How to Lo Hei During CNY in Singapore?
The Auspicious Way to Celebrate Prosperity: How to Lo Hei at Chinese New Year in Singapore, 12 Steps!!
It may be a local custom, but the joy of the "Huat" is a universal celebration.
Lo hei marks the moment when Chinese New Year meals begin in Singapore. The yu sheng toss carries wishes of prosperity, abundance, and shared success. How you lo hei matters. Words spoken, hands raised, and order at the table reflect respect for tradition. A careless toss weakens meaning.
A proper toss strengthens intent. Families, friends, and colleagues expect the same customs year after year. This guide shows you how to lo hei the right way during Chinese New Year. You learn the purpose behind the toss, the role of auspicious phrases, and the values tied to yusheng. Follow tradition. Celebrate prosperity with confidence.
IN THIS ARTICLE
12 Auspicious Ways to Perform the Lo Hei Toss
The Lo Hei is a vibrant and essential ritual that defines Chinese New Year celebrations across Southeast Asia. This colorful raw fish salad, also known as Yu Sheng, is more than just a new year delicacy; it is a symbolic ceremony performed to invite good fortune and prosperity. Especially popular in Singapore and Malaysia, this tradition brings people together around the dining table to welcome a bountiful and prosperous year ahead. Here are 12 auspicious ways to perform the toss during your reunion dinners or a festive corporate gathering.
1. Understanding the Symbolism Behind Every Ingredient
Before the tossing begins, it is important to recognize that every ingredient added to the Yu Sheng platter represents a specific blessing. From the shredded radish to the various ingredients like pickled ginger and jellyfish, each component is carefully chosen to ensure an auspicious new year.
2. The Choice of Fresh Salmon
While traditional recipes used wolf herring, the modern Singaporean preference is for fresh slices of salmon. As the chef or host places the fish on the plate, it signifies a surplus of wealth. This is the moment to recite the phrase Nian Nian You Yu, wishing for abundance throughout the Nian (year).
3. Squeezing the Lime for Luck
Adding citrus over the raw fish salad is the first step in "adding luck." This act ensures that CNY starts with a smooth and successful path, inviting cai (wealth) to flow into your life.
4. Drizzling the Oil in Circles
When pouring the oil and plum sauce, move your hand in a circular motion. This symbolizes money flowing in from all directions. This ensures that in the year ahead, your finances remain liquid and your business dealings are smooth.
5. Gathering Everyone Stands Around the Table
The Lo Hei is a communal activity that fosters a sense of togetherness. Before the ceremony starts, everyone stands and gathers around the table. This unity is the heart of reunion culture during the Lunar New Year.
6. Using the Chopstick with Precision
Each guest should hold their chopstick ready. The way you handle your tools reflects your readiness to seize opportunities. In Singapore’s dining culture, the synchronized movement of the group represents harmony and collective strength.
7. Reciting Auspicious Sayings
As each ingredient is added, it is customary to recite specific auspicious sayings. If you are wishing for eternal youth or career advancement, speaking these wishes aloud is believed to manifest fortune for the year ahead.
8. The "Lo Hei" Call to Action
The term “Lo Hei” literally translates to "tossing up." This is the signal for the group to begin the festive chaos. It marks the transition from a quiet reunion meal to an energetic celebration of life and luck.
9. Tossing the Salad as High as Possible
There is a common belief that the higher the toss, the better your luck will be. Lifting the colourful ingredients high into the air represents your fortunes rising and your aspirations reaching new heights during the new year period.
10. Shouting “Huat Ah!”
No Lo Hei is complete without the iconic shout of “Huat Ah!” This Hokkien exclamation means to prosper. You should shout phrases like “Huat ah” or simply “Huat” with as much energy as possible to drive away bad luck and welcome cai.
11. Maintaining a Festive Mess
While it might look like a mess, the scattered ingredients across the dining table after the toss are seen as a sign of a "full harvest." In Singapore and Malaysia, a messy table after the toss is often considered a sign that the good fortune is overflowing.
12. Sharing the Bountiful Meal
Once the tossing is finished, the salad is shared among all guests. Eating the Yu Sheng together signifies that everyone at the table will share in the bountiful luck and success throughout the Lunar New Year.
Where to Lo hei in Singapore this Chinese New Year 2026?
As the 2026 spring holidays approach, finding the right meal to share with loved ones is a top priority. For those seeking a certified Halal experience that bridges cultural traditions with bold flavors, Siam Kitchen stands out as a premier choice. This season, they are offering a unique way to welcome luck and joy through their signature Smoked Salmon platter.
Whether you prefer a lively meal at the restaurant or a quiet gathering at home, this guide covers everything you need to know about this seasonal favorite.
The Seasonal Update by Chef Pop
The culinary team, led by Chef Pop, has refreshed the traditional recipe to offer a lighter, more vibrant flavor profile. By combining classic components with Thai-inspired elements like tangy fruit, the dish provides a refreshing start to any group meal. It is designed to be shared, bringing family and colleagues together for a moment of shared joy.
What Is on the Platter?
For a flat price of $38++, guests receive a generous spread of components. Each item is carefully prepared to ensure freshness and a satisfying crunch.
The Main Highlights:
Fresh Smoked Salmon: The star of the dish, providing a rich and savory taste.
Green Mango: Adds a signature Thai zest and a crisp texture.
Red and White Carrots: Freshly shredded for a bright presentation.
The Crispy and Preserved Layers: To create the perfect bite, the platter includes a wide range of preserved items:
Preserved Leek and Vegetable Strips
Sweetened Red Ginger and Sour White Ginger
Brown and Preserved Melon Strips
Gourd Wax Strips
Fried Sesame Seeds
The Final Flourish: No platter is complete without the Pok Chui biscuits (crackers). It provide a satisfying snap, and a generous lacing of sweet plum sauce to bind all the flavors together.
Dine-In, Takeaway, or Delivery
Siam Kitchen makes it easy to enjoy this tradition wherever you are.
At the Restaurant: Visit any of their locations to enjoy the full hospitality experience. It is a fantastic option for office groups or large families looking for a stress-free meal.
At Home: You can opt for takeaway or delivery services. The ingredients are packed carefully so you can assemble and enjoy the ritual in the comfort of your own home. Please note a surcharge of $40 applies.
How to Enjoy the Experience
Preparation: Lay out all the strips of vegetables and fruit on a large plate.
Add the Fish: Place the smoked salmon slices on top.
The Toppings: Sprinkle the sesame seeds and the golden crackers over the mix.
The Drizzle: Pour the plum sauce over everything in a circular motion.
The Moment: Invite everyone to use their utensils to lift and mix the ingredients together. The goal is to mix everything thoroughly while sharing well-wishes for health and success.
Ready to book your spot? Siam Kitchen outlets are located across the island. Given the popularity of the spring season, making a reservation early is highly recommended.
2 Yishun Walk, HomeTeam NS Khatib Clubhouse, #01-01, Singapore 767944 Tel: +65 3125 8710