The cup format was invented by Nissin's Momofuku Ando in 1971 as Cup Noodle — one of the most commercially successful food products in history. Noodles and dehydrated ingredients are pre-loaded into a waterproof cup. The consumer adds boiling water directly to the cup, waits 3 minutes, and eats from the same container.
Cup noodles sacrifice some noodle quality (the noodles can't move freely during hydration) for maximum convenience. They require no pot, no stove, and no bowl — just hot water and a fork.