Margarita Pizza @ The Pizza Vending Machine, Hiroshima

 

This is probably the most effort that I have ever put in getting something to eat and posting on the blog. And yes, the title says it all, I have found the legendary pizza vending machine.

I first saw this in a few news websites specialising in Japanese news. At the time, I felt like it was some gimmick machine. The reviews say they were decent and that the pizza was top notch. However, I really took interest after watching a video from Abroad in Japan (click here), which really caught my attention. As such, it became my main mission during my trip to Hiroshima to track down this vending machine. 

Alas!

And after spending an entire afternoon walking around in an attempt in finding this machine, I located it a parking area of a suburban apartment block. You have no idea how I felt once I found this damn thing. The sense of achievement was off the roof! 

107 seconds more! The machine provides a countdown with regard to your meal. Neat!

The machine only provides only 2 types of pizza which was margarita and four cheeses, that stood at 980 yen and 1290 yen respectively. Definitely not the cheapest vending machine food that is for sure. But since I am already here, it would be a waste to back down now right?  

Kachiiing!

Once you selected your pizza, you slot in the cash for your order. The machine will the rev up and slowly cook the pizza. After 5 minutes it will come out at the bottom serving area placed snuggly over a metal tray and a pizza box tucked under it. 

Not a bad view honestly. 

With the pizza done, how are you supposed to eat it? Fortunately there is a drawer that has pizza cutters and plastic bags and serviettes for your to help in your gastronomical adventure. Lucky for me, there was a park nearby too that allowed me some al fresco dining. 

Look at that beauty

So how did it taste? Pretty damn good! I was absolutely blown away as how fresh and tasty this was! The crust was fluffy. The sauce was tangy and slightly sweet. The cheese was top quality stuff. And the basil leaves tasted fresh. And the best part of all, it was hot! 

Close up to my first slice. The pizza cutter is at the yonder

But then this sense of amazement is strongly biased as it was tempered because of where it was from. This is comparable to a restaurant quality pizza. However, it is possible to get a good pizza in a sit down restaurant restaurant at half price. In fact, there was an Italian joint just adjacent to the machine that sold a margarita for 690 yen. 

Another angle. 

Still, this was one eating experience that I enjoyed and the novelty might wear on me soon. But then again, where else can you get freshly cooked food at 2am in the morning? So if you somehow want to make the trip to this vending machine, then the location is as follows:

〒730-0037 Hiroshima, Naka Ward, Nakamachi 1丁目 27-401, 

Ps: I cannot believe that I am now reviewing vending machines! Oh the depths I have fallen to.