Cup Men to the Rescue!

There must be a better way!

I don't know about you, but here is what happens every time I make myself a cup of instant noodles. I tear the plastic wrapping off the cup and pour boiling water into the cup of noodles. I close the lid back like the instructions tell me to do but the problem I have is that the lid never seems to stay put. So I scramble around looking for something that would hold it in place. I usually end up using a small paperback that's lying around. Sometimes I'll put a small plate on it to hold it down. It seems to do the trick but come on! There has to be a better way!

The Cup Noodles Museum

I recently had a chance to visit the Cup Noodles Museum in Yokohama. It was actually quite interesting and I learned a lot about the creator as well as the history of the company. At the museum, two things stood out for me. One was the fact that you could custom make your own cup noodles. The other thing was the store where I found this amazing must-have gadget for any cup noodle fan like myself.

The CupMen

I proudly present to you the CupMen! Yes, you heard it right. It's CupMen. Why is it called that you ask? Well it's basically a play on words with Men meaning "noodles" in Japanese. So it's a bunch of men that assists you in cooking your noodles (men). There is a whole army of men out there in stores all over Japan, but you obviously only need so I guess you could call it a CupMan. Whatever you want to call this thing, it is the gadget that has forever solved my problems with cup noodle lids not staying down. Let me tell you how easy it works.

You pour the boiling water into the cup noodles as you usually do and close the lid. Obviously it won't stay down by itself and this is where the CupMen comes to the rescue. He simply plops down onto the lid and securely keeps it closed for you while you wait in total comfort. After three minutes the CupMen miraculously changes color letting you know your noodles are ready.

Not only are they useful but they are also visually entertaining. And when they are not in use, they make a cute addition to any interior. In the photos below, you'll see my very own CupMen in various situations. In addition to keeping the lid down for me, he keeps me company by sitting on my lap or becoming a part of my interior. Any way you look at it, the CupMen is a great novelty gift that is as practical as it is fun!

If you enjoyed this recipe, you might enjoy my food and travel blog TABIEATS. It would be great if you would stop by and let me know what you think. Thanks!!!

CLICK HERE to go to my BLOG