Key facts
- Hong Kong teahouses experienced high demand on Father's Day.
- The Fifa World Cup match between Japan and Tunisia was broadcast during lunchtime yum cha hours.
- Some restaurants have recovered to pre-pandemic business levels.
- Rainy weather was a concern for evening business.
- Special Father's Day yum cha menus were offered with smaller, lower-priced portions.
Hong Kong restaurants, particularly Cantonese teahouses, saw a significant boost in business on Father's Day as families combined traditional yum cha gatherings with watching the Fifa World Cup. The match between Japan and Tunisia, which Japan won 4-0, coincided with lunchtime celebrations, filling local teahouses to capacity.
At Lin Heung Lau in Sheung Wan, patrons celebrated Japan's goals with applause and cheers while enjoying dim sum. Ricky Chan, attending with his family, noted the perfect timing of the match aligning with yum cha hours and the enhanced atmosphere. He highlighted that such an event, occurring only once every four years, was worth experiencing.
Despite an amber rainstorm warning, many families proceeded with their Father's Day celebrations, heading out to restaurants. One manager at London Chinese Restaurant reported that business had recovered to pre-pandemic levels, largely due to the removal of seating limitations. However, concerns were raised about the potential negative impact of the rainy weather on evening business.