Eating Yu Sheng during Chinese New Year has become a must-do activity for Chinese, especially Cantonese, in this region of Asia.

Yusheng (鱼生), also known as Lo Hei (捞起) is a Teochew-style raw fish salad. This dish usually consists of slices of raw fish, mixed with shredded vegetables and a variety of sauces and condiments, among other ingredients. Yusheng literally means “raw fish” but since “fish (鱼)” in mandarin also sounds like “abundance (余)”, Yusheng (鱼生) is interpreted as a homophone (a word that is pronounced the same as another word but differs in meaning) for Yúshēng (余升), which means ever-increasing abundance. Hence, it is considered to be a symbol of abundance, prosperity and vigor.

How did Yusheng come about?

Fishermen along the coast of Guangzhou traditionally celebrated Renri (人日), the seventh day of the Chinese New Year, by feasting on their catches. According to Wikipedia, in Malaya’s colonial past, migrants imported this tradition. Porridge stalls sold a raw fish dish which is believed to have originated in Jiangmen, Guangdong province that consisted of fish, turnip and carrot strips, which was served with condiments of oil, vinegar and sugar that were mixed in by customers.

Today’s colourful version of Yusheng and the practice of eating it is unique to Singapore and Malaysia. According to NLB’s Infopedia, the dish was created by 4 chefs known as the ‘4 Heavenly Culinary Kings of Singapore’ and was introduced during Chinese New Year in 1964. They named the dish “Lucky Raw Fish” and popularised it as a New Year delicacy.

According to traditions, the tossing of Yu Sheng is usually on the 7th Day of the Lunar New Year, also known as Ren Ri (人日). However, people today eat it throughout the entire Chinese New Year period.

12 Steps to Lo Hei and Lou Hei Words To Say

Gather everyone around the table and let the Lou Hei begin!

Step 1: Offer New Year Greetings by everyone at the table

恭喜发财 Gong Xi Fa Cai
Meaning: Congratulations for your wealth

万事如意 Wan Shi Ru Yi
Meaning: May all your wishes be fulfilled

Step 2: Add Raw Fish (Yu Sheng 鱼生) – you may replace this with Abalone 鲍鱼

年年有余 Nian Nian You Yu
Meaning: Abundance and Surplus every year

Step 3: Add Pomelo shreds or lime

大吉大利 Da Ji Da Li
Meaning: Good luck and prosperity

Step 4: Sprinkle pepper and cinnamon powder

招财进宝 Zhao Cai Jin Bao
Meaning: Attract wealth and treasures

Step 5: Pour oil / plum juice in circles over the ingredients

一本万利 Yi Ben Wan Li
Meaning: May your investment return 10,000 times profit

财源广进 Cai Yuan Guang Jing
Meaning: Abundance of wealth and fortune

甜甜蜜蜜 Tian Tian Mi Mi
Meaning: May sweetness enters your life

Step 6: Add Shredded carrots

鸿运当头 Hong Yun Dang Tou
Meaning: Good luck is approaching

Step 7: Add shredded green radish

青春常在 Qing Chun Chang Zhai
Meaning: Forever young

Step 8: Add shredded white radish

风生水起 Feng Sheng Shui Qi
Meaning: progress at a fast pace and reach greater heights

步步高升 Bu Bu Gao Sheng
Meaning: prosperity in business and promotion at work

Step 9: Scatter chopped or crushed peanuts

金银满屋 Jin Yin Man Wu
Meaning: Gold and silver filled in a household.

Step 10: Sprinkle Sesame seeds

生意兴隆 Sheng Yi Xing Long
Meaning: Business flourish and prosper

Step 11: Add deep fried flour crisps

遍地黄金 Bian Di Huang Jin
Meaning: Whole floor would be filled with gold.

Step 12: Toss the Yu Sheng and shout “Huat ah!”

Here’s the fun part. Using your chopsticks, toss the Yu Sheng as high as you can for seven times (or more) shouting “Lo Hei” or “Huat Ah!” “发啊” and other auspicious new year wishes.

Looking for Yusheng to Lo Hei? Check out Parkroyal Marina Bay Fortune Abalone Yu Sheng available at Shopee.

[PARKROYAL COLLECTION Marina Bay] Fortune Abalone Yu Sheng Small (Self-Collection from Hotel)

CHINESE NEW YEAR 2025

Feeling adventurous and hoping to soak in the Chinese New Year atmosphere? We have compiled a list of Where to go during Chinese New Year 2023, especially for our readers.

Looking for CNY goodies for your home? Here’s where to buy pineapple tarts and bak kwa in Singapore.

Want to shower your family and friends with blessings and bountiful gifts this CNY? Here is a list of unique CNY gifts and hampers to consider gifting!

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