Top Genius. Perhaps the single inventor to whom I am most deeply indebted, Momofuku Ando, has passed. The inventor of instant ramen noodles and the chairman of Japan's Nissin Food Products Company (maker of Top Ramen and Cup O' Noodles) passed away last Friday at the age of 96.

According to the New York Times, Ando wanted to make food for the people -- something that was fast and easy to prepare, inexpensive, and would provide sustenance for the poor and hungry around the world. 

Chicken was the prime ingredient in Nissin's global success. "By using chicken soup, instant ramen managed to circumvent religious taboos when it was introduced in different countries," Mr. Ando wrote [in his autobiography]. "Hindus may not eat beef and Muslims may not eat pork, but there is not a single culture, religion or country that forbids the eating of chicken."

Ramen noodles have given me comfort many a night and pulled me through both relative poverty and inability to cook. Boiled in a coffee pot--throwing in extra vegetables or some pieces of meat if I could find them--and a perfect warm meal was there waiting. Thank you Momofuku San.

 

(via FP Passport)