When they are young I feed mine once or twice a day with sinking pellets, my favourite is hikari cichlid pallets. When they are older I feed them several times a week.
I used to feed all of mine from tongs (long story) but yeah its not hard just be patient. If they dont take it rigjt away drop the food infront of them, eventually they'll take it feom the tongs. No quick mocements either bring the food to them nice and slow.
Tilapia or krill cut would be easiest to feed with tongs. If your gonna try pellets use a pvc pipe