Yung Kee comes of age with soft meals

Ayra Wang and Wallis Wang

Yung Kee, a renowned local restaurant with an 82-year storied history, has launched a new line of soft meals designed for individuals with chewing or swallowing difficulties.

This initiative allows them to enjoy the pleasure of dining alongside their families.

Established in 1942 and located in Central, Yung Kee is famous for its authentic Cantonese cuisine and charcoal-grilled delicacies that, over the years, made it a cherished gathering place for families.

However, many loyal customers are now facing age-related challenges in chewing and swallowing.

In response, the restaurant has developed a new range of "care food," or soft meals, to ensure these customers can continue to dine with their loved ones.

Yvonne Kam Kiu-yan, chief financial officer of Yung Kee, expressed pride in promoting Hong Kong's "soft meal culture."

She added: "Our goal is to provide delicious and dignified dining experiences for individuals with chewing and swallowing difficulties, particularly the elderly, allowing them to enjoy their golden years."

After more than six months of development, Yung Kee has crafted eight soft food dishes that comply with the International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative.

Highlights include a signature charcoal-roasted goose leg, which offers a pureed version of the classic roast while retaining the rich aroma of goose oil and meat.

Other offerings feature a steamed pork cake with water chestnut and salted egg, made from local fresh pork, as well as steamed shrimp and bamboo shoot dumplings that blend traditional flavors with a refreshing twist.

There is also a stir-fried dish of fresh milk and egg white with Australian scallops that provide a softer texture compared with regular scallops which is complemented by the creamy richness of fresh milk.

Yung Kee will officially launch its "care food" dishes on December 1, inviting customers to make reservations to experience these innovative meals during the holiday season, especially for the Winter Solstice and Chinese New Year celebrations.