People defied the rain and flocked to the outdoor Hometown Market Carnival in Victoria Park on Monday to get a taste of Chinese mainland delicacies and ease homesickness.

The five-day market kicked off on Saturday, presenting delicacies, handicrafts and performances from various part of the Chinese mainland.

Tian Lei, acting chairman of the Xinjiang Association of Hong Kong, called the Xinjiang vendors’ debut at this year’s carnival a success as a lot of the produce they brought from the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region sold like hot cakes

Numerous visitors thronged the market at the weekend, including local celebrities and former chief executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor.

READ MORE: Five-day food and culture carnival to bring hometown flavors

On the third day of the carnival, the hot-food street with more than 20 stalls serving roasted whole lamb, Hami melon and other snacks and cuisines remained the most popular section.

Despite the wet weather, people gathered shortly after the 4:30 pm opening time to get front-row seats for various gourmet treats and performances, with vendors rushing to display their goods for sale on the tables.

Tian Lei, acting chairman of the Xinjiang Association of Hong Kong, called the Xinjiang vendors’ debut at this year’s carnival a success as a lot of the produce they brought from the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region sold like hot cakes.

Xinjiang’s small white apricots, Hami melons, raisins, prunes, thin-skinned walnuts, dates, beef jerky and honey were all welcomed by Hong Kong people, Tian said, adding that Hami melons and small white apricots were sold out within a day after the market’s opening on Saturday.

Tian said it was a pity that the traders had not brought more hot food from Xinjiang, but she pledged that Hong Kong people will see more food commonly found in Xinjiang such as naan and baked buns at the next carnival.

Wang Jiaying, president of Inner Mongolia autonomous region’s chamber of commerce in Hong Kong, said this was also the first time for Inner Mongolia vendors to participate in the carnival. The mutton dishes, including roasted whole lamb, shish kebabs and chops, were popular items.

Wang said that many people inquired about tourism in Inner Mongolia and she welcomed the prospect of more Hong Kong people visiting the region in the future.

Niu Xuhong, administrative specialist of China Sichuan International Investment Holding (Hong Kong), said Sichuan’s cool drinks were extremely popular as they are suitable for Hong Kong’s hot and humid weather.

A toy combining two classic Sichuan elements – Bian lian, a face-changing technique, and giant pandas – attracted many visitors with its unique design.

Niu said the company will display more products next time to promote Sichuan culture and attract more international tourists to the southwest Chinese province.

Forty-year-old Wong Sam-ming, who was born on mainland and grew up in Hong Kong, said that the carnival has gathered cuisine from all across the nation, rekindling childhood memories.

He likened visiting the market to traveling the entire country on the tip of his tongue.

Wang Ying, another visitor who settled in Hong Kong 20 years ago, said she was drawn to the Shaanxi-style Liangpi — cold noodles made from wheat or rice flour — which provided a true taste of home.

READ MORE: Large-scale carnival to celebrate 26th anniversary of HKSAR

Wang said that people in Shaanxi have a strong preference for noodle dishes, a contrast with the dining culture in southern China where rice is favored.

Wang added that she hopes there will be more such activities in the future.

Jointly hosted by 28 hometown associations in Hong Kong, the second edition of the carnival runs through Wednesday. Organizers forecast an attendance of more than 200,000 people.

Intern Chen Xiyun contributed to the story.

Contact the writer at fangxue@chinadailyhk.com