GO Natural Food Guide x Hong Kong Adventist Hospital
The Dragon Boat Festival in Hong Kong is synonymous with zongzi (sticky rice dumplings), but for some—particularly the elderly and those with swallowing difficulties—this delicious tradition has been hard to enjoy.
In March, when a residential care home for the elderly in Pok Fu Lam contacted us, expressing the desire for their residents to joyfully celebrate the festival and rediscover the pleasure of eating rice dumplings, we immediately sprang into action!
Teaming Up for the Elderlies
Since we needed to design new food products according to the "International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative" (IDDSI), we reached out to the Dietetic and Foodservice Department of Hong Kong Adventist Hospital. Together, we set out to research new food products based on the following principles.
1. Keep it natural: Retain the original taste and nutrition of traditional dishes.
2. Minimally processed: Use ingredients that are easy on the wallet.
Soft Meal Sticky Rice Dumplings and Sweet Dumplings
After numerous brainstorming sessions and culinary experiments, we unveiled our new stars: soft meal sticky rice dumplings and sweet dumplings. These modified delights were designed to be both delicious and easy to swallow, ensuring everyone could partake in the festival fun.
Workshops that Work Wonders
In May, we hosted a series of lively, hands-on workshops. The care home’s chefs rolled up their sleeves and learned to whip up these special dumplings. The result? Residents at the care home can now enjoy the full festive experience without any worries.
In May, the Executive Chef from the Hong Kong Adventist Hospital was invited to the residential care home to conduct two workshops, demonstrating the preparation process to the home's chefs. The nutritionist also provided guidance on the dietary needs of the elderly, enabling the home to independently prepare festive soft meal foods in the future, allowing more elderly residents to enjoy the warmth of traditional delicacies during the holidays.
Menu Development Planning & Design to Promote Eating Natural
Promoting natural dining is the mission of GO Natural Food Guide. In collaboration with various organizations, we aim to provide natural and healthy menu development and design for restaurants, staff canteens, and residential care homes.
If you are interested, please feel free to inquire: info@GoNaturalMarketing.com
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