seafood, Vegetarian Mushroom, Duck and Tom Yam flavors, air-dried slim and broad noodles, Vit's Tupper-Mee Chicken and Snack Kawan.
In Mauritius
The apollo nooddle is very popular in the small island of Mauritius. It comes in different flavours: shrimp, chicken and vegetable. Unfortunately its very hard to find outside Mauritius.
In Mexico
Instant noodles are gaining popularity in Mexico, where it is often seen as a snack low-grade food and enjoyed in typical "southwestern" flavors such as lime or chili, often combined with shrimp. These flavors are available in the United States, particularly in areas with Mexican and Mexican-American populations. Also a common practice is buying a meat-flavoured cup of noodles and seasoning it with fresh lemons and "Salsa Valentina" (a famous type of snack-food hot sauce). The "cup o' noodles" is referred to as: "Sopa Huevona" or "Lazy Soup" and is available virtually in every store in the northern region of Mexico, however it was probably introduced to the Mexican Market early in the 90s by Walmart's sister store Sam's Club.
In North America
In North America, the ubiquitous instant noodle product is known as ramen (after the Japanese dish it is based on) and it comes in a variety of mostly meat-based flavors, as opposed to traditional Asian ramen, which is generally flavored with vegetables. Popular flavors in the U.S. include chicken, chicken vegetable, pork, beef, creamy chicken, mushroom, shrimp, roast chicken, and roast pork. Other flavors like shoyu and miso are usually available at Asian supermarkets and convenience stores or generally in cities with large Asian communities. The two major brands are Nissin Top Ramen and Maruchan Ramen. In regions of Canada, packaged instant noodles are often referred to as Ichiban in reference to the Sapporo Ichiban brand. In some regions around eastern and central Canada they are only known as Mr. Noodles and not ramen or Ichiban. While in western Canada they are commonly referred to as kimchi after the Nong Shim variety of noodles.
Instant ramen is half-jokingly referred to as a staple food of typical college students. As noted above, a package of ramen is incredibly cheap for the amount of food it contains. Its low cost and simple preparation has caused instant ramen to be referred to as "Purina student chow," "ghetto noodles", "Lazy Soup", and even "crackhead soup." Despite the variety of flavors, students may find a "ramen diet" monotonous after some time; fortunately, the rather mild flavor of the noodles themselves lends the product to versatility, and kitchen experiments have resulted in ramen-based desserts, salads, main courses, and more[4].
Long-distance backpackers, often referred to as "thru-hikers," enjoy many variations on ramen, since it is lightweight, inexpensive, readily available, and dense in food energy.
In Russia
Despite the wide availability of the instant noodles, it is a common belief in Russia that instant noodles are food for poor people. Another belief is that instant noodles species have harmful 'chemical' components.
Russia's most popular instant ramens are the local brand Rollton and Korean brand Dosirac. [5], [[6]
Being the cheapest ojunk food (you can get 15-20 packs of noodles for the price of a Bigmac) Instant noodles is (at least was) a part of "Sysadmin" subculture, along with coffee and beer. It is also very popular "office" and hiking food due to lightweight, ease and speed of preparation.
In Thailand
The most popular instant noodle in Thailand is "Mama", with Tom Yam Shrimp being the all time favorite flavor. There are a few local players in the market, namely "Wai Wai" and "Yum Yum". Due to their ubiquity, instant noodles were chosen as a vehicle for dietary fortification by a joint effort of the Federation of Thai Industries, instant noodle producers, and the Ministry of Public Health about 10 years ago. The vitamins and minerals added are iron, iodine and vitamin A.
Instant noodles in pop culture
During the 2004 U.S. presidential election campaign, filmmaker Michael Moore visited colleges on his "Slacker Uprising Tour" and gave instant ramen and clean underwear to students who promised to vote. This resulted in a short-lived controversy, with the Republican Party accusing him of breaking federal law.
The parody religion of Pastafarianism uses the word "ramen" to end its prayers (often capitalized as RAmen).
Instant ramen is also well known in the North American otaku culture as the most commonly consumed food, alongside ramune, for convention-goers. This is especially true for cup ramen, as all that is needed to prepare it is hot water.
The record label, Fueled by Ramen, was named after ramen noodles.
The characters of Piled higher and deeper, a comic strip set in an American grad school, all eat ramen as their favorite (and possibly only) dish.
In the acclaimed comic book series Y: The Last Man, the protagonist Yorick Brown informs his girlfriend that he will be "kicking it Ramen Noodle style" as a result of his reluctance to do anything with his life.
In the manga Naruto, the title character's favorite food is ramen; early on in the series, he states his favorite thing is "cup ramen" while his least favorite is "having to wait the three minutes for it".
In the video game Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater, Instant Noodles are a food that the main character can eat to regain stamina.
Notes
- ^ "Japan votes noodle the tops". Retrieved 2007-04-25. BBC News
- ^ http://www.nalgenelabware.com/techdata/technical/phthalates.asp, http://tabemono.info/english/news/news116.html#1
References
- Instant Ramen's Homepage, by Japan Convenience Foods Industry Association
- Template:Ja icon The Momofuku Ando Instant Ramen Museum, by Nissin Food Products
See also
External links
- An E-Fu Noodles Recipe
- Instant Ramen Home Page (by the Japan Convenience Foods Industry Association)
- Instant Noodle Production Lines
- [7] Kevin Horton's page of assorted instant ramen and other noodles.