Hong Kong Sevens a treat for fans but local restaurants hungry for more trade

The Hong Kong Sevens reached a high-octane finale on Sunday with costume-clad rugby fans filling the stands at Kai Tak Stadium, but some nearby restaurants said they struggled to match last year’s takings, blaming an influx of new rivals for diluting profits.After two action-packed days, the atmosphere on Super Sunday remained electric as a sea of excited spectators, some clad in creative and flamboyant costumes, filled the South Stand, with some experiencing the event for the first time at its 50th anniversary.Among them was Denise Teo, 29, a content creator from Singapore, who showed up in a well-crafted “dim sum table” outfit inspired by its culinary culture.Denise Teo brings some creativity to the table. Photo: Elson LiShe said she made the table with cardboard and styrofoam, before placing realistic miniature dishes on it to capture the “authentic look” of a local feast.“All of these are very iconic dishes and food that we love in Hong Kong,” Teo said, adding the ensemble served as a wearable tribute to the traditional Hong Kong-style restaurants she admired.“It’s very good, very exciting. It’s my first time watching rugby. I’ve never seen it before. It’s been very fun,” said Teo who was spending four days in Hong Kong for the Sevens and sightseeing.18Sam Keenes, a 35-year-old banker who moved from the UK to Hong Kong in February, experienced his first Hong Kong Sevens dressed as Toad from the video game Mario Kart.