Taiwan: Hot Food Vending Machine
2013-2-19
Local frozen food producer EasyTasty recently put Taiwan's first hot food vending machines on the market. Developed with proprietary technologies after six years of research, each machine costs NT$400,000 ($13,500). They currently provide three kinds of cutlet-and-rice dishes, all priced at around NT$50, which the company said are cheaper than in supermarkets and convenient stores. Consumers can expect more sorts of dishes such as noodles and pizza, said a statement from EasyTasty.
(Source: China Daily)
Food vending machines at schools: Idea ‘indigestible’
General Sources Sunday 5th May, 2013
The Ministry of Education is studying the possibility of replacing school canteens with vending machines, sparking outrage among educators who say the move may affect the health of schoolchildren. "The move is still under consideration; we will begin by piloting the project in a select number of schools in Riyadh," Mohammad Al-Dekhaini, spokesman of the ministry, told Arab News. "We have already contracted companies to provide this service to a small number of schools in the capital and we will gradually expand the project to encompass all schools in the Kingdom at a later stage.
Convenience For Sale: Interesting Vending Machines in Taiwan
Taipei is one of the most convenient cities in the world, and Taiwan as a whole also has the highest density of convenient stores over any other country. When in rush, we often go to vending machines nearby to get drinks or snacks. However, in this fast-paced living environment, there are also some convenient solutions for people who might be too busy to get a hot meal, makeup, or even fortune telling slips!
See the list of interesting vending machines we discovered recently in Taiwan:
1. Hot Bento Vending Machine
This is probably nothing new to you if you have been to Japan, but you can now purchase hot bentos for $48 NT each here at the Taipei Bus Station. All you have to do is put in the money and pick the bento you want, then you will get a hot meal within 40 seconds to three minutes. This is perfect for those who are in rush catching their next bus!
Photo via Bob Lai
2. Make-up/Cosmetics Vending Machine
“Easy Fashion Machine” was created by PayEasy, one of the biggest online stores for women in Taiwan. Located at the B1 of Q Square at Taipei Main Station, there are about 10-12 machines that sell all kinds of cosmetic products such as facial masks, toner, foundation, and more. And all of them are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week! Ladies, check these out the next time you’re in need of a beauty touch up.
Photo via PayEasy Facebook Page
3. Fortune Telling Vending Machine
We found the Fortune Telling Vending Machine at a teashop in Pingling (a 40 min drive outside of Taipei). You put in $10 NT and the machine will start to play some kind of Buddhist music, then the tiny goddess figurine in front of “the temple’’ will go inside the temple and grab a fortune slip for you. There is also a book attached to the machine where you can look up what your fortune slip means (in Chinese). Try your luck!
Have you tried any of these vending machines, or know of other interesting ones? Share with us in the comments!
Feature photo via Flickr: Annie Sia
