Six smart vending machines along the Wan Chai harbourfront are now in operation, selling grab-and-go snacks and beverages.

Following a soft launch on Wednesday, people can order ice cream, popcorn, candyfloss and drinks from the self-service, unattended machines between 7am and 11pm.

Authorities are hoping to provide such services round-the-clock in future, but did not offer a timetable.

“During the soft launch period, we will monitor the visitor flow and see if there is anything that we can do better elsewhere along the harbour," said the Development Bureau's senior engineer, Phoebe Wu.

Brendan, 6, was among the first to try the machines and told RTHK: "I just got ice cream and popcorn... I think they need like 100 kinds of flavours."

A tourist surnamed Bleazard said the prices for food and beverages, which are between HK$18 and HK$35, were reasonable.

"The vending machine is good because you don't have to talk to anyone. You just choose what you want and you pay and you go,” he said. "Otherwise, you have to wait for the person, and hope they're open."

The kiosks are part of an initiative announced in this year's budget to introduce food and beverages, retail and entertainment services on a pilot basis at “suitable harbourfront locations”.

The administration is hoping to introduce similar facilities along the promenade in East Kowloon by the end of the year.