Yu sheng? Lo hei? Tossing for prosperity? Here's what it means and how to do it right. Huat ah!
A Chinese New Year feast without yu sheng? Blasphemous. It goes by many names, but the yu sheng, lo hei or ‘prosperity toss’ is an important ritual during CNY. And it’s pretty unique to Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia (although we lay claim to its invention). Just remember: yu sheng usually refers to the dish itself and lo hei is the tossing of the ingredients.
The salad is a mix of fresh fish, which symbolises abundant fortune, and the colourful vegetables represent prosperity. These ingredients can vary for different yu sheng dishes but the ritual remains the same. Traditionally served at reunion dinners everywhere, mastering the art of yu sheng can be complicated… but it doesn’t always have to! Here’s how to ace it like a pro.
Chinese New Year lo hei guide
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!
Meaning: Abundance throughout the year!
2. Drizzle oil over the dish
Saying: Cai Yuan Guang!
Meaning: Numerous sources of wealth!
3. Drizzle the plum sauce
Saying: Tian Tian Mi Mi!
Meaning: Sweet and loving relationships!
4. Add spices
Saying: Zhao Cai Jin Bao!
Meaning: Attract wealth and treasures!
5. Add golden pillow crackers
Saying: Man Di Huang Jin!
Meaning: Floor full of gold!
6. Now toss, while you all shout “lo hei” or “huat ah”. Remember, the higher you toss, the more luck it brings.
Now you’re ready to welcome in good fortune with our lo hei guide!
