Honolulu Star-Advertiser

Wednesday, December 4, 2024 79° Today's Paper


News

Vending machine offers frozen ramen, dumplings from well-known restaurants

JAPAN NEWS-YOMIURI 
                                A vending machine dispenses restaurant-quality ramen and gyoza at a Tokyo subway station.

JAPAN NEWS-YOMIURI

A vending machine dispenses restaurant-quality ramen and gyoza at a Tokyo subway station.

TOKYO >> Japan’s Tokyo Metro Co. installed a vending machine in a subway station in December that sells frozen ramen and gyoza from famous restaurants. Restaurant business in the commercial areas within train stations, called eki­naka, has been sluggish due to the pandemic, and the vending machine is intended to draw new demand.

The machine at Iidabashi Station offers ramen from three restaurants and gyoza from a fourth. Ramen runs from about $8.65 to $9.50, and dumplings cost just under $7.

Ippudo’s ramen pack, for example, contains noodles, broth and chashu pork. A set of cold storage bags and ice packs can be purchased for about $1.75.

While traditional frozen vending machines were designed to dispense products of a fixed shape, such as ice cream, newer designs can manage a variety of packaging, and the machines are being installed in more locations across Japan.

“There is a lot of demand for purchases that are not face-to-face, and we want to increase sales,” said a Tokyo Metro official.

By participating in online discussions you acknowledge that you have agreed to the Terms of Service. An insightful discussion of ideas and viewpoints is encouraged, but comments must be civil and in good taste, with no personal attacks. If your comments are inappropriate, you may be banned from posting. Report comments if you believe they do not follow our guidelines. Having trouble with comments? Learn more here.