Instant ramen is one of those beloved dishes consumed the world over, a universal product that did so in an age that lacked persistent digital connections, social media, and “going viral.” Inspired by long lines waiting to buy ramen in a post-WWII Japan, and a philosophy that food is a bridge to peace, instant noodles have been embraced as a comforting, quick—and cheap—meal.

But instant noodles wouldn’t reach its now vaulted status as a global dish were it not for a deceptively simple packaging innovation, a simple, multifunctional cup that serves as packaging, cooking vessel, and bowl.

The official origin story of instant ramen noodles is that Momofuku Ando, a Taiwanese-born Japanese man, was inspired to create instant ramen as a way to feed his war-torn country, after seeing long lines for black market ramen. His newly invented instant ramen would not debut until 1958, however, years into Japan’s economic boom postwar.