Cup Noodle Brand Loyalty

Although a bit out of the way (and while hauling luggage), we went to the Cup Noodle Museum in northern Osaka. The museum was engaging and informative, and Cup Noodle as a company is impressive. They were the first instant ramen, the first use of polystyrene packaging, the first use of vacuum sealing packaging, and even produced special ramen that can (and was) used in space on the ISS. After a goofy animated show, we waited for our ramen cooking class. In a very organized room, we donned aprons and chicken hats, and got to mixing indegrients, rolling out dough, and cutting noodles. They then fried the noodles (the secret to how they stay preserved) and sealed them up in packages we got to design. It was a surprisingly fun time, and has given me a newfound brand loyalty to Cup Noodle (sorry Maruchan).Read more