Move over, drink and snack vending machines – there are some new kids on the block, dispensing everything from chilli crabs to headscarves. And in Singapore, too!
Sure, such a concept isn’t the first in Asia. After all, Japan does take vending machines (and probably everything else) to a whole new level.
But with the increasing numbers of vending machine cafes popping up, and the opening trial of Giant’s VendMart in Tampines and Jurong last week, it seems quite likely that the nation may be adopting a similar culture.
Case in point: The VendMart outlet in Tampines consists of a total of 17 machines, and they’re not limited to just food or beverage choices. For example, the Farmily vending machine dishes out gardening kits for those keen on the hobby, complete with plants seeds, soil, and a small biodegradable pot.
And if you’re a fan of pop culture? There’s even one that dispenses popular Funko POP! figures such as Batman, Thor, and Kylo Ren.
The variety in food options certainly doesn’t disappoint as well, with unconventional dishes like chilli crabs and pizzas being made available. Outside of VendMart, there are also a few chains of VendCafes – or vending machine cafes – around specific heartland areas that boast a selection of unconventional picks.
Take for instance – Pasir Ris, which has butter chicken and vegetable briyani on the menu, among others. The Ang Mo Kio outlet sees machines dishing out servings of fried carrot cake and Spanish paella, while customers can indulge in seafood hor fun at Sengkang’s VendCafe.
This vending machine trend extends to void-deck convenience stores, too, replacing the old-school traditional shops.
The Ma2 Shop, pronounced ‘Ma squared’ as a homage to the word ‘mama’, was the first to take the place of an existing mama shop in Tampines. The shop features six machines that sell various types of products – ranging from power banks to chilli crab spaghetti.
It seems like the contents of these vending machines will only get more creative over time, and where better to look than those in other countries for more inspiration?
Unconventionality Is The Name Of The Game
Type ‘vending machines in…’ in Google, and ‘vending machines in Japan’ will appear as one of the top results.
It’s telling of the kind of vending machine culture the country has and is known for – hardly surprising, considering the whooping 5.52 million machines available around the nation.
Still, there are some pretty outrageous ones located around the world, including Japan, and they certainly don’t disappoint.
1) Live Crabs (Nanjing, China)
As if having chilli crabs in a machine isn’t enough, China throws in live hairy crabs into the mix.
Selling for around 20 RMB (SGD 4.10), the crustaceans come with crab vinegar and two bags of ginger tea, and undergo daily restocking.
2) Flying Fish Soup (Japan)
Once again, Japan continues to surprise the world.
Sold in a bottle with two varieties of dashi stock, the price lies between 700 yen (SGD 8.40) and 750 yen (SGD 9), depending on the flavour bought. While each bottle contains a whole piece of fish, eating it is not recommended.
3) Gold
Pure gold in a machine? It’s more common than you think.
First introduced in Abu Dhabi, these ‘Gold to Go’ machines have since expanded to other nations, such as Switzerland, Austria, and England. In fact, there are actually two of such machines here, located right at Marina Bay Sands and Resorts World Sentosa.
And yes, they do dispense items made of pure gold, including gold bars and customised gold coins.
Vending Machine Culture: Here To Stay?
Gone are the days of inserting coins into vending machines for just canned drinks or snacks. If there’s one thing that other countries have showed us, it’s that almost anything can be fitted into these said machines if the situation calls for it.
Our current vending machines are definitely heading off to a good start, with a variety of options made available for customers. Yet, one important question remains – is this vending machine culture here to stay?
According to an article by The Straits Times, Singapore is facing an increase in property prices and a lack of manpower in the F&B sector. Therefore, having more vending machines could possibly make up for that problem, as is the situation with Japan.
It sure is a viable solution, especially given how competitive the job market is now. Whether the machines will continue to dispense practical content or introduce more ridiculous ones (read: Japan’s used undergarment vending machines), only time will tell.
But for the time being, let’s make do with servings of chicken rice and nasi lemak – in vending machine-style.