BONJOUR MES AMIS: The Strangest Vending Machines in the World

The Strangest Vending Machines in the World

We see vending machines every day, they usually hold cold or hot beverages, snacks and even ice-cream, but around the world, vending machines vend other things as well, so I gathered up the oddest ones I could find. What do you think?

1. Fresh Live Lobsters - Remember that claw game you played as a kid? This vending machine used to be in Las Vegas in a restaurant (no closed), where you put $2 and try to catch a lobster - if you do, the restaurant would cook it for you, for free!(frugalfoodielasvegas.blogspot.com)

You'll Never Believe These Vending Machines do Exist!

2. Crack Pipes - I'm not sure how I feel about this, but it's actually produced by a non-profit organization in Canada that is working on reducing the spread of HIV amongst drug-users (due to makeshift pipes that can cut the users). (Source)

3. Bras - Yes, that's right, bras! Complete with a size-chart, these undergarments will set you back about $30. The machine is located in Tokyo, Japan, in the "Une Nana Cool" specialty shop in Shibuya. (Source)

4. Live Crabs - In China, you can get fresh, live crabs in your vending machine! They're kept in low temperatures so they're hibernating, and the company promises that if you get a dead one - you'll get 3 live ones as compensation. (geeky-gadgets.com)

5. Fresh Salad - Stocked daily at 10a.m., this machine is made of recycled wood and dispenses fresh, organic, premade salads. You'll find it in Chicago. (Source)

6. Swapping - The "Swap-O-Matic" let's you register with your email and start swapping all kinds of things. You get "credit" for anything you donate and in return, you can use it anytime to take out something else from the machine. Swap-O-Matics are currently available in New-York and work on the honor system. (Source)

7. Used Books - This lovely lady came up with the idea of the used books machine - the "Green Reads". For just $2 - you can buy a used book and are encouraged to donate one of your own. The proceeds go to fund literacy programs in Africa, so by reading - you'll also be helping others learn how to read! (Source)

8. Burritos - If you're in west Hollywood you might see this orange dispenser, which has 5 different kinds of burritos, for $3 each (oh, and you can get Tabasco, Sour Cream and Guacamole on the side!) (Source)

9. Art - Converted from an old cigarette vending machine, the Art-O-Mat now dispenses cigarette-box-sized pieces of art. There are around 100 of these machines all over the U.S.A. (Source)

10. Helmets - You have to keep your head safe! These were imported from Australia and placed all over Boston, to help out-of-towners keep safe if they want to use the much-popular Hubway (a bicycle sharing program). (Source)

11. Canned Bread - Available on the streets of Japan, simply pay $4 and choose from a variety of flavored bread. (jetsetta.com)

12. Fries - Freshly made fries in 2 minutes? Sounds amazing! And the price - about $2! Too bad they're only available in Australia... (delish.com)

13. Fresh Lettuce - This vending machine can grow 60 fresh heads of lettuce in a day! (treehugger.com)

14. Groceries - Whether you need eggs, milk, cheese or sausages, this German machine has it all! (finecooking.com)

15. Bananas - If you're stuck in Tokyo's Shibuya station and suddenly feel the need for some potassium then you're in luck! Look around and you'll find this banana vending machine! (tofugu.com)

16. Mashed Potatoes - In Singapore, $1 will get you a cup of mashed potatoes and gravy! Mmmmmm (huffingtonpost.com)

17. Legos - You can find this vending machine in one of the train stations in Munich, Germany, and it's perfect for keeping your kids busy during the train ride. (Source)

18. Cupcakes! - You can find these machines in Beverly Hills and Chicago, where a cupcake would cost you $4. (foodifyme.wordpress.com)

19. A Full-Menu Restaurant - Behind this wall of pre-packed goodies there is a live kitchen, in-charge of refilling it. If you want to try this type of instant gratification (and every dish is less than $10!) - you'll need to go to the Netherlands. (members.virtualtourist.com)

20. Kindle - Amazon rolled out these vending machines in various places around the United States. You can get a different kinds of Kindles, chargers, etc. (Source)

21. Baguettes - If you guessed France, you're right. You can now get a fresh baguette 24/7, as the loaves are half-baked and stored until bought, then they get fully baked quickly. Oh, and they cost $1.30. (guardian.co.uk)

22. Burgers - Think this is in the U.S.A.? Nope! It's actually in Moscow's international airport! (yellow-glasses.tumblr.com)

23. Fried Food - Back to Japan, but to Osaka this time, you'll be able to get different fried dishes, like chicken wings, fried sushi and squid-balls. (forrestbrown.com)

24. Draft Beer (!) - Yup, Japan got it right - though the price is $12 for a pint... (omglolol.com)

25. Pizza - It's 3am, you feel like a pizza and you happen to be in Italy? just pop $3 into this machine and in 3 minutes it will kneed the dough, put the sauce on it, add cheese and toppings and bake it for you. (nicklloyd.blogspot.com)

26. Ice Cream - Although no longer available, the Moo Bella offered up to 96 different combinations of ice cream scoops. (news.cnet.com)

27. Hot Dogs - Insert $2, get a grilled hot dog! This is the American dream! (delish.com)

28. Caviar - Ever felt like you just NEED some Beluga Caviar at 1 in the morning? If you happen to have $500 on you, and you're in Los Angeles, you're in luck! This machine also dispenses other expensive delicacies, like truffles & escargot. (eater.com)