HONG KONG, Sept 24 — As Super Typhoon Ragasa unleashed its fury over Hong Kong today, with the Hong Kong Observatory issuing the year’s first and fiercest No 10 warning, a handful of restaurants chose courage over caution, keeping their doors open for residents seeking food and warmth.

Fast food giant McDonald’s was among the brave few.

Its Tseung Kwan O outlet, despite gale-force winds and torrential rain, welcomed diners who patiently queued for around half an hour to get their meals, according to the South China Morning Post (SCMP).

Meanwhile, in Hung Hom, cha chaan teng Le Cafe & Bar defied the storm, announcing on Facebook that it was “business as usual” and offering a 10 per cent discount on pickup orders.

A cha chaan teng is a type of Hong Kong-style café that’s famous for its affordable, quick, and eclectic menu. Think of it as a casual diner blending Western and Chinese influences.

In Whampoa, Japanese fast-food chain Sukiya also welcomed customers, and a humble cart-noodle store in Yau Tong named Friends was seen serving hungry patrons amid the chaos.

For many, these small acts of defiance offered comfort in the face of extreme weather.

The SCMP noted that while a few establishments risked safety to feed residents, most convenience stores, supermarkets, and restaurants opted for caution, keeping their doors firmly shut.