The starchy comfort food varies in texture, sweetness and tomato flavour. Janice Leung toasts some of the best Crosse & Blackwell Baked Beans These beans are small and sit in a relatively thin sauce. While not too starchy, they are quite soft. They have a distinct smokiness akin to bacon or roast ham, which gives them a home-made flavour. However, they are lacking in tomato flavour. HK$10.90, Jusco, citywide Marks & Spencer Baked Beans The syrupy sweetness here seems to come from the sauce, of which there is plenty. Siphoning off some of it before spooning the beans onto toast is recommended if you don't want to be left with a soggy mess. A pinch of salt will also improve the flavour. HK$13, Marks & Spencer, citywide Heinz Baked Beans With a distinct but pleasant acidity, this brand stands out for its rich, tomato flavour. The beans are medium-sized and have a slightly tougher skin than the other varieties that makes for a textural contrast to the starchy interior. HK$13.90, Wellcome and ParknShop, citywide Ayam Baked Beans These are rather large and very starchy and have an almost sickly coconut-like sweetness. The liquid is thick and cloying, so the beans stick together in clumps. There is also a fishy aftertaste, making the whole experience rather unpleasant. HK$10.90, Wellcome and ParknShop, citywide Smedley Baked Beans The saltiest of those tasted, these are medium-sized and firm. They have a little acidity, but not enough to overcome that saltiness. A spoonful is probably enough for each piece of toast, disappointing for those who like to pile on their beans. HK$16.60, Wellcome and ParknShop, citywide
