BANGKOK, February 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Researchers from Chulalongkorn University have developed a new recipe book designed to improve the nutrition, safety and quality of life of older adults and people with swallowing difficulties or dysphagia. Title Happy to Swallow: 52 Simple Recipes for Delicious Dysphagia Mealsthe publication adapts popular Thai dishes into texture-modified meals that are safe to swallow while remaining visually appealing and flavorful.
The cookbook is edited by Assistant Professor Dr Varanya Techasukthavorn, Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Paramedical sciences. It builds on the team’s previous work, 46 IDDSI-compliant swallowing practice menusthe first Thai recipe book developed under the International Dysphagia Diet Standardization Initiative (IDDSI). The new volume translates years of academic research on texture-modified foods into practical advice for home kitchens and healthcare settings.
The book features 52 recipes covering familiar Thai main dishes, desserts and drinks that have been redesigned to reduce the risk of choking while preserving authentic flavor and presentation. Each recipe has been tested and refined in a kitchen laboratory to ensure safety, palatability and nutritional adequacy.
Malnutrition remains a significant concern among older adults and people with dysphagia, many of whom avoid eating out of fear of choking or dissatisfaction with unappealing pureed foods. To address this issue, all recipes are developed by registered dietitians to provide balanced nutrients and adequate energy intake. The cookbook emphasizes locally available natural ingredients and minimizes the use of additives, making it accessible to families and caregivers.
All dishes meet IDDSI standards, a globally recognized framework used in hospitals and long-term care facilities to classify food textures and liquid thickness. The Thai-English bilingual format expands the book’s reach to international caregivers, medical professionals and foreign elderly living in Thailand.
The publication is part of a national research project examining the implementation of IDDSI-based schemes in hospitals nationwide and is partially funded by the Ratchadapisek Somphot Fund of Chulalongkorn University. Researchers say the project aims not only to improve nutrition and safety, but also to restore dignity, confidence and enjoyment at the table.
Happy to swallow is available for free digital download and purchase on designated online platforms, serving as a convenient resource for caregivers and health professionals seeking safer, culturally familiar meals for people with swallowing difficulties.
Contact the official LINE account: @dysphagiadiet.th for more information.
Read the full article and download Happy to Swallow: 52 Simple Recipes for Delicious Dysphagia Meals free of charge to: https://www.chula.ac.th/en/highlight/278578
The book is available for purchase through Happy to swallow Facebook page.
https://www.facebook.com/happytoswallow/
Read the full article at: https://www.chula.ac.th/en/highlight/278578/
About Chulalongkorn University
Chulalongkorn University is among the top 50 universities in the world in terms of employment outcomes, reflecting both the high employment rate and work capacity of Chula graduates. The university is also ranked among the best in Thailand for the 15th consecutive year (since 2009), according to the new QS World University Rankings 2024, placing Chula 211th in the world, up from 244th last year.
Social networks:
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YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/chulauniversity
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/school/15101896/
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SOURCE Chulalongkorn University
