The potato contains protein and minerals. With its near-to-zero fat and cholesterol content and abundance of energy-providing carbohydrates, it is considered a staple in many cuisines. Among the various cooking methods, baking and boiling are two of the most healthy ones.
The Li Wai Chun coffee shop in Chung Chi College offers baked potatoes with different fillings. Imported from the US, the potatoes are strong in flavour. They are washed and wrapped with aluminum foil, followed by baking in a 300°C oven for 90 minutes until the inner part is tender. Over 10 filling options are available, including roast chicken, baked beans, egg mayonnaise and sweet corn. Customers can pick one or more fillings from the menu. All potatoes are served with spring onion and bacon bits.
Each potato is selected by hand to make sure they are similar in size and suitable for the baking temperature. Although each potato weighs approximately 0.5 pound, the coffee shop manager says that the students seem to have good appetites and would usually order a baked potato in addition to a dish of spaghetti or rice au gratin.
Every day about 140 baked potatoes are on offer — all gone in no time. You often hear students wondering aloud at the cashier, 'Why are they sold out so fast?' Better go early if you want to have a taste.