Having reunion dinner with family members during Chinese New Year has a symbolic meaning for most of the elderly. But it is not easy to arrange a feast under the social distancing measures during the pandemic. In light of the situation, the Association’s Cheng Pon Hing Care and Attention Home for the Elderly decided to serve a special “abalone meal” for the elders to celebrate the joy of the traditional festival.

It is not a normal practice to prepare luxury meals for the residents. However, during the unusual Chinese New Year, we decided to make good use of the cash vouchers given by PARKnSHOP to redeem canned abalones and top shell slices, and prepare traditional dishes for the elders.

80 elders were served with the great abalone feast. Meanwhile, for the 29 elders who were suffering from chewing problems, a special abalone-favoured minced and pureed diet meal was prepared, steamed minced chicken moulded into “abalones”, decorated with a blowtorch and seasoned with real abalone sauce. 

It took almost 4 hours to cook up this great meal, which won praise by both the elders and staff. The chef were happy to see those who had not been eager to eat being attracted by the “abalone” and taking the initiative to finish the meal.