The renowned charitable foundation, Dialogue in the Dark (DITD), recently teamed up with the Eaton HK hotel to offer a unique dining experience – a silent yum cha session. Joey Lee, the head of corporate business development at DITD, invites us to step into the shoes of the hearing-impaired community for an hour of complete silence. The aim is to promote understanding and appreciation of differently-abled individuals using the concept of “impactainment”, a blend of impactful education and entertainment.
This unique culinary adventure is guided by Keith Lee Kam-wah and Tracy Fung Hiu-man, both staff members at DITD who lost their hearing as toddlers. Participants are equipped with noise-cancelling headphones and instructed to remain silent, turning a traditionally vibrant and bustling yum cha meal into an almost surreal event. The challenge lies in communicating non-verbally to order food and drink, essentially playing a game of charades.
From mimicking the intoxicating effects of drunken chicken to the artful portrayal of steamed scallop siu mai, this exercise stretches one’s creativity. The frustrations and triumphs experienced in the process give a glimpse into the daily realities of the deaf community.
The exercise also highlights the interplay between sensory perception and food enjoyment. For instance, how would the absence of the audible crunch from a crispy vegetable or chip affect one’s dining experience?
At the end of the hour, the diners are permitted to remove their headsets. The sudden reintroduction of ambient sounds is a startling reminder of the privilege of hearing. Participants are encouraged to appreciate the abilities of individuals rather than focusing on their disabilities, thereby fostering a more inclusive society.
The silent yum cha experience is not only an exciting culinary adventure but also a significant step towards better understanding and empathy for the deaf community. It reiterates the power of communication, while serving as a reminder to appreciate the everyday privileges that most take for granted.
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