Yu sheng sayings to toss for prosperity? We got you! Here's what it means and how to do lo hei right. Huat ah!
A Chinese New Year feast without proper yu sheng sayings? Blasphemous. It goes by many names, but the “prosperity toss” is an important tradition during CNY. And it’s pretty unique to Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia. Just remember: yu sheng or yusheng usually refers to the dish itself and lo hei is the act of tossing the ingredients. If you’re on the lookout for delicious and unique Chinese New Year yusheng in Singapore, we’ve got pretty platters for takeaway or dining in.
How to lo hei: Auspicious yu sheng sayings for a year of good luck
Our Rookie's Guide to Yu Sheng this Chinese New Year
Everyone stand around for the Prosperity Toss. We demystify our favourite part of Chinese New Year!
Posted by Honeycombers on Friday, February 9, 2018
1. Add the raw fish
Saying: Nian Nian You Yu (年年有余)
Meaning: Abundance throughout the year!
2. Add the pomelo
Saying: Da Ji Da Li (大吉大利)
Meaning: Good luck and good fortune!
3. Sprinkle spices and seasoning powder
Saying: Zhao Cai Jin Bao (招财进宝)
Meaning: Attract wealth and treasures!
4. Drizzle oil over the dish
Saying: Cai Yuan Guang Jin, Yi Ben Wan Li (财原广进, 一本万利)
Meaning: Smooth-sailing year ahead with numerous sources of wealth!
5. Add in the shredded carrot
Saying: Hong Yun Dang Tou (鸿运当头)
Meaning: Good luck
6. Add in green radish
Saying: Qing Chun Yong Zhu (青春永駐)
Meaning: May you stay youthful forever
7. Shredded white radish
Saying: Feng Sheng Shui Qi (风生水起)
Meaning: May you progress quickly and smoothly
8. Sprinkle the crushed peanuts
Saying: Jin Yin Man Wu (金银满屋)
Meaning: May your house be filled with gold and silver
9. Sprinkle in the sesame seeds
Saying: Sheng Yi Xing Long (生意兴隆)
Meaning: Good fortune and successes for business and careers
10. Toss in golden pillow crackers
Saying: Man Di Huang Jin (遍地黄金)
Meaning: Floors full of gold!
11. Drizzle the plum sauce
Saying: Tian Tian Mi Mi (甜甜蜜蜜)
Meaning: Sweet and loving relationships!
12. Now go ahead and toss while shouting “lo hei” or “huat ah” or “gong xi fa cai”.
Remember, the higher you toss, the more luck it brings. P.S. if you’re doing this at home, consider placing plates around the yusheng platter to catch anything that falls, so you don’t have to do a massive clean-up afterwards.
Now you’re ready to welcome good fortune with our guide to yu sheng sayings!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is yusheng or yu sheng?
Yusheng is a salad that's typically a mix of fresh fish, which symbolises abundant fortune, and colourful vegetables, which represent prosperity. These ingredients can vary for different yusheng dishes (and may take the shape of the Zodiac animal of the year) but the ritual remains the same. It's traditionally served at reunion dinners everywhere.
What does lo hei mean?
“Lo hei” (捞起) literally means “to toss up” and symbolises rising luck, prosperity and success in the new year.
What is the difference between yusheng and lo hei?
Yusheng refers to the dish itself, while lo hei is the act of tossing the ingredients together while shouting auspicious sayings.
When is lo hei usually done during Chinese New Year?
Lo hei is commonly done during reunion dinners and festive meals throughout the Chinese New Year period, especially before the 15th day.
Do I need to say all the auspicious phrases when lo hei?
Not at all. While it’s traditional to say a phrase for each ingredient, it’s perfectly fine to remember just a few key sayings — enthusiasm matters more than accuracy.
Can I mix up the lo hei sayings or ingredients?
Yes. There’s no single “correct” order. Different restaurants and families may follow slightly different sequences or phrases.
What happens if I don’t know any lo hei sayings?
No stress — shouting “huat ah” with confidence works just fine. The spirit of celebration is what truly counts.
