What is Care Food?
Care Food refers to a dietary approach that involves utilising a variety of cooking and processing methods. These methods are employed to adjust the texture and firmness of food and the thickness of drinks, catering to individuals with varying degrees of swallowing and chewing difficulties. The primary objective is to provide individuals in need with a comfortable dining experience while retaining the authentic taste, aroma, and presentation of the food. This approach allows them to consume their meals with a sense of dignity.
For more information about dysphagia and Care Food, please visit the Care Food website.
About the Care Food Restaurant Scheme
The “Care Food Restaurant Scheme,” initiated by the Hong Kong Council of Social Service (HKCSS), aims to consolidate information on restaurants across Hong Kong that provide Care Food (dine-in and/or takeaway options).
The Scheme offers more dining choices for individuals with chewing and swallowing difficulties, enabling them to enjoy meals together with family and friends and share meaningful moments at the table.
To ensure food quality, all Care Food dishes provided by participating restaurants are assessed by speech therapists or tested by laboratories to confirm compliance with the International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative (IDDSI).
HKCSS hopes that through this Scheme, it can promote the development of a Care Food ecosystem, enhance awareness within the catering industry of the specific dietary needs of different groups, and capture opportunities arising from an ageing population. This will also support entry into the growing silver economy and foster the provision of more dysphagia-friendly meals within the community.
Benefits of Joining the Care Food Restaurant
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Participating restaurants will be listed in the “Care Food Restaurant Guide” and featured on the official Care Food website, increasing public awareness of the Care Food options they provide.
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HKCSS will promote the Scheme through multiple channels (such as websites and social media platforms), attracting individuals in need to dine at participating restaurants.
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By joining the Scheme, restaurants can expand their offerings to better serve individuals with chewing and swallowing difficulties, contribute to the wider adoption of Care Food, demonstrate corporate social responsibility, and strengthen their brand image.
Application Eligibility
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Must be a licensed Hong Kong restaurant
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Must provide Care Food options for dine-in and/or takeaway
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Each application is valid for one year
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During the one-year validity period, restaurants must provide at least three Care Food menu items. These may include main dishes, dim sum, soups, or desserts.
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There are no restrictions on ingredients or food types. Items can be freshly prepared or pre-packaged. However, diversity is required in terms of meal types, ingredients, and IDDSI levels to meet the varied needs of individuals with chewing and swallowing difficulties.
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All Care Food dishes must be assessed by a speech therapist or tested by a laboratory to ensure compliance with IDDSI standards. Assessment forms signed by speech therapists or laboratory reports are valid for two years.
Introduction
Submit the application form
HKCSS will notify the applicant of the assessment result
If approved, the restaurant will receive an application number and payment details
The restaurant submits payment by cheque
HKCSS confirms the approved dishes and lists them in the “Care Food Restaurant Guide” and Scheme directory
Restaurants interested in joining the Scheme should complete and submit the application form. Details are as follows:
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Assessment Process : HKCSS will notify the applicant by email within 14 working days upon receipt of the application form and required documents. If all documents are complete, the applicant will receive an application number and payment details. If additional documents or information are required, applicants should follow the instructions provided in the email. Before final approval, the HKCSS Care Food Team may conduct further review of dishes that have already been assessed by speech therapists or laboratories.
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Application Schedule : Commencing from the 2026–2027 cycle, Care Food Restaurant applications (including renewal and new applications) will be processed in March and September each year.
Applications submitted between 1 October and 1 March (of the following year) will be processed in March. Applications submitted between 1 April and 1 September will be processed in September.
Applications submitted after the above deadlines will be carried forward to the next application cycle. -
Fees : The application fee is HKD 1,500, covering up to 10 Care Food menu items. For more than 10 items, an additional fee of HKD 500 will be charged for every 5 items (or part thereof). Each Care Food dish may vary in type and ingredients, but diversity must be maintained in meal categories, ingredients, and IDDSI levels. Restaurants must submit payment by crossed cheque within 14 working days after receiving approval notification.
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Confirmation of Application : HKCSS will confirm the approved dishes and their corresponding identification numbers by email within 14 working days upon receipt of payment. Approved dishes will then be listed in the “Care Food Restaurant Guide” and Scheme directory.
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Important Notes : After joining the Scheme, restaurants must ensure that the same Care Food dishes provided across all branches are consistent in content and quality, and comply with the submitted assessment results. If any discrepancies or issues arise in preparation or service, the restaurant must inform HKCSS immediately, implement corrective measures, and complete a reassessment within two weeks. Relevant assessment forms and supporting documents must be submitted to HKCSS for review. The affected dishes will be temporarily removed from the Scheme until approval is regained. Failure to submit the required documents within two weeks will result in removal from the Scheme. Rejoining will require a new application.
Application Documents
Apply to become a Care Food Restaurant (Chinese version only):
Care Food Restaurant Map
The Care Food Restaurant Map features over 200 participating restaurants across Hong Kong, covering various dining brands. It allows individuals with chewing or swallowing difficulties and their families to easily locate nearby Care Food options when dining out, making shared meals more accessible and enjoyable. HKCSS aims to foster a dysphagia-friendly community environment, ensuring that everyone in need can safely enjoy meals that are both suitable and appealing.
Participating Restaurants
Post-Enrolment Information Update
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The validity period of the “Care Food Restaurant Scheme” is one year.
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Restaurants wishing to continue participation upon expiry must complete and submit the renewal application form (link). Details are as follows:
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Application Deadline : Restaurants must submit the renewal application at least 14 working days before the expiry date. Otherwise, they will be considered to have withdrawn from the Scheme. If they wish to rejoin in the future, a new application will be required.
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Assessment Process:
HKCSS will notify the applicant of the renewal result by email or fax (based on the contact information provided) within 14 working days upon receipt of the completed form and required documents. -
If all documents are in order, payment details will be provided. If additional documents are required, applicants should follow the instructions accordingly.
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Fees : The renewal fee is HKD 500. (Restaurants must send a crossed cheque for the renewal fee to the designated address within 14 working days after receiving the payment notification.)
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Confirmation : HKCSS will confirm the renewal and update the “Care Food Restaurant Guide” and Scheme directory within 14 working days upon receipt of the cheque.
Enquiries
The Hong Kong Council of Social Service —
Care Food Working Group
Email：goodlife@hkcss.org.hk
Tel：2876 2498 / 2876 2471