Although originating from Japan, instant noodles have made their way into the lives of children and adults all over the world. For some, slurping a cup of instant noodles is a nostalgic experience, bringing back memories of post-pool time snacks under the sun and college dorm meals. For others, it’s a simple and guilty pleasure. But what’s not to love a when they come in many flavours from different regions of the world.
Getting to visit these instant noodle museums will be a real treat (and a means to live out those childhood dreams), but we’re all about the NO FOMO life here. So, if you can’t travel to the ramen, you can order one and have it delivered to your home using the links provided. Enjoy!
1. Shin-Yokohama Ramen Museum
???? Yokohama, Japan
Known as the world’s first ramen amusement park, this is a one-stop destination where you can have a taste of the best ramen shops across Japan. Though the noodles are not technically ‘instant’, meaning they are made fresh on site, it’s still a worthy stop to make on your travels. An exhibition area dedicated to the history and culture of ramen is located on the first floor.
Visitors can learn how to make their own noodles in the Ramen Making Experience class where they use a traditional Chinese method known as ‘green bamboo beating’ to transform flour into ramen noodles. A street replica of Japan in 1958 hosts seven ramen shops where you can order yourself a bowl of deliciousness.
Available on Shojikiya and Shopee
Address: 2 Chome-14-21 Shinyokohama, Kohoku Ward, Yokohama, Kanagawa 222-0033 (Google Maps)
Contact: +81 45 471-0503
2. CupNoodles Museum
???? Yokohama, Japan
Even if you’ve never been to Japan, you have definitely seen clips of its interactive CupNoodles Museum also known as the Momofuku Ando Invention Memorial. Designed to provide an educational, fun, and creative experience for kids and grown ups, the museum exhibits the creative thinking of Momofuku Ando, founder of Nissin Food Products and inventor of the world’s first instant noodles, Chicken Ramen.
Available on Shopee and Lazada
Address: 2 Chome-3-4 Shinko, Naka Ward, Yokohama, Kanagawa 231-0001 (Google Maps)
Contact: +81 45 345-0918
3. Mamee Jonker House
???? Melaka, Malaysia
Shop, eat, and design your own noodle cup at the Mamee Jonker House in Melaka. Following in the footsteps of Japan’s Cup Noodles Museum, Mamee provides a similar experience on a smaller scale. Acting as a mini museum to the classic Malaysian childhood snack, they also run workshops where you and your kids can personalise your own Mamee Monster snack at the Lil Monster Kitchen.
Stop for a meal at the Mamee Cafe that serves local cuisine, some with a Mamee twist! On the way out, you can stop by the gift shop to pick up a selection of Mamee’s products and limited edition merchandise.
Available on Shopee and Lazada
Address: 46 & 48, Jalan Hang Jebat, 75200 Melaka (Google Maps)
Contact: +6019 408 3067
4. Good Noodle
???? Bangkok, Thailand
They call themselves the ‘empire of the world’s instant noodles’, and rightfully so. Born of an idea that was sparked during the COVID-19 pandemic, Good Noodle is putting a smile on people’s faces with their inventive instant noodle shop. Walk into what looks like an above average grocery store and choose from over 70 selections of instant noodles from all over the world — yup, this visit might take a while.
You can also add fresh ingredients that have been pre-packed from the freezer section before cooking up your noodles at the hot plate ramen station. With so many varieties and combinations to choose from, you’ll probably find yourself going back for more.
Similar selections available on Bites, Shopee, and Lazada
Address: B Floor, Union Mall Shopping Center, 54 Soi Ladprao 1 Chomphon Chatuchak, 10900 (Google Maps)
Contact: +66 2 512 5000
5. CupNoodles Museum
???? Hong Kong
An extension of the original CupNoodles Museum in Japan, you can find an identical experience in Hong Kong. Design and season your noodles to your liking as you learn about how they’re made.
Honouring the creator of this world-loved noodles and creating a tasty and fun-filled day for kids of all ages in the most creative way, this museum is worth the trip regardless of where you find it in the world.
Available on Shopee and Lazada
Address: Tsim Sha Tsui, Canton Rd, 33號, China Hong Kong City Block 2, 樓26-35號 (Google Maps)
Contact: +852 3406 6600
Website
6. Jjajangmyeon Museum
???? Incheon, South Korea
Jjajangmyeon or black soy bean noodles originated from a Chinese restaurant in Chinatown in Incheon. The restaurant is known to have first introduced jjajangmyeon to the city and this museum showcases both the origin and history of the noodles.
Housed in a two-storey building, the museum showcases six permanent exhibition halls, including one special hall holding a uniquely-themed display every year. Visitors learn about the communities and cultures that influenced this dish and the city at the time and how the dish is made and eaten in different regions in South Korea.
Available on Shopee and Lazada
Address: 56-14 Chinatown-ro, Jung-gu, Incheon (Google Maps)
Contact: +82 32 773 9812
7. CupNoodles Museum
???? Osaka Ikeda, Japan
A visit to the first original CupNoodle Museum and birthplace of the chicken ramen, is a must if you’re in Osaka. At the entrance, you’re greeted by a bronze statue of a cheery Momofuku Ando, with a packet of chicken ramen in hand, standing on a CupNoodle pedestal. Interesting historical replicas and stories fill this museum, including a replica of the ‘Work Shed’, where the noodles were created.
The ‘My CUPNOODLES Factory’ allows you to make an original cup noodle for yourself, from the design of the packaging to the flavours of the noodles. There are 12 varieties of toppings and 5,460 flavour combinations to build on. End your tour with a historical walk around Ikeda City and get a glimpse of the birthplace of the world’s most recognised instant noodles.
Available on Shopee and Lazada
Address: 8-25 Masumicho, Ikeda, Osaka 563-0041 (Google Maps)
Contact: +81 72-752 3484
