[Caution] A stimulating photo will appear in the article. Please be careful. In addition, please browse at your own risk.

I heard a rumor that an "insect food vending machine" was introduced in front of the " Rice & Circus Takadanobaba" restaurant in Takadanobaba, which I introduced earlier, and decided to go there.

3-4 minutes walk from JR Takadanobaba station. It seems that the shop is not open because I visited in the daytime, but there was a red vending machine that had never existed before. At first glance, it seems like a vending machine that sells sports drinks.



The lineup includes "Tagame (1,000 yen)", "Superworm (1,000 yen)", "Green tree ant (1,000 yen)", and "Roast cricket (800 yen)". Original goods such as "Rice and Circus Rare Ingredients Tenugui (1,000 yen)" were also sold at the right end of the upper row. * All prices include tax


This time, I decided to purchase "Silk worm (silk moth) (1,000 yen) 15g (0.53oz)" and "Roast cricket BBQ flavor (800 yen) 12g (0.42oz)".

Usage is the same as a normal vending machine. Put some money in and press the button and the insect snacks in the transparent case will fall cold. Snacks alone were too light, so there was a weight inside. The transparent case and weight must be returned to the collection box next to the vending machine.

■ I actually tried it

First, open the "Silk Worm". The only raw materials are "silk worm pupa" and "salt", and the finish is such that you can enjoy the taste of the ingredients.



When placed on a plate, a number of silk worms roll down with a dry sound. It's a bug, but it doesn't look like nuts because of its roundness (there are individual differences).


When I tried it, it had a crispy and light texture. It looks like a fragrant "Kappa Ebisen". The more you chew, the more the unique flavor spreads slowly. It's kind of earthy, it's kind of ugly ... If you compare it, is it a taste close to the "burnt part of the fish"? Bitterness remains in the mouth for a while after eating.


"Roast cricket" is a seasoned roast cricket. Granulated sugar, soft brown sugar, oyster sauce, fish sauce, coriander seeds, etc. are used to create a BBQ flavor.



I don't feel much insects, probably because my legs have come off. However, when I look closely, I remember that the legs were scattered and that they were insects.


When thrown into the mouth, it has a lighter texture than the crispy, crispy silk worm. Then, the spicy taste spreads softly. It's a pity that I can only feel the taste of BBQ, probably because of the strong seasoning, and I can't feel the original flavor of the insects. If you turn it over, it may be good for people who say "I'm new to insect food".


From the image that "this is a bug", the first bite may be confusing, but after eating a few, it gradually becomes less of a concern. It seems to go well with alcohol such as beer and sake.

"Insect food vending machine" of Takadanobaba "Rice and Circus" where you can easily enjoy "insect food" which is highly nutritious and is attracting worldwide attention. If you are interested in insect food, please give it a try.