When the New York Times compared the stateside popularity of the cupcake with the seduction of the Hello Kitty knapsack in a 2003 style feature, it wasn’t hard to predict the trajectory of cupcake popularity in Hong Kong. The theory, in case you’re interested, goes something like this: we miss our childhood, and cupcakes and Hello Kitty remind us of our childhood. Ergo, what once pandered to the campy taste of kids is also easily marketable to the evermore refined predilections (and ever-enlarging wallets) of adults, for whom it’s fashionable to fill not only the hole in their faces, but the nostalgic gap in their hearts.

And the willingness of Hongkongers to shill out more than $25 for a bite-sized confection – or, on the baker’s end, to wager the success of his enterprise on the existence of such customers – probably also has something to do with our notorious dispositions toward pragmatism, efficiency and speed. After all, the cupcake did kick off in 19th century America as a way to maximize the surface area of a cake in order to reduce baking time; and its other name, the 1-2-3-4 cake, streamlined the simple recipe into a simpler mnemonic: one cup butter, two cups sugar, three cups flour and four eggs. Regardless of the numbers and logistics behind the baking, cupcakes are just plain portable – as the NYT points out, they can be eaten on the street like a hot dog (or stick food, if you prefer). We scouted the SAR and found the best cupcakes around.

If you find yourself in Lan Kwai Fong craving a sweet treat, visit Complete Deelite (6/F California Entertainment Building, 34-36 D’Aguilar Street, Lan Kwai Fong, 3167 7022). It is primarily a supply outlet for cupcake paraphernalia and party goods but also has an assortment of freshly baked cupcakes for sale daily. Everyday flavours include Classic Vanilla, Classic Chocolate and Rainbow Bright ($16). Pre-order specialty flavours are Red Velvet, Mocha Java, Choco-Velvet and Strawberry Fields ($20) and these need to be ordered 2 days in advance. New flavours will also be coming in the autumn – mint chocolate chip and “stuffed” cupcakes filled with strawberries and cream, coconut cream or chocolate cream. Cupcakes ordered in bulk are more cost friendly than individual cupcakes. The shop also throws party events and baking courses where children and adults can make and decorate their own cupcakes. Visit www.completedeelite.com for more information.

Babycakes (Suite 1114, 11/F, Horizon Plaza, 2 Lee Wing Street, Ap Lei Chau, 3158 8716) stays true to its slogan – 'cuter than pie', with its beautifully decorated cupcakes and mini cupcakes. It advertises itself as Hong Kong's first and only cupcake bakery and caters for parties, weddings, holidays and corporate events. It also hosts birthday parties where party goers can decorate their own cupcakes. Flavours include Chunky Monkey (banana cake with Callebaut chocolate chunks, Belgian chocolate and banana buttercream) , Bwee Hey (chocolate and coconut), Heaven (vanilla cake with Belgian chocolate buttercream), Princess Aria (strawberry cake with strawberry buttercream and pink sprinkles), Lemonita (lemon cake with lemony yellow buttercream). Regular cupcakes cost $25 while mini cupcakes cost $12. Also, Babycakes cupcakes are nut and trans-fat free.

Les PETiTS (Shop 2004, Elements, Kowloon, 2882 7477) by Deschamps offers intrinsically decorated cupcakes which are displayed beautifully in glass cases. The shop is all about appearance and packaging. They offer several creative flavours, including bloody orange, lemon meringue, lychee, dark chocolate truffle, white peach. The icing is by far the best part of the cupcake, if you're a fan of sugary sweetness, Les Petits is for you. The cupcakes are $23 for one.

Coco (G/F, The Mira, 118-130 Nathan Road, TST, 2315 5566) is located in the lobby of The Mira (the newly renamed and beautifully remoddelled Miramar) hotel and serves coffee and chocolate. amongst its selection of mouth watering chocolate items is a range of beautiful and tasty cupcakes. So gorgeous are the designs that its seems rude to eat them. But they taste as good as they look and simply melt on the tongue. Prices start from $32.