The world's first commercially marketed instant ramen product, created by Momofuku Ando in 1958, was Chikin Ramen.
Nissin launched Chikin Ramen in Japan on August 25, 1958. Ando developed the product in postwar Japan after seeing the need for an inexpensive, convenient food with a long shelf life. His breakthrough was flash-frying prepared noodles: the process cooked and dehydrated them, leaving a noodle block that could be rehydrated quickly with boiling water. The seasoning was built into the noodles rather than supplied in a separate packet.
The product was initially considered expensive, costing 35 yen when fresh noodles were much cheaper. Despite that, its convenience helped it spread rapidly. Chikin Ramen is still sold in Japan, making it one of the longest-running instant noodle brands.
Cup Noodles is a common wrong answer because it became globally iconic, but it came later. Nissin introduced Cup Noodles in 1971, packaged in a disposable cup. Top Ramen and Sapporo Ichiban were also later brands. “Chikin” is the product's established Japanese romanization of “chicken.”