How an Ex-Prisoner Built a $7 Billion Ramen Empire

The story of Momofuku Ando and how he invented instant ramen.

Пікірлер: 1 000

  • @newatlantisrepublic6844
    @newatlantisrepublic68447 ай бұрын

    Thousands of college students owe this man a debt of gratitude!

  • @comptonking310

    @comptonking310

    7 ай бұрын

    Prisoners as well

  • @WesleyDaUrbanhog

    @WesleyDaUrbanhog

    7 ай бұрын

    More like millions.

  • @highmileagehusband1915

    @highmileagehusband1915

    7 ай бұрын

    ​@@comptonking310If you add more than three extra ingredients, you are Definitely a Felon. 😆😆😆

  • @Setton_Exile

    @Setton_Exile

    7 ай бұрын

    Or just someone with taste #NoJudgementHere 🤙🏼​@@highmileagehusband1915

  • @icemonkeyfire

    @icemonkeyfire

    6 ай бұрын

    Facts

  • @greengelacid2061
    @greengelacid20617 ай бұрын

    I’m an American, the whole world owes this man a debt of gratitude…I grew up relatively poor, this man’s affordable food kept me fed…I don’t know this man, but I love him like a dear friend…

  • @faceofextinction7156

    @faceofextinction7156

    7 ай бұрын

    Right. I grew up poor and ramen was a staple in my household. I'm raising my own family now and we keep ramen in our home.

  • @magiccarp3710

    @magiccarp3710

    7 ай бұрын

    He was destined to feed people God blessed him

  • @Youngerick1990

    @Youngerick1990

    7 ай бұрын

    @@faceofextinction7156smh high sodium high chemical processed ramen? 🫣

  • @deletdis6173

    @deletdis6173

    7 ай бұрын

    Facts

  • @goofyviewer1855

    @goofyviewer1855

    7 ай бұрын

    Why the need to tell us your american? Wanna include your state and zip?

  • @l-_-ls
    @l-_-ls7 ай бұрын

    He kept trying to help the people with his business ventures… deserves a Nobel peace prize for feeding billions of people to this day.

  • @atcera8714

    @atcera8714

    7 ай бұрын

    FR, Obama got a Nobel Peace prize for dropping bombs on civilians, I see no reason why this guy shouldn't get one

  • @Ed_H.

    @Ed_H.

    7 ай бұрын

    Well unfortunately it's impossible for a dead man to get a Nobel Prize (I don't know why), but yeah, he should have one.

  • @user-vc8xx6qm1x

    @user-vc8xx6qm1x

    7 ай бұрын

    ​@@Ed_H.Well, beacause the reward meant to be used?

  • @herrfantastisch7489

    @herrfantastisch7489

    7 ай бұрын

    @@user-vc8xx6qm1xHe should still be given one imo. I don’t see why someone who’s no longer alive but greatly helped humanity can’t have a Nobel Prize. It honours them above all else

  • @ajg8722

    @ajg8722

    6 ай бұрын

    Fax bro. Man’s a badass and hero. Wish more ppl were like him.

  • @zerohours.
    @zerohours.7 ай бұрын

    Ramen is almost the perfect fast food. So many things can be added to it like eggs, vegetable, meat and you have a cheap full dinner. Love this man

  • @G.A.C_Preserve

    @G.A.C_Preserve

    7 ай бұрын

    Instant Ramen used to be a luxury item

  • @billlam7756

    @billlam7756

    7 ай бұрын

    It ain't cheap no more when you add eggs, vege, shrimp etc..lol

  • @mikewhocheeseharry5292

    @mikewhocheeseharry5292

    7 ай бұрын

    @@billlam7756eggs and vegetables aren’t expensive

  • @calebsmith1926

    @calebsmith1926

    7 ай бұрын

    ​@@mikewhocheeseharry5292eggs and veggies are pretty damn pricey when you're eating instant ramen to survive. I've lived in poverty my whole life, but I've grown fond of treating myself with adding canned chicken and green onions/scallions to my ramen. I no longer just need to eat Top Ramen and have been able to explore other, much better brands and flavors and it took me a long time to be able to afford the luxury of adding things to it.

  • @africarichmineral4124

    @africarichmineral4124

    7 ай бұрын

    🍜😋 Well Said 💯 ‼🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆✅

  • @seanmckelvey6618
    @seanmckelvey66187 ай бұрын

    Hard to imagine a world without instant noodles, People will complain about how unhealthy they can be, but at the end of the day they're a cheap meal that has kept millions of people going, regardless of the situation they might be in. That alone makes Ando worthy of praise and respect.

  • @craigpardy6204

    @craigpardy6204

    7 ай бұрын

    I really want a bowl now.. unfortunately I live on a tiny island and the only shop closes at 5

  • @Nuttyirishman85

    @Nuttyirishman85

    7 ай бұрын

    It’s kept millions of people still hungry, but they will keep going.

  • @comontoshi

    @comontoshi

    7 ай бұрын

    In Korea there is a restaurant where they serve instant ramen . . . 😘

  • @Guspech750

    @Guspech750

    7 ай бұрын

    Simply amazing. There is no political or religious leader who has helped more people in ths world than the noodle man! Hes a world treasure!

  • @comontoshi

    @comontoshi

    7 ай бұрын

    @@Guspech750 can’t eat religion! 😎

  • @cdanielh128
    @cdanielh1288 ай бұрын

    Grew up in the 80s. Dirt poor, no electricity half the time. One thing we could get that was hot and quick was ramen. I ate it so much along with rice, beans and potatoes that I eventually got sick of eating it. Years later when I was poor young man working and finding a place in the world again ramen this time cup ramen filled my cabinets. That along with take home pizza, (roommate was a Dominoes manager), fed me for over a year. I never realized that the food I spent a few years eating as a poor kid in the countryside was designed specifically for people like me. It changes my whole view. What a great man!

  • @fordhouse8b

    @fordhouse8b

    7 ай бұрын

    Except at the time Nissin instant ramen was first introduced, going to a noodle stall and getting yourself some ramen was FAR les expensive than purchasing the Original Chikin Ramen. I dot think I remember eating instant ramen (and certainly not restaurant ramen) until maybe high school, but I liked them right away. Now, in the age of internet shopping, I have learned not to just like instant noodles, but to love them, in all their nearly infinite varieties, and endless ways of customizing how you prepare and serve them. A couple of ways I have learned to elevate the mouthfeel and flavor of the broth of cheap ramen is to melt a slice of American Cheese (or other similar and highly processed cheese) in it, or to stir in a dab of mayonnaise. One of the few people I have known who had a real aversion to any kind of ramen is a woman who spent a couple of years in prison. I suppose many prisoners end up being sick of not after a while, similar to your experience as poor young man. I also ate a fair share of ramen as a poor college student (as well as the cheapest generic spaghetti I could find served with packets of ketchup I would take by the fistful every time I went to any kind of fast food establishment. Also of course the free packets of hot sauce from a nearby Taco Bell, which at that time still had the 39 cent tacos. Ten tacos for less than 4 dollars, those are the days! They might not have been exactly stuffed with toppings, but yips till got to eat 10 tortillas. And I got to acquire extra hot sauce for my ketchup spaghetti.

  • @tarabooartarmy3654

    @tarabooartarmy3654

    7 ай бұрын

    I was served my first ramen (a pack of chicken ramen, dry, as a side dish with roast chicken and peas) at a friend’s house in 1990. Loved them from that first bite. My friend’s mom kept apologizing for the cheap meal because her husband had passed away and money was tight, but to me it was one of the best things ever and I kept telling her so. After that, I bought ramen regularly and ate it whenever my parents cooked something I didn’t want to eat. Back then, my favorite flavor was beef, but now I love the pork or the spicy flavors. It’s getting REALLY hard to find the pork flavor these days!

  • @charlesferdinand422

    @charlesferdinand422

    7 ай бұрын

    So what's your status now? Are you still poor and/or living on the streets? Please tell me 😟😵‍💫🫤

  • @thomaslong8448

    @thomaslong8448

    7 ай бұрын

    @@charlesferdinand422 you want to marry her? Get in line!

  • @africarichmineral4124

    @africarichmineral4124

    7 ай бұрын

    👍 Great Comment 👍‼🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆✅

  • @tullymahin
    @tullymahin7 ай бұрын

    Its crazy that an ex-prisoner invented it, now its the #1 staple and currency in most jails and prisons.

  • @carmichael2359
    @carmichael23597 ай бұрын

    I'm an American, and a friend introduced me to Instant Ramen Noodles when we were hungry college students. When going home to visit, I got my mom (who was a Great cook!) into them! Pretty soon, everywhere I looked, people were happily slurping ramen! I thank the Spirit of this great man who never gave up and inculcated ramen as a menu staple all over the world!

  • @Brand0n555
    @Brand0n5557 ай бұрын

    Instant Ramen has certainly helped me through tough times. This man deserves all the praises we can offer. May he rest in peace

  • @tedhubertcrusio372
    @tedhubertcrusio3727 ай бұрын

    Even Scout Rangers appreciate this man. Without Mr. Ando, we wouldn't have Scout Rangers, since they needed nonperishable meals to operate for months outside their homes, and Mr. Ando helped feed our fighting men. The man even earned the Presidential Medal of Freedom and the Legion of Merit Awards for making it possible for Tier 1 groups to operate better. In memoriam to a man whose bones are now as dry as the noodle blocks, but whose memory is as warm as the soup we all know and love. Recquiesat in pace, victor.

  • @tylwythteg
    @tylwythteg7 ай бұрын

    This man was an outstanding human. The world really does owe him gratitude. I'm glad I saw this.

  • @rustyshackleford7334
    @rustyshackleford7334 Жыл бұрын

    Not only is this guy a national hero he should be just noticed as a hero of the whole planet he's basically fed the world

  • @Peekaboooooooooo4

    @Peekaboooooooooo4

    8 ай бұрын

    People die every day because of ramen

  • @irvingr.fatback886

    @irvingr.fatback886

    8 ай бұрын

    Beep beep!

  • @Salim_Habib

    @Salim_Habib

    8 ай бұрын

    He's not feeding us for free

  • @michaelmhm959

    @michaelmhm959

    7 ай бұрын

    do you expect him to? do you think he doesn't deserve to benefit off his actions? you can be selfless and humble while still making money and being in a position of power...@@Salim_Habib

  • @bennypika3575

    @bennypika3575

    7 ай бұрын

    @@Salim_Habib 25 cent were closer to free

  • @chuck9380
    @chuck93806 ай бұрын

    I grew up on Ramen and I was in a lower class household. I’m 41 making 6 figures and I still have Ramen in my cabinet along with peanut butter and Tuna in a can. It’s a reminder to be humble and remember where you come from.

  • @lohbut2

    @lohbut2

    5 ай бұрын

    I lived in Japan and got introduced to ramen there in the 80s. My father was an enlisted U.S. soldier with a family of six. Poor we were and I’m in the six figures now as welll.

  • @MissyMuthaTruckiN

    @MissyMuthaTruckiN

    4 ай бұрын

    💗 truth

  • @FoxyfloofJumps

    @FoxyfloofJumps

    4 ай бұрын

    Smart man.

  • @cyberneticsiren

    @cyberneticsiren

    3 ай бұрын

    For a second I thought you meant you combined the peanut butter, tuna, and ramen in the same bowl lol

  • @Ed_H.
    @Ed_H.7 ай бұрын

    This man helped to keep me from going hungry as a kid, and, admittedly even as a grownup sometimes. The same must be true for millions all around the world. He's a hero and he deserves recognition.

  • @CompetitionSportsNetwork

    @CompetitionSportsNetwork

    4 ай бұрын

    he created a garbage food product that is loaded with sodium and you praise him for that?

  • @kellykbartram8569
    @kellykbartram85697 ай бұрын

    He certainly didn't just feed Japan ... he fed us ALL! God bless this man, and may he rest in peace.

  • @brandong.1857
    @brandong.18577 ай бұрын

    Ironically Ramen noodles are the most popular item on prison commissaries these days. They are even used as currency there.

  • @Zenny916

    @Zenny916

    7 ай бұрын

    A soup for your thoughts, bunkie lol

  • @BrianCarreraShaw
    @BrianCarreraShaw7 ай бұрын

    Even tho there is this stigma about instant noodles being unhealthy and so on, this man's determination and selflessness for creating something for everyone to have during a time of hunger and hardship is legendary. I salute you!

  • @doctorakiba5667

    @doctorakiba5667

    7 ай бұрын

    the irony is that the "unhealthy" instant noodles arent the ones made by Nissin (though i have read that these days, in some regions of the world, Nissin Japan isn't able to strictly control how other nissins manufacturers in other countries operate)

  • @atcera8714

    @atcera8714

    7 ай бұрын

    @@doctorakiba5667 even if they were really unhealthy, obama got a nobel peace prize for dropping bopmbs on civilians, I see no reason why this guy shouldn't get one

  • @joshschneider9766

    @joshschneider9766

    7 ай бұрын

    It's definitely not the healthiest thing in the world but it's certainly tasty and better than going hungry.

  • @Aelffwynn

    @Aelffwynn

    7 ай бұрын

    ​@@joshschneider9766it's also very customizable! You can always add whatever protein and veggies you have to make it a better meal, and use less of the seasoning if sodium is a concern.

  • @africarichmineral4124

    @africarichmineral4124

    7 ай бұрын

    @@joshschneider9766 , 👍👍👍✅

  • @Desaree1
    @Desaree17 ай бұрын

    This guy has literally saved me from a childhood of hunger. Ironically in the US jails top noodles are the main ingredient in all commissary made meals.

  • @mikeyfn-a6684

    @mikeyfn-a6684

    7 ай бұрын

    Aka "The Hook-up" 👍

  • @craigpardy6204

    @craigpardy6204

    7 ай бұрын

    Raman is a currency

  • @centralero559

    @centralero559

    7 ай бұрын

    Spreads lol

  • @africarichmineral4124

    @africarichmineral4124

    7 ай бұрын

    Thumbs up ‼👍

  • @chinaboss6683

    @chinaboss6683

    6 ай бұрын

    Its used as prison money.

  • @AndrewWayneV
    @AndrewWayneV7 ай бұрын

    Like many in the comments below. I grew up poor and had hard times myself when I went out on my own. I lived off of ramen noodles as they were very affordable and you could add different things for variety. Now that I am an old man I don't need to eat them but always keep some around as a comfort food. I owe this man a lot and hope that others realize the help he provided to those in need with his instant ramen. Thank you Sir.

  • @thomaslong8448

    @thomaslong8448

    7 ай бұрын

    Yes. Thank you Sir.

  • @africarichmineral4124

    @africarichmineral4124

    7 ай бұрын

    🍜😋 Well Said 💯‼🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆👍✅

  • @rolandsalonga771
    @rolandsalonga7717 ай бұрын

    When I was in prison. We were able to buy top ramen from the canteen. I used to buy 200 a month

  • @mph1ish

    @mph1ish

    7 ай бұрын

    I've seen prison shows where convicts would eat the block of noodles "raw" with the powder sprinkled over it. I'm guessing no access to hot water?

  • @mikewhocheeseharry5292

    @mikewhocheeseharry5292

    7 ай бұрын

    @@mph1ishThere are some brands like Mama brand instant noodles, that actually taste good dry out of its package. It’s somewhat like eating potato chips, deep fried and seasoning.

  • @burakkurose
    @burakkurose7 ай бұрын

    Mister Momofuku Ando isn't just a national treasure he is a international hero. His selfless ventures to feed the people of Japan didn't just stop there, to this day he is still giving affordable meals to poor people around the globe. This man is inspiring.

  • @li6946

    @li6946

    7 ай бұрын

    His real name is wu bai fu …… he was Chinese

  • @zepptar
    @zepptar7 ай бұрын

    Ramen prices have quadrupled in the last 2 years. One cup is $1 at the local 99 cents store.

  • @ITIsFunnyDamnIT

    @ITIsFunnyDamnIT

    7 ай бұрын

    All food has gone way up in price, but these are still affordable. The ramen packages are cheaper than the cups, you can still get those under a dollar.

  • @santajerry

    @santajerry

    7 ай бұрын

    Much cheaper to buy in bulk if possible.

  • @X1.7

    @X1.7

    7 ай бұрын

    Ya get 5 packs for $1.25 at dollar tree lol

  • @zepptar

    @zepptar

    7 ай бұрын

    @@X1.7 the square packaged ones used to be like 7for a dollar

  • @thomaslong8448

    @thomaslong8448

    7 ай бұрын

    @@X1.7 I can survive for 5 days for $1.25?

  • @shhlonggy
    @shhlonggy6 ай бұрын

    I never liked the cup noodle version, but the instant ramen that you cook over the stovetop always has my heart

  • @infoscholar5221
    @infoscholar52217 ай бұрын

    Legend! Got me through college. Respect to this great innovator, and I salute his tireless spirit!

  • @Googleistheantichrist
    @Googleistheantichrist7 ай бұрын

    The fact that his creation only needs hot water to make a meal is life changing for so many. It is still inexpensive and easy to make and has flavors that anyone can have is remarkable. Throw in some enriched ingredients and some cheep local produce and you have helped end starvation

  • @Marcos-eg9lt

    @Marcos-eg9lt

    5 ай бұрын

    Rice and beans are cheaper and have existed for much longer. How do instant ramen end starvation?

  • @shary1283
    @shary12837 ай бұрын

    First time in my life of 40 years i have see people around the world, race, religion and geographically praising a single person who helped people around the world (including me) to not go hungry. He really need a Nobel award for that. Salute to you. RIP Sir. ❤️❤️❤️

  • @MrBoliao98
    @MrBoliao987 ай бұрын

    From his native Taiwan, there are so many dried noodles and fried noodles. Like 伊麵 , Mee sua and many others. But somehow he manage to extend the lifespan beyond a few months.

  • @jeffreymyers1761
    @jeffreymyers17617 ай бұрын

    I'm sincerely impressed on how he can lose everything multiple time and still pick himself up from his bootstraps and build back not just a normal life but a super successful one at that

  • @richardyoung871
    @richardyoung8717 ай бұрын

    In this video, in JAPAN they may call it Ramen but in HAWAII, we call it SAIMIN,and I was brought up on it, and I still eat it, because you can make a quick cheap easy meal for pennies as my children do and they like it

  • @21RandomMan
    @21RandomMan7 ай бұрын

    FYI, this guy was actually Chinese (or Taiwanese ) ethnically. He’s not Japanese who was born in Taiwan under japan rule

  • @Batmicheal
    @Batmicheal8 ай бұрын

    Neat. I had no idea. I have lived on ramen and other cheap foods during hard times myself. Early adulthood tends to be under funded and navigated by the inexperienced, and Ramen feeds millions of Americans every day. Thanks to variety I can still enjoy it unlike cheap hotdogs or bologna.

  • @kaarisdeusette407

    @kaarisdeusette407

    7 ай бұрын

    I feel you bro

  • @mikewhocheeseharry5292

    @mikewhocheeseharry5292

    7 ай бұрын

    Yeah I prefer Ramen than Spam or cheap hotdogs.

  • @fnjesusfreak

    @fnjesusfreak

    7 ай бұрын

    I'll sometimes cut hot dogs or kiełbasa into my ramen.

  • @fnjesusfreak

    @fnjesusfreak

    7 ай бұрын

    @@mikewhocheeseharry5292 You can cut Spam into ramen and have Hawaiian ramen xD

  • @mikewhocheeseharry5292

    @mikewhocheeseharry5292

    7 ай бұрын

    @@fnjesusfreak I’ll pass on adding spam since ramen itself is already too much sodium

  • @bingobongo1615
    @bingobongo16157 ай бұрын

    Momofuku Ando is also a great tale about living between two countries and cultures. This video is based on his biography that completely omits it but born as a Chinese in Taiwan he became by choice Japanese but had to renounce his citizenship for a time after Ww2 so that the Taiwanese government wouldnt disown him and take his parental home and business from him. As tensions between Taiwan and Japan lessened later he became Japanese again in 1966 and is an outstanding example of a successful non-Japanese business man in post-war Japan

  • @TakCWAL

    @TakCWAL

    5 ай бұрын

    Momofuku Ando/Wu was born a Japanese subject of the Japanese province of Taiwan. He did not have to become a Japanese by choice, because there weren't any other choice. Heck, the Republic of China did not even recognize Taiwan as its own province, and Taiwanese who entered China before 1945 were officially foreigners. ROC maps dating in the 30s still showed Taiwan as part of Japan. It was only when total US victory became imminent did the KMT saw an opportunity to occupy the island of Taiwan. If anything, he became a Chinese citizen by choice, one made under coercion, because as you said, the KMT threatened to freeze his assets and confiscate his property. Nonetheless, it didn't stop him from moving to Japan immediately postwar, even if he was not officially Japanese yet. As soon as the political tensions eased, he ditched the KMT and regained Japanese citizenship, and that was not a difficult choice.

  • @patrickdurham8393
    @patrickdurham83937 ай бұрын

    I keep a supply of Mama Ramen on hand because the noodles themselves are lightly seasoned and can be used to make other meals without a ton of added salt.

  • @mikewhocheeseharry5292

    @mikewhocheeseharry5292

    7 ай бұрын

    Me too!!! I have a box of the pork flavor ones and sometimes just eat the noodles raw in it’s package with seasoning sprinkled on top. 😂 I’m not currently starving but it reminds me of my childhood and now enjoy them as an adult.

  • @plazma5343
    @plazma53438 ай бұрын

    A great man. His work drive and ethic is inspirationnal. Rip.

  • @teibaahmed1739
    @teibaahmed1739 Жыл бұрын

    I am writing a paper about the history of cup ramen, i've seen about 10 of these videos and this is the best one by far. Most factually correct information I have seen about the topic! Just subbed - keep doing what you are doing, your channel will blow up one day soon! 🙂

  • @wildyoda2931
    @wildyoda29317 ай бұрын

    He’s a world hero what an amazing life he lived and what an amazing accomplishment. Now every time I eat a bowl of ramen noodles I’ll think about this.

  • @juanguzman1563
    @juanguzman15637 ай бұрын

    This man carb loaded a lot of bodybuilders and he definitely has a special place in my heart

  • @wamrainc176
    @wamrainc1767 ай бұрын

    Whenever I feel hopeless, and that I’m losing my faith in humanity, I like to watch videos like this to remind me of the good

  • @justin_lee3005
    @justin_lee30057 ай бұрын

    I spent my entire childhood eating ramen, literally from atleast 5th grade-high school I ate ramen everyday after school. One of my favorite meals growing up, my mom would boil some chicken, shred it and put it in ramen. My mom told me many years later, we were poor, that was the easiest way for my parents to feed the 6 of us…we were poor and I never noticed simply because of how much I enjoyed the ramen itself. I wish I could personally thank this man.

  • @johnzvue
    @johnzvue7 ай бұрын

    This literally blew my mind, a food that carried my life over years for situational and preference and to know he did this All Alone no friend or partner he just went at it for years threw adversity and all is truly inspiring. He definitely deserves his own award with his name

  • @awesomeferret

    @awesomeferret

    6 ай бұрын

    Well, technically he had help from his wife... 🤷‍♂️

  • @QuenzaDuvalier509
    @QuenzaDuvalier5097 ай бұрын

    He has fed countless people from around the world including the United States Haiti Latin America and Asia of course

  • @robertvose7540
    @robertvose75407 ай бұрын

    Thank you for this video. I didn't know I was in such an emotional relationship with Ramen in my life. Thank you for your great service to humanity, Momofuku Ando

  • @mikewhocheeseharry5292

    @mikewhocheeseharry5292

    7 ай бұрын

    His name MomoFuku is just legend.

  • @hensonlaura
    @hensonlaura8 ай бұрын

    First saw Cup Noodle in California in 77. We carried tons of it to Saudi Arabia. Top Ramen helped get me through the misery of boarding school in the 80s; now I'm in Mexico & can enjoy both 💓 The Japanese kids in boarding school had a different kind of ramen. The noodles were soft, in a sealed pouch, and the flavor packets were liquid, with grease included.

  • @joelspaulding5964

    @joelspaulding5964

    7 ай бұрын

    Those are the bougie noodles. Well worth it- But often a luxury only reserved for work-study payday, every 2 weeks. 😅 To be fair, my daughter introduced me to the world of alternate, easy to prepare, delicious noodles. Ramen and a couple chickens will get one through a Zombie apocalypse.

  • @mikewhocheeseharry5292

    @mikewhocheeseharry5292

    7 ай бұрын

    @@joelspaulding5964are they kind of like Udon noodles that you can usually find in the vegan/ tofu section of the grocery stores?

  • @OhPhuckYou

    @OhPhuckYou

    7 ай бұрын

    ​@@mikewhocheeseharry5292There are fresh noodle Raman packs. I'm not sure if OP is talking about those or mistaking Udon Noodles for Raman.

  • @hiddenbunny7205
    @hiddenbunny72057 ай бұрын

    Ando, (born Go Pek-Hok 吳百福), signifies the division of Taiwanese identity during and after WW2. At the end of WW2, a good deal of Taiwanese identified themselves as Japanese (Taiwan is a Japanese colony between 1895-1945) while they are ethnically Hokkien Chinese descent (such as Ando). That's why he went to Japan, or "to the motherland". Most of the people who identified with Japan were seriously oppressed when chiang kai shek's Natioanlist party retreated to Taiwan, and one can say the whole Taiwanese independence movement started with the Taiwanese who identified themselves more as Japanese back in the 50s. Even today, Taiwan is a place that has a unique blend of Chinese and Japanese culture. Older Japanese people often think Okinawa and Taiwan are similar (Okinawa is closer to Taiwan than Japan mainland). Taiwanese often thinks Ramen is a Taiwanese invention due to Ando's origin, but Ando himself probably hoped to be a pure Japanese tho.

  • @thebreeze7117
    @thebreeze71177 ай бұрын

    this food is what fed me in university...and every student out there.

  • @72PRODIGALSON
    @72PRODIGALSON7 ай бұрын

    I remember, practically, LIVING on Ramen back when I was in Job Corps. I still eat it, to this day, now that I'm in my 50s as a snack/comfort food and I'd always wondered how they got the noodles dried and able to be shelf stable; Indefinitely. Thanks for this video.

  • @payodomingo6789
    @payodomingo67897 ай бұрын

    This man needs the noble prize his instant ramen is getting me through uni cheep n easy meal especially in a really cold winter day a hot bowl of soup is a budget chef kiss

  • @ori-yorudan

    @ori-yorudan

    7 ай бұрын

    It's the 'Nobel' prize, named after the inventor and scientist Alfred Nobel. Momofuku Ando never received one but he did get many other awards and medals of equal and greater value.

  • @UMAMIMAMU
    @UMAMIMAMU8 ай бұрын

    Super interesting considering ramen noodles are the no.1 prison commissary food item in prisons across the country, if not the entire world.

  • @iammwen5883
    @iammwen58837 ай бұрын

    So I watched this and then tried the original Top Ramen for the first time (I've been eating the other popular brand 'cause it's convenient). The Nissin noodles cost just a little more but have no MSG, lower sodium, a little less saturated fat and taste the same. Thanks for this video.

  • @anti-socialistsocialclub6032
    @anti-socialistsocialclub60326 ай бұрын

    He is the homie all of us needed as a poor kid growing up. Always had food because of this man. Thank you!!

  • @sidneyvandykeii3169
    @sidneyvandykeii31697 ай бұрын

    Instant Ramen noodles were a Godsend when I was young and poor. Buy a dozen Ramen noodles packs. Buy a Dozen eggs and buy some frozen mixed vegetables....or grow your own veggies. I could eat for a week on $10 to $15. This was the late 80s and 90s.

  • @thomaslong8448

    @thomaslong8448

    7 ай бұрын

    Sounds like you're gonna live long like the Japanese.

  • @sidneyvandykeii3169

    @sidneyvandykeii3169

    7 ай бұрын

    @@thomaslong8448I'm not living super long. I chain smoke cigarettes and drink beer most nights. I only eat Ramen a couple of times a month nowadays since I'm 53 and married (no kids). At least I have a physical job that keeps me in shape.

  • @AZrakoon
    @AZrakoon7 ай бұрын

    I was broke and ate instant ramen for lunch for lunch (still do), till I got back on my feet again. I used it to rebuild my life.

  • @BruinsPastaSauce
    @BruinsPastaSauce7 ай бұрын

    dude went to prison for helping people. he helped people his whole life no matter the cause. the amount of bellys that are filled because of him will forever be greatful

  • @JH-ks9oi
    @JH-ks9oi7 ай бұрын

    On my construction sites we had food trucks, but I always had couple cases of cup of noodles, when new laborers started some “like me 6yrs before” couldn’t afford even PBJ, but building is hard work,takes calories, I made sure they ate n stay hydrated, Texas is hot enough but construction causes heat from machinery, chemicals, welding, materials, all of it, these noodles saved many of my men’s lives

  • @tsugima6317

    @tsugima6317

    7 ай бұрын

    I would imagine that the electrolytes in the broth didn't hurt either.

  • @pierresihite8854
    @pierresihite88548 ай бұрын

    Eating a bowl of indomie while watching this just hits the spot!!

  • @TheRyansLion

    @TheRyansLion

    7 ай бұрын

    Indomie is amazing!

  • @zenjon7892
    @zenjon78927 ай бұрын

    What an inspiration! I remember being poor and hungry and eating Ramen soups... I liked to experiment with different flavors and preparations

  • @BenBen-kh1dm

    @BenBen-kh1dm

    7 ай бұрын

    Ha!!! Me too 😅

  • @FormerlyYBMT
    @FormerlyYBMT7 ай бұрын

    Like most have said, if it wasn’t for this man, I’d likely have starved to death long ago. I legitimately owe my life to him.

  • @Moviemaniac174892
    @Moviemaniac1748927 ай бұрын

    Those noodles got me through allot of cold & broke nights, thank you sir 👏👏👏

  • @rosfell00
    @rosfell007 ай бұрын

    Here in Mexico we recently got a flavor called esquites wich are essentially noodles with elote (corn) red bell pepper and some seasonings, usually when I can't spend too much on food or don't have time to cook I just make a cup of those and add mayonnaise and Tabasco sauce, it's quick, cheap and tastes almost as good as real esquites, and all thanks to this man, greetings from Mexico...

  • @madmanmechanic8847

    @madmanmechanic8847

    7 ай бұрын

    And when you fart you blow corn on the ole lady while under the sheets no coolo for you

  • @kuruk9379

    @kuruk9379

    6 ай бұрын

    @@madmanmechanic8847😂😂😂😂 yo what i did not expect this

  • @madmanmechanic8847

    @madmanmechanic8847

    6 ай бұрын

    @@kuruk9379 bahahahbhahb me neither

  • @VomicaEmanio
    @VomicaEmanio7 ай бұрын

    These things made up like 50% of all my meals through my time as a student, and even today I always have a stash in my cupboard (though nowadays most are the expensive high quality ones)

  • @ryanjofre
    @ryanjofre7 ай бұрын

    He should have been given a Nobel prize as his invention has fed more people and sustained more poor souls lives than anything in history. My hero.🙏

  • @gleaveinjapan
    @gleaveinjapan7 ай бұрын

    Here in Osaka there is the Cup Noodle Museum. It is in Ikeda, north of Osaka. Should you visit Japan and want to go there just take the Hankyu Takarazuka train line from Umeda Osaka Station.

  • @fleetingimmersion
    @fleetingimmersion8 ай бұрын

    This is a great video, def deserves more than 168 subs (as of now). Love a story about ramen and post-war Japan, it's incredibly satisfying.

  • @RayMak
    @RayMak7 ай бұрын

    He’s a very smart man

  • @EireHammer
    @EireHammer7 ай бұрын

    This is among my favorite bits of history, a bit of good amidst bitterness and sorrow. A scent of hope, a chance for another day!

  • @thomaslong8448

    @thomaslong8448

    7 ай бұрын

    Yes. Thank you Sir! RIP.

  • @TDK2K
    @TDK2K7 ай бұрын

    One of Japan's greatest inventions by far. Keeps the world fed for pennies.

  • @coreyo8798
    @coreyo87987 ай бұрын

    Thank you for sharing this story, as odd as it is it’s super inspiring to me as an avid instant noodle enjoyer

  • @samoanpride9247
    @samoanpride92477 ай бұрын

    WHAT A MAN! To have moments in your life you recall back too not only to provide motivation but to help strike ideas and help you become innovative. Dude was a genius. Having dinner with your wife watch her fry tempura and DING light bulb. Dope!

  • @Koob335
    @Koob3357 ай бұрын

    Bro had no idea how many poor college kids he help get through college. The struggle was real lol

  • @joss2550
    @joss25505 ай бұрын

    This was suchhhhhh a good video!! The pictures, the way you kept me interested the entire time.. can’t wait to watch your other videos!

  • @ITIsFunnyDamnIT
    @ITIsFunnyDamnIT7 ай бұрын

    Interesting. I think anyone who is poor or has been or just barely getting by has eaten ramen. pack of ramen noodles fills ya up. This man is more than just a hero of Japan. he is a hero of the world. people all over the world survive on ramen noodles.

  • @trentkelly2303
    @trentkelly23037 ай бұрын

    I've recently found a bunch of Asian grocery stores that stock nissin cup noodles and they're far superior to the standard ones you get in our supermarkets. Curry flavour is the bomb just FYI.

  • @mikewhocheeseharry5292

    @mikewhocheeseharry5292

    7 ай бұрын

    I like the Mama brand Pork Flavor. It doesn’t taste anything like pork and it’s not in a cup but you can easily cook in in your own cup. I prefer cooking it on a stove while making the broth first like adding meats, veggies, and then throw the noodles into the seasoned broth.

  • @KingC89

    @KingC89

    7 ай бұрын

    Yeah there's way better selections at Asian stores and Asian markets are everywhere here in California and every other place to I imagine.

  • @dwaynemontgomery1851
    @dwaynemontgomery18518 ай бұрын

    this made me hungry, im heading to the store right now and buying some cup noodles!

  • @spacedredd
    @spacedredd7 ай бұрын

    Cup Of Noodles and Top Ramen were always in the pantry growing up in 70s-80s. My Dad had travel to Japan a lot in the 70s. So when he made Ramen he would add more than the packets of broth. In my 30s, I was made destitute a couple times. Ramen was always there to at least provide a hot meal. All I needed was the hot water. Sometimes it was just the noodles and packets other times I was able to add a bit more. Nowadays I stay away from the Styrofoam cups and just use the top Ramen. Just trying to be responsible for my waste foot print. Now, like as a kid there is always Ramen in the pantry.

  • @wed3k

    @wed3k

    7 ай бұрын

    I resort to ramen soup sometimes for the cure of a hangover, the sodium helps absorb water as well.

  • @CurmudgeonExtraordinaire
    @CurmudgeonExtraordinaire7 ай бұрын

    Even today when I can afford to eat whatever I want, I still find myself using Ramen noodles as a base for a meal... Cut up some type of meat (pork, beef, chicken, shrimp) and season with soy sauce... Cut up a few mushrooms, some onions or green onions, hot peppers, and stir fry it in a small skillet while boiling the noodles in a 1-qt pot... Pour everything from the skillet into the pot and eat from the pot... Vary the spices so that it is not always the same...

  • @abdielver69

    @abdielver69

    7 ай бұрын

    Dang! That combination of ingredients sounds gourmet i need to up my ramen game!

  • @CurmudgeonExtraordinaire

    @CurmudgeonExtraordinaire

    7 ай бұрын

    @@abdielver69 -- "gourmet"? LMAO... I'm most definitely not a "great cook"... Maybe not even a "good cook"... I just found a balance between what what I could do vs what my taste buds could put up with... "When in doubt, add more hot peppers" is my philosophy... Or maybe, "When in doubt, add more wine (or beer, preferably) TO THE COOK..." Even before COVID, my wife said my taste buds were dead and they are probably even more dead now... We were pretty close to being "first in line" with catching COVID since we were traveling through SE Asia all of January of 2020 when it first started... That first time really sucked, but the 2nd time, the symptoms were even less than a mild cold... And *I* did not get "the jab"...

  • @pauloramirez8216
    @pauloramirez82167 ай бұрын

    International hero to me. I can't count the times I relied on instant noodles to feed me back in my teenage years when my family was struggling.

  • @hithisiseddie
    @hithisiseddie7 ай бұрын

    he made kids all over the world a meal they can enjoy anytime ❤

  • @musicvideomaestro1209
    @musicvideomaestro12097 ай бұрын

    You can tell how much love was put into this video. Keep it up!!

  • @ZwrP
    @ZwrP7 ай бұрын

    this guy is like a deity to broke college students, praise instant noodles for keeping me alive lol.

  • @rupvictoria3017
    @rupvictoria3017 Жыл бұрын

    his story touched my heart 💙

  • @TheWolfie234
    @TheWolfie2347 ай бұрын

    Continues to feed me and countless others to this day. Thank you to this man

  • @dwaynekoblitz6032
    @dwaynekoblitz60326 ай бұрын

    This is the best KZread video I've ever watched. Thank you, sir!! 💯💯💯💯❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

  • @Rebelartist83
    @Rebelartist837 ай бұрын

    We never had ramen growing up and I grew up pretty poor but I think mom was worried about the sodium it was always beans and rice and whatever we got at the food bank but if we got ramens mom give them to a neighbor in the same boat as us and im not a ramen fan as i got older but I love this story and appreciate this mans ❤God bless him and its great what he did and invented and helped so many with his soup good for him 😊

  • @KitchenWitch4U
    @KitchenWitch4U7 ай бұрын

    A big Thanks to the man who has fed the world 🌎

  • @austinforant4264
    @austinforant42647 ай бұрын

    Thank you Momofuku Ando for your wonderful gift to the world. I always keep a case or two of cup noodles in my barracks for the nights I just need a quick cup of comfort when the mess hall is closed

  • @lizardking7772
    @lizardking77727 ай бұрын

    This brought some tears in my eyes. This is why we are alive to create things

  • @Tru3Dawn
    @Tru3Dawn Жыл бұрын

    Keep it up bro. Love the video 😎

  • @arfriedman4577
    @arfriedman45777 ай бұрын

    In the usa 1970s, my chicken cup noodles had eggs in it. I wish it still did.

  • @shadowflame2247
    @shadowflame224711 ай бұрын

    bud, you outta have more subscribers, the quality of this content surprises the hell out of me that you ain't got at least 1 mil followers, I'ma check out your other vids, an you got yourself another subscriber boi.

  • @dt3688

    @dt3688

    7 ай бұрын

    Yeah I gotta agree I thought he atleast have a few hundred thousand

  • @maximdaniels9256
    @maximdaniels92567 ай бұрын

    A true testament to hard work and perseverance.

  • @CommanderTipps
    @CommanderTipps6 ай бұрын

    Thanks for posting this interesting story. Man, this is very inspiring and enlightening at the same time.

  • @harukrentz435
    @harukrentz4357 ай бұрын

    Fun Fact: the biggest instant ramen in the world is located in Indonesia, a tropical country where wheat cannot grow. Their product, Indomie have been sold everywhere from Africa to Russia. It also serves as a part of ration for Australian soldiers and prisoners, and Ukraine soldiers on the battlefield.

  • @tristramfuller

    @tristramfuller

    7 ай бұрын

    That only shows that the owner of the company that made Indomie is a good businessman. Indomie is a cheap, low quality substitute for the Japanese instant noodle, so as to keep the price low and affordable for the consumers, just like MAMA from Thailand. One thing for sure is that, NO, Indomie is and was never part of Australian military *standard* ration. I am sure of that.

  • @savannahdebose757

    @savannahdebose757

    7 ай бұрын

    I love indomie!

  • @fordhouse8b

    @fordhouse8b

    7 ай бұрын

    @@tristramfuller I have eaten a wide variety of both Nissin, a well as other brands of Japanese instant noodles, and to say Indomie is a "cheap, low quality substitute for the Japanese instant noodle,” is a wild generalization. There are many varieties of Indomie noodles, and an even greater array of Japanese instant noodles of various brands. Some are better than others, and that which ones exactly that is, is a very subjective judgement. I personally like the original Nissin Chikin Ramen, the very first brand marketed by the company. I actually (in part) like it for the same reason I like the cheap MAMA noodles. the noodles in both of he’s brands are seasoned (MAMA also includes separate seasoning packets). This makes them very good for snacking on dry. My favorite Nissin Ramen is the Nissin Demae Black Garlic Oil Tonkotsu. I probably eat more Maruchan noodles though, simply because compared top the basic Nissin Top ramen, I can get a case of 24 for about ten bucks, while the Nissin top ramen is $30 for a case of 30 packs. I eat these when I have the inclination to a use the noodles as a base for a meal which I add my own seasonings and ingredients sometimes in soup form, sometimes not. If I want some quick delicious highly flavorful noodles, not in a soup form, then I tend to go for those “cheap” Indomie Mi Goreng noodles, which I love. By the way, at least on Amazon, the Japanese brand Maruchan is far less expensive (cheaper) than any product sold by Indomie. And far less delicious. If I am in the mod for something a little spicier, then the Korean Samyang Buldak Chicken is usually the way to go (or at least the way I go!). Sadly, I think you are correct about Indomie and Australian rations, it seems Maggi instant noodles are probably what they use. When looking into it, I came across a stray comment indicating that rumor might have gotten started after an Australian soldier was seen and heard on vide saying that the noodles he was eating LOOKED like Indomie, perhaps using the brand name as generic term for instant noodles. But I have never had Maggi noodles, so maybe they are equally delicious?

  • @tristramfuller

    @tristramfuller

    7 ай бұрын

    @@fordhouse8b I appreciate the effort you put into researching and analyzing the ramen topic. It was quite informative. It's no surprise that, like in any industry worldwide, there are cheap and lower-quality options available in Japan as well. (Just as we encounter such variations in businesspeople worldwide! 😄) To simplify our comparison, let's focus on the top instant noodles from Indonesia and Japan, which, with a quick Google search, appear to be Indomie and Sapporo Ichiban. I've had both, and I can confidently say they are not on the same level in terms of quality.

  • @tristramfuller

    @tristramfuller

    7 ай бұрын

    @@savannahdebose757 I am sure you do. You might want to try some of those from Japan, for example Sapporo Ichiban.

  • @Shinja_Sleepwalker
    @Shinja_Sleepwalker6 ай бұрын

    When you stop and think about it, it's so peculiar, all the millions and billions of little ways that people change the world during their time here. Its really inspiring, but also sad when you consider that most people will never know what it feels like to be that impactful to the trajectory of mankind.

  • @alyctro8158
    @alyctro81587 ай бұрын

    What a heartwarming story.

  • @sharistrazz3313
    @sharistrazz33137 ай бұрын

    What an AMAZING STORY!! Ironically, I watched this video while EATING MY RAMEN NOODLES with ONIONS & GREEN BEANS COOKED WITH the noodles!! 😁 I like my RAMEN W/ Broth and noodles very hydrated!

  • @MegzLife
    @MegzLife7 ай бұрын

    Ramen noodles is a legit MVP! It is so convenient, cheap & gets the job done..when you are not rich & or on a budget etc. Salute!

  • @brokeandtired
    @brokeandtired7 ай бұрын

    Ate so many cup and non cup instant noodles 🍜 I am atleast 30% noodle by weight. Literally eat them almost every other day. I am English. Yeah he didn't just succeed he mastered feeding the poorest of society.

  • @carboncarbonx43
    @carboncarbonx437 ай бұрын

    Later he opened a noodle shop and adopted a panda, and the rest is history.

  • @Mr_Spliffy
    @Mr_Spliffy7 ай бұрын

    Great upload. You deserve many more subs. Subbed.

  • @GR8119
    @GR81197 ай бұрын

    Struggling college kids and poor people hold this man on a higher pedestal. And if u were both like me, the respect is even greater for this mans invention.

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