Finger-licking yumminess
People from many cultures, especially in the Middle East and South Asia, eat with their hands. But some Western food, too, is designed for manual mealtimes. Some people say eating with your hands makes food taste better, because of the added tactile element. Think about how enjoyable this method of eating is: in Western eateries, you don't see many people cutting their quarter-pounders into small, ladylike bites; and people rip their barbecue pork buns absentmindedly as they yum cha.
Kaya toast
One of the most popular snacks in Malaysia and Singapore, Kaya toast was originally created by the Hainanese people. The multi-layered delicacy is made up of kaya (coconut jam), eggs, sugar and coconut milk.
Try: Toast Box
Shop B219-B220, B2, Times Square, Causeway Bay, 3571 9500
Shop 12, Level 4A, Langham Place, Mong Kok, 3514 4552
Cupcakes
If you know a big slice of cake will send you on a guilt trip, choose a cupcake - or even a mini cupcake - instead. Don't be afraid to lick your icing-covered fingers.
Try: Complete Deelite
2/F On Lan Centre, 11-15 On Lan Street, Central, 3167 7022
Make it yourself
Truffles are tiny finger-food treats, but so flavoursome, their size is irrelevant.
Oreo Truffles
Ingredients (makes 45):
230g soft cream cheese
470g Oreo cookies (around 40 cookies), finely crushed to fill 4 cups
2 bars milk chocolate
cinnamon or cocoa powder to decorate
Method:
1 Thoroughly blend the cream cheese with 3 cups of cookie crumbs (save 1 cup for decoration).
2 Mould the blended cream cheese and Oreo mixture into 45 balls (approximately 1 inch in size).
3 Melt the two milk chocolate bars. The easiest way is to put it in a microwavable container and heat for 30 seconds, then stir. Heat for 30-second intervals, stirring between each time, until smooth and runny.
4 Dip the truffles into the melted chocolate using a fork or toothpick, and place it on wax paper. Sprinkle truffles with the remaining cookie crumbs, cocoa or cinnamon.
5 Put the truffles into the fridge until firm. (Approximately 1 hour).
