The invention relates to a food processing machine for processing food products, particularly seafood or vegetables for producing tempura, comprising: a dipping bath (7) containing a liquid or semi-liquid food material, particularly a batter; and a conveyor arrangement (6) for conveying said food products through said dipping bath (7), so that said food products are coated with said food material in said dipping bath (7). The invention is characterized in that said conveyor arrangement (6) comprises a round belt conveyor (27, 28) instead of a conventional wire belt conveyor. Further, the invention relates to a corresponding method of operation.