I think that while taste obviously has a physiological component, the judgement of how tasty it is is subjective and psychological.
I remember eating some pretzels in Krakow, and they come in a stick and a round variety. Not although that they are made with the same dough, the round one is tasted different. So I think how one bites into something, the physicality of it makes a difference. Same reason why rice tastes so much better in sushi, but if you were served a bowl of vinegary rice, it would be much harder to swallow.
So I do think that it feels different to be in physical contact with your food. Try eating Indian food with your hands, and with your fork; it’s a different experience. (or pizza too, for that matter)
Personally, I generally prefer playing with my food. I love hotpots, I love cooking (and “tasting” while cooking).. =)