A quiet little craving for food (8)

I believe the answer is:

appetite

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'craving for food' is the definition.
'appetite' can be an answer for 'craving' (I've seen this in another clue). I am not sure about the 'for food' bit.

'a quiet little' is the wordplay.
'quiet' becomes 'p' (music symbol for 'piano', ie soft or quiet).
'little' becomes 'petite' (similar in meaning).
'a'+'p'+'petite'='APPETITE'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for appetite that I've seen before include "enthusiasm" , "desire to take courses" , "'Strong desire, craving (8)'" , "Keenness for food" , "demand" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish Independent and The Globe and Mail.

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