“The only issue is, I still don’t have power, which is actually a little disappointing. We only have basic power for the fridge, but for our hot foods, still, it’s not working.”

The insufficient power left him unable to reheat or steam certain items on his menu, and the government’s decision to allow vendors to cook with open fire was meaningless to him since he had only prepared to cook with electricity.

The Fire Services Department last week said market vendors would be able to cook using open flames, as long as they complied with certain safety requirements, such as providing extinguishers and installing barriers.

“Every half-hour, somebody comes by to tell us they are still working on it. For [the organisers], it’s a new experience, they are trying to have a new initiative, so let’s give them one day. I forgive them,” he said, with a laugh.

Some outlets were unable to sell their wares due to the unstable electricity supply. Among them was Singaporean skewer shop Satay Pop, with owner Anson Lau saying he was unable to set up his electric stove or payment machines.

“They told us it would be fixed at 3pm, then it was 6pm, and now, it’s still nothing,” he said.

But the power troubles did not stop many attendees from enjoying the snacks, music performances and night views against the city’s skyline.

Sunny Chow Wah-sing, an entrepreneur in his 50s, said he came to the market as he missed frequenting street food stalls that used to be found all over the city when he was young.

“Of course, it’s not exactly the same, but it brings back nice memories,” he said. “It’s not too crowded, and there is a nice breeze.”

Wondering what to do after dark? The Post unpacks ‘Night Vibes Hong Kong’

Ninety vendors took part in the Wan Chai market, including shops selling souvenirs and dried seafood. About 40 per cent were businesses offering local snacks such as chicken feet, meat skewers, siu mai and rice rolls. The bazaar began admitting people at 3pm and food service started at 6pm.

About two hours later, hundreds of drones lit up the sky, assembling into colourful patterns and shapes such as planets and aquatic creatures.

Organisers had set up foldable tables and plastic chairs for diners, the majority of whom were couples and families with young children.

Karen Lam, a medical worker, said she decided to visit the market with her husband as they lived nearby.

“It is not as crowded as we expected, but it’s probably because it’s a weekday,” she said.

Lam added she seldom went out at night any more as everyone had “got used to heading home after work”.

Asked whether she felt the government campaign would be effective, she said: “Well I suppose it is bound to help a little. At least it brought us out.”

Lawmaker Doreen Kong Yuk-foon agreed with Lam and said such events had room for improvement, such as resolving power supply issues and adding more rubbish bins to maintain hygiene standards.

“It seems like a lot of vendors were caught off guard with this whole situation,” she said.

Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu has said he hopes the “Night Vibes” campaign will energise the economy, which the government expects to grow at between 3 and 5 per cent this year after revising the forecast from 3.5 to 5.5 per cent.

Retailers say foot traffic up as ‘Night Vibes Hong Kong’ campaign gathers pace

Apart from scheduled night markets in Wan Chai, Kennedy Town, Kwun Tong and Jordan’s Temple Street, museum opening hours have been extended, while various shopping centres and theme parks will offer concerts, discounts and promotions.

The full return of major events such as the Wine and Dine Festival in October, and the coming National Day fireworks have also been included in the campaign.

The first phase of the Wan Chai “Waterfront Carnival” is set to run until October 2, from 3pm to midnight daily, while food stalls will operate from 6pm to 11pm, except for the National Holiday on October 1, when the entire market will be open from 10am to 4pm.