On the shelf

I should learn to be wary of too much self-praise on packages. Michael Season's "thin and crispy" potato chips are, according to the makers, "natural gourmet" food and "feel good snacking". Whether or not they're "30 per cent less fat, reduced fat and non-trans fat" depends entirely on what other chips they're being compared to. What matters to me is the taste. I thought they had an odd, sweet flavour (perhaps from the evaporated cane juice), while another crisp lover said they thought they tasted artificial. They sell for HK$25 for a 226-gram pack at City'super (Times Square, Causeway Bay, tel: 2506 2888).

The Fiorentini Alimentari Italian tomato purée is a good deal for an organic product. At HK$30.60 for a 690-gram glass jar, it's not priced so high that you're tempted to sacrifice the (alleged) health benefits of organic for reasons of economy. Fortunately, it also tastes good. It's made entirely of tomatoes - without any flavourings or additives - and is sold at Great Food Hall (Pacific Place, Admiralty, tel: 2918 9986).

I've eaten kaya jam - a delicious, rich spread made of coconut and sugar - but I'd never tried durian kaya. The Homei brand, which is made in Malaysia, is just as rich and tasty as the original, with a good, strong dose of the pungent fruit added. It's available at Great for HK$13 for a 220-gram jar.