It's hot and it's fast. Nottingham's Mansfield Road is getting the very first vending machine in UK that dispenses hot instant noodles. The vending machine aptly goes by the name 'Hot Pot Shop'. It provides the hot water and fork 24/7. It targets the community in the area, specifically the students and those coming home from the nearby clubs and pubs in different states of drunkenness.
Flavors of chicken, mushroom and spicy curry are the usual favorites, reports The Mirror.
The 'Hot Pot Shop' was opened on August 3, and many have been excited to try it. Some say it beats having to line up in the long queues in sandwich shops. Some like the fact that it is fast, no need to wait. While others are excited to try it in their drunken state. 'It's a better alternative to kebabs or chips.' Not all, however, are big fans. One posted on social media, 'why would you want a pot noodle vending machine'? Meanwhile, some residents of Manchester and Yorkshire are excited to have the vending machine in their areas, too.
Vending machine foods have become widely accepted world-wide. It has developed from dispensing just sodas and chips, to dispensing sandwiches and more filling foods. In July this year, Shanghai opened its arms to freshly-cooked beef noodles, piping hot in two minutes. Owners and investors see a future of offering rice and drink options. In Japan, sushi and fried chicken are served.
Some of the craziest things can be acquired from vending machines. In Russia, anyone can get free subway tokens if he does 30 squats as part of a program to encourage exercise. In California, there is a machine that dispenses medical marijuana. In Berlin, you can buy gold bars, weighing 1 to 250 grams, from a vending machine.
