We all use vending machines for getting crackers, drinks and chips but you can also get some very unusual things at vending machines all over the world. In Singapore, you can get fillets of frozen salmon from the fjords of Norway at 61 locations. Ars-en-Ré, France has a vending machine that dispenses oysters in packages of two to five-dozen. The oyster lockers also offer other treats like paté and sea asparagus. Crab is such a popular dish in Japan and China you can get live crabs in a vending machine. They come with vinegar and ginger tea – essential accompaniments.
Cedar Creek, Texas has a great idea! They have a machine that is restocked daily with homemade full-sized pecan pies and other sweet pecan treats. It’s probably a good thing we don’t have that around here. A crepe vending machine has a home in Kobayashi, Japan near the dessert maker’s shop.
Potatoes have a special place in the cuisine of Belgium, Germany, France and Scotland. Potatoes (like our french fries) and onions can be found in vending machines all over. These fast food options are an economical way for farmers markets to extend hours without having to pay staff to be on duty. They also have fresh sliced bread as well as strawberry vending machines.
Another great idea is a “Cupcake ATM” which dispenses on of five flavors which change daily. The Cupcake ATM in Beverly Hills also stocks doggie treats. Or go to Aptos, California where they have a machine that will dispense a tray of 18 farm fresh eggs for $4 all while a chorus of animatronic chickens in seasonal attire cluck a version of Glenn Miller’s “In the Mood”. Much more entertaining than opening the refrigerator door at the grocery store. If you come across an Art-o-mat machine in the US, you can get a miniature masterpiece created by a local artist.
Dubai has a gift vending machine that has everything from scented candles to perfume and lingerie available at the touch of a button. It even comes out wrapped. In Japan you can feed your banana craving with a Dole banana from a machine. Or feed your intellectual side with a book vending machine in Singapore.
If you forget to take your bait when you go fishing, you might be lucky enough to be near a “Bait Bank” machine. These are stocked with minnows, mealworms, maggots, etc.
It seems that if people will buy it, it can be found somewhere in a vending machine. So, go out and explore our world and find a vending machine to feed your craving or need.
