Want more people to discover Shennong Street? A "dessert can vending machine" hidden in Tainan's old alleyways

▲ A "dessert can vending machine" has appeared on Tainan's Shennong Street. (Photo / fromDuke & Nut Workshop’s official Facebook page)

By reporter Tsai Wen-jun / Reporting

From coin-operated bubble tea machines to the nationwide craze for beverage and dessert vending machines, Tainan-based dessert brand—Duke & Nut Workshop—wanted to showcase the beauty of their hometown. With the concept of strolling and snacking, they launched a"dessert can vending machine", offering about 14 limited-edition flavors of desserts such as cheese and pudding daily. They hope this will attract travelers to Shennong Street, where they can enjoy the pleasure of sweets while admiring the ever-changing beauty of this century-old street day and night.

▲ Shennong Street boasts a unique old alleyway charm, especially enchanting at night. (Photo / from Duke & Nut Workshop’s official Facebook page)

"Tainan has many first-class historic sites, but actually, not many people know—even locals—that Shennong Street is also an ancient street among them," said Mr. Wu, owner of Duke & Nut Workshop. Tainan is already a popular tourist city,so to help more people see the beauty of Shennong Street, he came up with the concept of "strolling and snacking." The dessert can vending machine was set up on Shennong Street to invite more travelers to walk along its beautiful streetscapes while enjoying sweets and taking in the sights of the old alleys.

▲ Dessert cans from the vending machine are made in limited quantities daily, using fresh ingredients, with visible chunks of fruit in every flavor. (Photo / from Duke & Nut Workshop’s official Facebook page)

Mr. Wu said the dessert can vending machine offers around 14 fixed flavors daily, including baked pudding, various flavors of fresh milk cheese, and fruit-flavored syrups, with average prices ranging from 50 to 90 NTD. Limited-edition flavors, such as tiramisu and brown sugar tapioca milk cheese, are also occasionally introduced on weekends.

All desserts from the dessert can vending machine are made and sold daily using seasonal fresh fruits, local Taiwanese ingredients, and imported French dairy products. Mr. Wu also noted that depending on the day’s available ingredients, the quantity of each flavor varies and is produced in limited amounts, so once they’re sold out for the day, they’re gone.

▲ One of the desserts sold by the vending machine—mango fruit syrup. (Photo / from Duke & Nut Workshop’s official Facebook page)

Speaking of what else travelers might overlook on Shennong Street, Mr. Wu said the area features many old-style buildings, distinctly different from the more modern, often European-style constructions. Over time, these aged structures have retained the imprints of history. Under the glow of warm lighting, they exude a uniquely romantic charm.

In addition, Mr. Wu pointed out that Shennong Street holds a little secret known only to locals: "Motorcycles and bicycles are all parked on the right side." This arrangement ensures smooth passage for pedestrians along the street. He hopes more travelers will visit Tainan and take a stroll down Shennong Street to experience its distinctive ambiance and culture.

Daily restocking dates can be found on:Duke & Nut Workshop’s official Facebook page