Care Food for Dignity
Hong Kong’s first free care food knowledge platform for care home staff, speech therapists, and caregivers.
Over 600,000 people in Hong Kong are affected by dysphagia. Among 805 licensed care homes, 30–40% of elderly residents require texture-modified diets. The IDDSI international standard provides 8 recognised levels for dysphagia diets.
Three Core Areas
Understanding Care Food
What is dysphagia? Which elderly residents need care food? How does the IDDSI international standard ensure dietary safety?
Recipe Library
Over 20 care food recipes categorised by IDDSI level, using common Hong Kong ingredients, free to read.
Resource Downloads
IDDSI quick guide, dangerous foods list, care home procurement checklist — all free.
IDDSI 8 Dietary Levels
| Level | Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Level 0 | Thin | Normal liquid — water, tea |
| Level 1 | Slightly Thick | Slightly thickened |
| Level 2 | Mildly Thick | Like cream soup |
| Level 3 | Moderately Thick | Like yoghurt |
| Level 4 | Puréed / Extremely Thick | Like steamed egg — no chewing needed |
| Level 5 | Minced & Moist | Soft small pieces — minimal chewing |
| Level 6 | Soft & Bite-Sized | Soft pieces — normal chewing required |
| Level 7EC | Easy to Chew | Near normal diet |
Latest Recipes
- Steamed Egg with Silken Tofu — Level 4 — 10 minutes
- Pumpkin Cream Purée — Level 4 — 20 minutes
- Steamed Fish with Broccoli Purée — Level 5 — 20 minutes
About softmeal.org
softmeal.org is an editorially independent, non-commercial knowledge hub with professional knowledge support from Hong Kong care food pioneer social enterprise SeniorDeli (康樂齡).
SeniorDeli is the Future Food Asia Champion, HKCSS-approved care food supplier, drafter of the GBA care food standard T/SATA 084-2025, and serves 300+ Hong Kong medical and elderly care institutions.