Nunuk Nuraini
Food scientist who invented Indomie brand mi goreng flavour instant noodles
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Nunuk Nuraini (1961 – 27 January 2021), also known as Bu Nunuk ("Mrs. Nunuk"), was an Indonesian food scientist who invented Indomie's mi goreng-flavour instant noodles.[1][3]
West Java governor Ridwan Kamil called her "pahlawan bagi anak-anak kos" (hero for the boarding house kids).[4][5] The mi goreng flavour is described as a "cult favourite".[6] The noodles are popular around the world, so much so that starting in 1995 the company had built three factories in Nigeria alone.[7]
Nuraini was born in Bandung, Indonesia.[3] She graduated from Padjadjaran University in that city with a degree in food technology.[4] Nuraini was an adherent of Islam.[1] She worked for Indofood as the flavour department manager,[1][3] developing recipes there for almost three decades.[4][7] She developed the popular mi goreng flavour in 1982,[6] which was the first "dry" flavour sold without broth.[8] Nuraini originated the flavour with traditional ingredients.[9] Other flavours she invented include chicken curry,[5] green chilli,[6] rendang,[5] salted egg,[6] sambal matah,[5] and soto.[5] Despite having many fans, Nuraini rarely appeared in public.[9]
Her death was confirmed by Indofood's head of public relations, Nurlita Novi Arlaida, who wrote: "Ibu Hj Nunuk Nuraini wafat hari ini dan pulang dengan tenang ke pangkuan Allah SWT" (Mrs. Hajjah Nunuk Nuraini has died today and is returning peacefully to God's side).[4] Early on, the cause of Nuraini's death was not specified.[4] But the Padjadjaran University alumni later stated her death was caused by a heart disease, not COVID-19, as was earlier rumoured.[2] Following her death, numerous tributes to Nuraini were posted on social media, thanking her for her work and expressing pride for it being a product of Indonesia.[10]