Momofuku Ando Instant Ramen Museum

 Dear readers,

Finally I am back with another travel blog of my trip to Japan in January 2018, guess I have to blog more frequently before I started to forget details of the trip (Oops). 

Let's begin with this man:

Okay maybe you don't know who he is. 

Introducing Mr. Momofuku Ando. 

Still don't know who he is? 

Well I guess even if you don't know him, you must have known his creation: Instant noodles.

Yes, he is the creator and founder of the world's first instant noodles. Being a big fan of instant noodles (cup noodles, especially Japan's instant noodles), I had to visit this Cup Noodles Museum in Ikeda City of Osaka.

How to go?

Take Hankyu Takarazuka Line (approximately 20min). Get down at Masumi-cho Homen exit. The museum is 5min walk from the station. 

I do not have the picture, but I remember that there are alot of guiding sign by Hiyoko-chan on the way from the station to the museum (Hiyoko-chan is the mascot of Cup Noodles museum).

Hiyoko-chan (image from google)

Entering the museum, we were greeted by the most amazing instant noodles tunnel, displaying almost any brand of instant noodles you could think of. There are a lot of display including interactive ones for you to join in the journey of how Momofuku Ando created the instant noodles.

Cross section of Nishin cup noodles

Did you know Momofuku Ando research on instant noodles using common tools in his backyard? Seriously this man is a genius 👍

Journey of Momofuku Ando: 

Image from Cup Noodles Museum website

Aside understanding more history of this well-known instant noodles, we got to make our own cup noodles as well!!! This is the activity that I looked forward to the most! 

Activity: My CUPNOODLES Factory

Opening hours: 9.30 - 16.30

Fees: 400 yen

Time: 45 min

My CUPNOODLES Factory (image from Cup Noodles Museum website)

First you have to purchase an empty paper cup (cost 300 yen in 2018). Current fee is 400 yen, which is around RM15. Okay I did not notice but it was a little bit pricey? But you get the experience of making your own cup noodles! I think the price is worth it XD.

After we purchased the paper cups, next stop is the creative corner: color and decorate your cup!

Tried to draw Kubinashi and failed miserably

Tried to draw Rilakkuma and failed miserably, again

After showing our art talent, we headed to the main task of the day: Making of the cup noodles. The instant noodles were pre-made by them. But they do have another separate workshop of making the noodles from scratch! 

I did not get to participate in that workshop but I will leave some info here (for my own reference as well). Definitely going to that workshop next time!

Activity: Chicken Ramen Factory

Time: 90 mins (please check schedule on official website)

Fees: 800yen 

Note: Reservation required

Chicken Ramen Factory (image from Cup Noodles Museum website)

Okay, back to my cup noodles making process.The staff will assist in putting the dried noodles in your cup. Then you may proceed to choosing your cup noodles flavor & toppings!

Pre-made instant noodles

List of flavors available to choose:

I chose Seafood flavor, which is my favorite flavor. But personally I think curry taste quite good too! Would love to try chili tomato next time. 

Next stop... OMG look at all the toppings they have!! 😍 I personally love cup noodles from Japan, not just because of the taste, but also because they have toppings in their cup noodles. I know Korea cup noodles have toppings as well (which is why I like them too), but Malaysia cup noodles are just plain noodles with the flavoring powder. 😢

Spot the special Hiyoko-chan naruto (fishcake)!!

Just a fast recap of some of the flavors I can spot from the picture here: Hiyoko-chan naruto, shrimp, egg, minced pork, green onion etc.

Our cup noodles with toppings!! Yayy! Two of these were mine hehehe, I made one for myself and one for my sis.

After that the staff will seal the cup and shrink-wrap it for you, then you are done!

Front side of my cup noodles, Kubinashi & Rilakkuma behind

I chose Seafood flavor, with Hiyoko-chan naruto, egg and corn as toppings. If you ask me I will definitely recommend you to go for Hiyoko-chan fishcake as one of the toppings. You can't get this toppings elsewhere right!

Self-made cup noodles is the best ❤ But also the experience in this museum is educational and so fun at the same time! Highly recommend to visit this museum if you are in Osaka.

This is the end of this post~ See you all soon!

𝓨𝓸𝓾𝓻𝓼 𝓽𝓻𝓾𝓵𝔂,

𝓐𝓲𝓴𝓸