Sydney locals are racing to uncover the location of a bizarre new vending machine – one that doesn’t serve chips or soft drinks, but fried chicken.

On October 18, KFC will quietly drop the machine in a secret Sydney spot, rumoured to be somewhere near Chippendale’s Spice Alley.

Lucky fans who find it will score free boxes of the brand’s brand-new flavour, Sweet Tokyo Hot & Crispy.

The limited-edition chicken, available on menus nationwide from today, takes KFC’s classic Hot & Crispy and smothers it in a glossy teriyaki glaze before topping it with toasted sesame seeds.

The result is a sweet-and-savoury mash-up the chain says will transport Aussie tastebuds straight to Japan.

The flavour will stick around until November 3, with prices starting at $8.45 for a three-piece pack.

Those wanting a bigger feast can grab the Sweet Tokyo Box – which includes a Zinger burger, chips, potato and gravy, and a drink – or the Sweet Tokyo Fill Up, which pairs two pieces of the chicken with chips, potato and gravy, and a dinner roll.

But the vending machine won’t be easy to find.

On October 18, KFC will quietly drop the machine in a secret Sydney spot

KFC is turning it into a treasure hunt, releasing cryptic clues on social media that fans must crack to pinpoint its exact location.

The stunt taps into Australia’s long-running love affair with Japan.

From crowded sushi trains and late-night ramen bars to cherry blossom festivals every spring, Japanese food and culture have become one of the country’s biggest obsessions.

‘We know Australians already adore Japanese-inspired flavours,’ said Sally Spriggs, KFC’s Group Marketing Director.

‘This is our way of bringing a little taste of Tokyo to KFC.’