Best Yusheng Singapore: CNY Lo Hei Toss 2026

Written By Creative Eateries

The Affordable Smoked Salmon Yusheng Singapore Families Choose for Chinese New Year Lo Hei Toss 2026

Many people look forward to food led celebrations, and Lunar New Year always starts at the table. Across Singapore, families gather for dine-in and takeaway meals that feel festive and familiar. Yu sheng remains a menu essential, valued for prosperity and shared ritual.

For Chinese New Year 2026, affordable smoked salmon options continue to lead yusheng features. Chefs refine the raw fish salad with crisp pickle, balanced sauce, and clean flavour. Each platter delivers visual appeal without excess cost. While premium yusheng exists, this version suits most gatherings.

Served as a signature dish for dine-in or takeaway The smoked salmon yusheng supports reunion dining and keeps the focus on celebration rather than price. Here’s where to find the best yusheng in Singapore for 2026.

IN THIS ARTICLE

What is the difference between Lo Hei and Yusheng?

While people often use the terms interchangeably, there is a clear distinction between the two. In short: Yusheng is what you eat, and Lo Hei is what you do. Here is a breakdown of the differences and the history behind this vibrant tradition.

Yusheng: The Dish

Yusheng (鱼生) literally translates to "raw fish." In Chinese culture, the word for fish (yu) is a homophone for "abundance" or "surplus," while sheng means "raw" but sounds like "life" or "rise." Therefore, eating Yusheng symbolizes an increase in abundance and a prosperous life.

As a dish, it is a colorful salad made of shredded vegetables (like carrots and radishes), raw fish (traditionally wolf herring or salmon), and crunchy toppings like peanuts and golden crackers, all drizzled with a sweet plum sauce.

Lo Hei: The Action

Lo Hei (捞起) is a Cantonese phrase that literally means "tossing up." It refers to the ritual of the family standing together and using their chopsticks to toss the ingredients high into the air.

The ritual is more about the energy and the wishes:

  1. The Height: It is believed that the higher you toss the salad, the more your fortunes will grow and the better your year will be.

  2. The Noise: As you toss, you are supposed to shout auspicious phrases or well-wishes like "Huat Ah!" (to prosper).

  3. The Togetherness: It is a communal act that reinforces family bonds and shared hopes for the new year.

A Quick History: From Humble Roots to the "Heavenly" Toss

The tradition has travelled a long way to become the colorful ceremony we see today:

  1. Ancient Origins: Eating raw fish during the New Year began over 2,000 years ago in Southern China, specifically in the Guangdong province. It was a simple dish eaten on Renri (the 7th day of the Lunar New Year), which is considered "everyone's birthday."

  2. The Migration: Cantonese and Teochew immigrants brought these raw fish recipes to Singapore and Malaysia in the early 20th century. At that time, it was a much simpler plate of fish with ginger and chili.

  3. The 1960s Modern Glow-up: The vibrant, "seven-colored" Yusheng we know today was popularized in Singapore in 1964. Four famous chefs, known as the "Four Heavenly Kings" (Tham Yui Kai, Lau Yoke Pui, Hooi Kok Wai, and Sin Leong), reinvented the dish. They added the sweet plum sauce, colorful shredded vegetables, and standardized the auspicious ingredients to make it a festive centerpiece for restaurants.

The most common Yu sheng Ingredient

When you look at a Yusheng platter, you are seeing a carefully curated medley of textures and colors, where every item is chosen to invite good fortune. While every restaurant has its own twist, there is a general list of essentials that make up this iconic dish. Here are the common ingredients you’ll find in a festive spread:

The Fresh Foundation

The base of the salad is usually a refreshing mix of shredded vegetables. You will often see a crisp medley of:

  • Lettuce and Cucumber: Providing a fresh, crunchy base.

  • Melon: Often preserved or shredded to add a subtle sweetness.

  • Carrots and Radish: Representing luck and eternal youth.

The Premium Proteins

The "stars" of the dish represent abundance. Depending on how lavish the spread is, you might find:

  1. Sashimi: Typically fresh salmon slices, symbolizing "surplus" for the year.

  2. Baby Abalone: A popular premium addition that represents wealth and high status.

  3. Seafood portions: Many families opt for jumbo sized servings of seafood to ensure there is plenty for everyone to share.

The Sweet and Zesty Accents

To balance the flavors, specific fruits and sauces are added:

  1. Pomelo: The pulpy bits are added for luck and to signify a "smooth" start.

  2. Yuzu Sauce: Many modern platters now use a yuzu or yuzu sauce instead of traditional plum sauce for a bright, citrusy aroma that awakens the taste buds.

The Crunchy Toppings

No Yusheng is complete without the "gold" on top:

  1. Sesame Seeds and Sesame Oil: Representing a flourishing business and wealth flowing from all directions.

  2. Cashew and Peanuts: Toasted nuts symbolize a household filled with gold and silver.

  3. Crackers: These deep-fried wanton skins act as "gold ingots," bringing a satisfying crunch and the promise of riches.

In general, these ingredients are tossed together to create a harmony of flavors. Sweet, tangy, and savory making it the most auspicious start to any grand reunion.

Where to Find Affordable Salmon Yusheng in Singapore for Chinese New Year Feast?

The Perfect Toss: Siam Kitchen’s Smoked Salmon Lo Hei

For just $38.90++, Siam Kitchen offers a premium Smoked Salmon Lohei that is accessible to everyone. If you are planning a grand reunion at the restaurant or a cozy gathering at home, this platter is designed for maximum convenience.

  • Price: $38.90++

  • Availability: Valid for dine-in, takeaway, and delivery.

  • Vibe: A Halal-friendly on a classic Chinese tradition.

What’s Inside the Platter?

Siam Kitchen’s Yusheng is a curated medley of fresh, high-quality ingredients. It balances the traditional "sweet and sour" profile with a crisp, refreshing crunch to delight your taste buds.

The sumptuous ingredients include:

  • The Star: Generous portions of Fresh Smoked Salmon.

  • The Thai Twist: Green Mango for a tangy, tropical zest.

  • The Fresh Base: Red and White Carrots for color and luck.

  • The Sweet & Savory Crunch: Fried Sesame Seeds, Brown Melon strips, and Gourd Wax strips.

  • The Tangy Accents: A variety of preserved strips including White Sour Ginger, Red Sweetened Ginger, Preserved Melon, Leek, Cucumber, and Vegetable strips.

  • The Finishing Touch: A classic, golden Plum Sauce to tie all the flavors together.

Why Choose Siam Kitchen for CNY 2026?

Finding a Halal-certified Yusheng can sometimes be a challenge during the busy Lunar New Year season. Siam Kitchen makes it easy to usher in the year with an auspicious feast that everyone can participate in.

  1. Great Value: At under $40, it is one of the most affordable high-quality salmon platters in the city.

  2. Flexibility: You can choose to indulge in a full buffet dinner or ala carte Thai meal at the restaurant and add the Lo Hei as a celebratory starter, or simply order it as a takeaway for your home party.

  3. Year of the Horse Special: The inclusion of Green Mango provides a "refreshing gallop" of flavor that sets this platter apart from standard versions.

If you are hosting a large number of pax or a Chinese New Year mini celebration at home. Siam Kitchen’s Smoked Salmon Lo Hei is an exquisite way to wish for abundance and health. Instead of the usual options, the restaurant’s yusheng offers a fresh twist to bring prosperity and good fortune.

This yusheng is available for dine-in, takeaway, and delivery, making it easy to enjoy the best food anywhere. With a variety of dishes and many dishes to choose from, it is the perfect spot to kick off a year of abundance!

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