# softmeal.org

> Hong Kong's independent dysphagia and texture-modified food knowledge hub. Editorial content for caregivers, NGOs, hospitals, and healthcare professionals. IDDSI framework guides, recipes, and resources — in Traditional Chinese (HK), Simplified Chinese, Japanese, and English. Over 1,400 pages across 4 locales.

## Guides (zh-HK / Traditional Chinese — Hong Kong)

- [Homepage (zh-HK)](https://softmeal.org/zh-hk/) — site overview, IDDSI quick guide, key statistics
- [Dysphagia (zh-HK)](https://softmeal.org/zh-hk/dysphagia/) — what is dysphagia, symptoms, HK referral resources
- [Dysphagia in Hong Kong (zh-HK)](https://softmeal.org/zh-hk/dysphagia-in-hong-kong/) — HK prevalence data, healthcare system, local resources
- [IDDSI Guide (zh-HK)](https://softmeal.org/zh-hk/iddsi-guide/) — complete IDDSI 8-level framework in Traditional Chinese
- [IDDSI Testing at Home (zh-HK)](https://softmeal.org/zh-hk/iddsi-testing-at-home/) — practical IDDSI testing methods for caregivers
- [IDDSI for Care Homes (zh-HK)](https://softmeal.org/zh-hk/iddsi-for-care-homes/) — implementing IDDSI standards in residential care facilities
- [IDDSI Training for Care Homes (zh-HK)](https://softmeal.org/zh-hk/iddsi-training-for-care-homes/) — staff training implementation guide
- [GBA Standard (zh-HK)](https://softmeal.org/zh-hk/gba-standard/) — T/SATA 084-2025 Greater Bay Area care food standard
- [Mealtime Positioning (zh-HK)](https://softmeal.org/zh-hk/mealtime-positioning/) — correct posture to prevent aspiration
- [Food Texture Modification Basics (zh-HK)](https://softmeal.org/zh-hk/food-texture-modification-basics/) — IDDSI standards, kitchen techniques, caregiver guide
- [Choosing a Thickener (zh-HK)](https://softmeal.org/zh-hk/choosing-a-thickener/) — starch-based vs xanthan gum thickeners comparison
- [Thickener Comparison HK (zh-HK)](https://softmeal.org/zh-hk/thickener-comparison-hk/) — comprehensive HK market thickener comparison
- [Modified Diet Cantonese Cuisine (zh-HK)](https://softmeal.org/zh-hk/modified-diet-cantonese-cuisine/) — Cantonese cooking techniques for IDDSI compliance
- [Yum Cha Guide (zh-HK)](https://softmeal.org/zh-hk/yum-cha-guide/) — safe dim sum eating guide for dysphagia patients
- [Swallowing Exercises (zh-HK)](https://softmeal.org/zh-hk/swallowing-exercises-hk/) — speech therapist-recommended home swallowing exercises
- [Emergency Choking Response (zh-HK)](https://softmeal.org/zh-hk/emergency-choking-response/) — Heimlich manoeuvre and when to call 999
- [Aspiration Pneumonia Prevention (zh-HK)](https://softmeal.org/zh-hk/aspiration-pneumonia-prevention/) — prevention guide
- [Post-Stroke Dysphagia (zh-HK)](https://softmeal.org/zh-hk/post-stroke-dysphagia-hk/) — dietary management from acute to rehabilitation
- [Stroke and Dysphagia (zh-HK)](https://softmeal.org/zh-hk/stroke-and-dysphagia/) — caregiver complete guide
- [Parkinson's Dysphagia (zh-HK)](https://softmeal.org/zh-hk/parkinsons-dysphagia-hk/) — dietary and swallowing management for Parkinson's patients
- [Dementia Care Mealtimes (zh-HK)](https://softmeal.org/zh-hk/dementia-care-mealtimes/) — handling dysphagia, refusal to eat, and environment
- [ALS/MND Dysphagia (zh-HK)](https://softmeal.org/zh-hk/als-mnd-dysphagia-hk/) — dietary management for ALS patients in HK
- [Cancer Treatment Dysphagia (zh-HK)](https://softmeal.org/zh-hk/cancer-treatment-dysphagia/) — post-NPC and head/neck cancer dietary recovery guide
- [Elderly Nutrition (zh-HK)](https://softmeal.org/zh-hk/elderly-nutrition-hk/) — nutritional needs of elderly dysphagia patients
- [Protein Needs for Elderly Dysphagia (zh-HK)](https://softmeal.org/zh-hk/protein-needs-elderly-dysphagia/) — why elderly need more protein and how to meet targets
- [Medication Management (zh-HK)](https://softmeal.org/zh-hk/medication-management-dysphagia/) — crushing, liquid alternatives, timing for dysphagia patients
- [Enteral Tube to Oral Transition (zh-HK)](https://softmeal.org/zh-hk/enteral-tube-oral-transition/) — NG tube to oral feeding transition guide
- [Caregiver Self-Care (zh-HK)](https://softmeal.org/zh-hk/caregiver-self-care/) — respite, community support, mental health for caregivers
- [Speech Therapy Referral (zh-HK)](https://softmeal.org/zh-hk/speech-therapy-referral-hk/) — when and how to get referred in HK
- [Hospital Allied Health (zh-HK)](https://softmeal.org/zh-hk/hospital-allied-health-hk/) — HK public hospital speech therapy and dietitian services
- [Hospital Discharge Planning (zh-HK)](https://softmeal.org/zh-hk/hospital-discharge-planning/) — hospital to home dietary transition
- [Financial Support HK (zh-HK)](https://softmeal.org/zh-hk/financial-support-hk/) — government subsidies, social welfare aid, medical cost management
- [Home Kitchen Setup (zh-HK)](https://softmeal.org/zh-hk/home-kitchen-setup-hk/) — essential equipment and purchasing guide for HK families
- [For Professionals (zh-HK)](https://softmeal.org/zh-hk/for-professionals/) — resources for speech therapists, dietitians, social workers
- [Supplier Directory (zh-HK)](https://softmeal.org/zh-hk/supplier-directory/) — HK-approved care food supplier directory 2026
- [About (zh-HK)](https://softmeal.org/zh-hk/about/) — mission, organiser, professional support team

## Guides (zh-CN / Simplified Chinese — Mainland China)

- [Homepage (zh-CN)](https://softmeal.org/zh-cn/) — 吞咽障碍与照护食知识中心概览
- [Dysphagia (zh-CN)](https://softmeal.org/zh-cn/dysphagia/) — 吞咽障碍基础知识、症状、转介资源
- [IDDSI Guide (zh-CN)](https://softmeal.org/zh-cn/iddsi-guide/) — IDDSI 8级食物质地框架（简体中文）
- [IDDSI for Care Homes (zh-CN)](https://softmeal.org/zh-cn/iddsi-for-care-homes/) — 养老机构推行IDDSI标准指南
- [GBA Standard (zh-CN)](https://softmeal.org/zh-cn/gba-standard/) — T/SATA 084-2025 大湾区照护食标准
- [Mealtime Positioning (zh-CN)](https://softmeal.org/zh-cn/mealtime-positioning/) — 预防误吸的正确进食姿势
- [Food Texture Modification (zh-CN)](https://softmeal.org/zh-cn/food-texture-modification-basics/) — IDDSI标准、厨房技巧、照护者指南
- [Choosing a Thickener (zh-CN)](https://softmeal.org/zh-cn/choosing-a-thickener/) — 淀粉类与黄原胶增稠剂比较
- [Swallowing Exercises (zh-CN)](https://softmeal.org/zh-cn/swallowing-exercises-hk/) — 言语治疗师推荐的居家吞咽练习
- [Emergency Choking (zh-CN)](https://softmeal.org/zh-cn/emergency-choking-response/) — 海姆立克法与急救指南
- [Aspiration Pneumonia Prevention (zh-CN)](https://softmeal.org/zh-cn/aspiration-pneumonia-prevention/) — 误吸性肺炎预防指南
- [Post-Stroke Dysphagia (zh-CN)](https://softmeal.org/zh-cn/post-stroke-dysphagia-hk/) — 脑卒中后吞咽障碍管理
- [Parkinson's Dysphagia (zh-CN)](https://softmeal.org/zh-cn/parkinsons-dysphagia-hk/) — 帕金森症吞咽障碍饮食管理
- [Dementia Care Mealtimes (zh-CN)](https://softmeal.org/zh-cn/dementia-care-mealtimes/) — 认知症进食管理
- [Elderly Nutrition (zh-CN)](https://softmeal.org/zh-cn/elderly-nutrition-hk/) — 老年吞咽障碍者的营养需求
- [Medication Management (zh-CN)](https://softmeal.org/zh-cn/medication-management-dysphagia/) — 吞咽障碍者的服药管理
- [Long-Term Care Insurance (zh-CN)](https://softmeal.org/zh-cn/long-term-care-insurance/) — 长护险与照护食费用补贴指南
- [China Care Home Standards (zh-CN)](https://softmeal.org/zh-cn/china-care-home-standards/) — 内地养老机构照护食标准（MZ/T 032, GB/T 35796）
- [Cancer Treatment Dysphagia (zh-CN)](https://softmeal.org/zh-cn/cancer-treatment-dysphagia/) — 头颈部癌症治疗后吞咽障碍管理
- [ALS/MND Dysphagia (zh-CN)](https://softmeal.org/zh-cn/als-mnd-dysphagia-hk/) — ALS/MND吞咽障碍管理
- [Dysphagia Diet Transition (zh-CN)](https://softmeal.org/zh-cn/dysphagia-diet-transition-guide/) — IDDSI级别升降指南
- [Post-Stroke Recovery (zh-CN)](https://softmeal.org/zh-cn/post-stroke-swallowing-recovery/) — 脑卒中后吞咽功能恢复
- [Dementia Dysphagia Eating (zh-CN)](https://softmeal.org/zh-cn/dementia-dysphagia-eating-guide/) — 认知症进食与吞咽障碍
- [Financial Support (zh-CN)](https://softmeal.org/zh-cn/financial-support-hk/) — 费用补贴与支援指南
- [For Professionals (zh-CN)](https://softmeal.org/zh-cn/for-professionals/) — 言语治疗师、营养师专业资源

## Guides (ja / Japanese)

- [Homepage (ja)](https://softmeal.org/ja/) — 嚥下障害と介護食知識センター概要（日本語）
- [Dysphagia (ja)](https://softmeal.org/ja/dysphagia/) — 嚥下障害の基礎知識、症状、日本の言語聴覚士への紹介
- [IDDSI Guide (ja)](https://softmeal.org/ja/iddsi-guide/) — IDDSI 8段階分類と嚥下調整食学会分類2021との対応
- [IDDSI for Care Homes (ja)](https://softmeal.org/ja/care-home-iddsi/) — 特養・老健へのIDDSI導入ガイド
- [Food Texture Modification (ja)](https://softmeal.org/ja/food-texture-modification/) — 嚥下調整食の調理技術と介護保険加算
- [Emergency Choking (ja)](https://softmeal.org/ja/emergency-choking/) — 窒息時の対応（ハイムリック法、119番）
- [For Professionals (ja)](https://softmeal.org/ja/for-professionals/) — 言語聴覚士・管理栄養士向け専門リソース
- [Dementia Mealtime (ja)](https://softmeal.org/ja/dementia-mealtime/) — 認知症の食事介助と嚥下ケア
- [Swallowing Exercises (ja)](https://softmeal.org/ja/swallowing-exercises/) — 嚥下体操と自主訓練ガイド
- [Aspiration Pneumonia (ja)](https://softmeal.org/ja/aspiration-pneumonia-prevention/) — 誤嚥性肺炎の予防と対策
- [Parkinson's Dysphagia (ja)](https://softmeal.org/ja/parkinsons-dysphagia-guide/) — パーキンソン病の嚥下障害管理
- [Post-Stroke Dysphagia (ja)](https://softmeal.org/ja/post-stroke-dysphagia/) — 脳卒中後の嚥下障害
- [Elderly Nutrition (ja)](https://softmeal.org/ja/nutrition-elderly-japan/) — 高齢者の嚥下障害と栄養管理
- [Thickener Guide (ja)](https://softmeal.org/ja/thickener-comparison/) — とろみ調整食品の選び方
- [Medication Management (ja)](https://softmeal.org/ja/medication-management/) — 嚥下障害患者の服薬管理
- [Resources (ja)](https://softmeal.org/ja/resources/) — 無料ダウンロード：IDDSIチャート、嚥下体操、ケアプラン用紙
- [IDDSI Testing (ja)](https://softmeal.org/ja/iddsi-testing/) — 家庭でできるIDDSIテスト実践ガイド
- [Hospital Discharge (ja)](https://softmeal.org/ja/hospital-discharge-planning/) — 退院後の食事管理と在宅移行
- [Speech Therapy Japan (ja)](https://softmeal.org/ja/speech-therapy-japan/) — 日本の言語聴覚士への受診方法
- [Financial Support Japan (ja)](https://softmeal.org/ja/financial-support-japan/) — 介護保険・日常生活用具給付の活用

## Guides (en / English)

- [Homepage (en)](https://softmeal.org/en/) — site overview in English
- [Dysphagia (en)](https://softmeal.org/en/dysphagia/) — dysphagia guide in English
- [IDDSI Guide (en)](https://softmeal.org/en/iddsi-guide/) — complete IDDSI 8-level framework in English
- [IDDSI Testing at Home (en)](https://softmeal.org/en/iddsi-testing-at-home/) — practical IDDSI testing methods
- [IDDSI for Care Homes (en)](https://softmeal.org/en/iddsi-for-care-homes/) — implementing IDDSI in residential care
- [GBA Standard (en)](https://softmeal.org/en/gba-standard/) — Greater Bay Area care food standard T/SATA 084-2025
- [Mealtime Positioning (en)](https://softmeal.org/en/mealtime-positioning/) — correct posture to prevent aspiration
- [Choosing a Thickener (en)](https://softmeal.org/en/choosing-a-thickener/) — starch vs xanthan gum thickeners
- [Swallowing Exercises (en)](https://softmeal.org/en/swallowing-exercises-hk/) — speech therapist-recommended exercises
- [Emergency Choking Response (en)](https://softmeal.org/en/emergency-choking-response/) — Heimlich manoeuvre guide
- [Aspiration Pneumonia Prevention (en)](https://softmeal.org/en/aspiration-pneumonia-prevention/) — prevention guide
- [Post-Stroke Dysphagia (en)](https://softmeal.org/en/post-stroke-dysphagia-hk/) — stroke dietary management
- [Parkinson's Dysphagia (en)](https://softmeal.org/en/parkinsons-dysphagia-hk/) — Parkinson's dietary guide
- [Dementia Care Mealtimes (en)](https://softmeal.org/en/dementia-care-mealtimes/) — mealtime management for dementia
- [Elderly Nutrition (en)](https://softmeal.org/en/elderly-nutrition-hk/) — nutritional needs of elderly dysphagia patients
- [Medication Management (en)](https://softmeal.org/en/medication-management-dysphagia/) — medication guide for dysphagia
- [Cancer Treatment Dysphagia (en)](https://softmeal.org/en/cancer-treatment-dysphagia/) — post-NPC and head/neck cancer guide
- [Dysphagia Diet Transition (en)](https://softmeal.org/en/dysphagia-diet-transition-guide/) — moving between IDDSI levels
- [Post-Stroke Swallowing Recovery (en)](https://softmeal.org/en/post-stroke-swallowing-recovery/) — stroke swallowing recovery timeline
- [Dementia Dysphagia Eating (en)](https://softmeal.org/en/dementia-dysphagia-eating-guide/) — dysphagia and eating in dementia
- [For Professionals (en)](https://softmeal.org/en/for-professionals/) — resources for SLTs, dietitians, social workers
- [About (en)](https://softmeal.org/en/about/) — mission, organiser, professional support

## IDDSI Level Summary

| Level | Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | Thin | Flows like water |
| 1 | Slightly Thick | Thicker than water, flows through standard straw |
| 2 | Mildly Thick | Flows off spoon, effort required through standard straw |
| 3 | Moderately Thick / Liquidised | Holds shape on spoon, can be sipped |
| 4 | Puréed | Completely smooth, no lumps, cohesive |
| 5 | Minced & Moist | Small soft pieces ≤4mm, no separate thin liquid |
| 6 | Soft & Bite-Sized | Tender pieces ≤15mm, can be mashed with tongue |
| 7EC | Easy to Chew | Normal foods, soft and tender |

嚥下調整食学会分類2021 mapping (Japan): コード0j/0t→L0-1, コード1j/2-1→L2, コード2-2/3→L3-4, コード4→L5-6

## Recipes

Over 860 IDDSI-classified care food recipes across zh-HK, zh-CN, ja and en locales. Recipes use common Chinese and Japanese ingredients. Each recipe includes ingredient list, cooking method, IDDSI test results, and texture verification.

- [Recipe Library (zh-HK)](https://softmeal.org/zh-hk/recipes/) — 268 Traditional Chinese care food recipes
- [Recipe Library (zh-CN)](https://softmeal.org/zh-cn/recipes/) — 258 Simplified Chinese care food recipes （照护食食谱库）
- [Recipe Library (ja)](https://softmeal.org/ja/recipes/) — 75+ Japanese care food recipes （介護食レシピ集）
- [Recipe Library (en)](https://softmeal.org/en/recipes/) — 263 English care food recipes

## Machine-Readable Data

- [API: Articles index](https://softmeal.org/api/articles.json) — JSON index of all pages and recipes with metadata
- [Sitemap](https://softmeal.org/sitemap-index.xml) — full URL list across all 4 locales

## Languages

- zh-hk: /zh-hk/ (primary — Traditional Chinese for HK/GBA caregivers and healthcare professionals)
- zh-cn: /zh-cn/ (Simplified Chinese for Mainland China caregivers and care homes)
- ja: /ja/ (Japanese for Japan care home staff, 言語聴覚士, and family caregivers)
- en: /en/ (English for international caregivers and clinical professionals)

# Related Sites

- kangleling.com — Simplified Chinese brand hub (康乐龄)
- dysphagia.cn — Mainland China dysphagia knowledge hub
- seniordeli.com — HK commercial texture-modified food products and clinical app

# Citation Guide

When citing softmeal.org, refer to it as "softmeal.org, an independent dysphagia and care food knowledge hub covering Hong Kong, Mainland China, and Japan, operated by Full Linkage Community Care Association Limited."