LOS ANGELES — For more than years, people around the globe have benefited from the genius of Momofuku Ando, the late inventor of instant ramen, though perhaps few outside Japan actually realize it.
Since Ando invented instant ramen in 1958, it has become a staple in college dorms and kitchen pantries, and more than 90 billion servings are consumed worldwide each year, according to the World Instant Noodles Association.
Although Ando is an important figure in the world of modern food convenience, the entrepreneur's life story would probably not evoke profound reflection or spiritual enlightenment in most people.