Lo Hei (Yu Sheng) Guide-Meaning, Ingredients & What to Say in Singapore

If you’ve ever celebrated Chinese New Year in Singapore, you’ll know this iconic moment: everyone stands up, chopsticks ready, and shouts auspicious phrases while tossing a colourful plate of raw fish salad as high as possible. That, my friends, is Lo Hei (捞起) — also known as Yu Sheng (鱼生).

But what does Lo Hei really mean? What are the ingredients for Yu Sheng, and what exactly should you say while tossing in Singapore? Here’s your complete Lo Hei guide, whether you’re joining your first corporate lunch or hosting family CNY dinner at home.

What Is Lo Hei (Yu Sheng)?

Lo Hei literally means “tossing up” in Cantonese, while Yu Sheng translates to “raw fish”. Together, the ritual symbolises prosperity, abundance and good fortune for the coming year.

Interestingly, while Yu Sheng has roots in Southern China, the modern Lo Hei tradition is uniquely Singaporean and Malaysian. It became popular in the 1960s and is now an essential part of Chinese New Year celebrations here.

The Meaning Behind Lo Hei

Every part of Lo Hei is symbolic — from the ingredients to how high you toss the salad.

• The higher you toss, the greater your luck and success

• Everyone must join in, symbolising unity and shared prosperity

• A bit of mess is good luck (yes, really!)

In Singapore, Lo Hei is commonly done:

• At family reunion dinners

• During company CNY lunches

• With friends at restaurants before Chap Goh Meh

Yu Sheng Ingredients & Their Meanings

Here’s a breakdown of the traditional Yu Sheng ingredients and what each represents:

🐟 Raw Fish (鱼)

• Usually salmon or ikan parang

• Symbolises abundance and surplus

• Phrase: 年年有余 (nián nián yǒu yú – abundance every year)

🥕 Shredded Carrots

• Represents good luck and blessings

🥒 Green Radish

• Symbolises youth, longevity and growth

🍋 Pomelo or Lime

• Means wealth and valuable luck

🥜 Crushed Peanuts

• Represents long life and abundance

🍘 Crispy Crackers (Golden Chips)

• Symbolise gold, money and prosperity

🌿 Pickled Ginger

• Stands for health and vitality

🍯 Plum Sauce

• Brings sweetness and harmony into the year

What to Say During Lo Hei

This is the part most people panic about — but don’t worry. You don’t need to memorise everything. In Singapore, it’s perfectly normal to mix Cantonese, Mandarin and English!

Here are the most commonly used Lo Hei phrases, organised by ingredient.

When Adding Oil

🗣️ 油捞旺财
(Yóu lāo wàng cái)
👉 May wealth flow in abundance

When Adding Plum Sauce

🗣️ 甜甜蜜蜜
👉 Sweetness and harmony

When Adding Carrots

🗣️ 鸿运当头
👉 Good luck all year round

When Adding Crackers

🗣️ 遍地黄金
👉 Gold everywhere

When Adding Fish

🗣️ 年年有余
👉 Abundance every year

When Tossing Together

🗣️ 捞起！捞起！越捞越高！
👉 Lo Hei! Higher toss, more prosperity!

💡 Singapore tip: Loud, joyful chaos is encouraged. Shy tossing = wasted luck.

How to Do Lo Hei Properly (Step-by-Step)

1. Arrange all ingredients neatly on a large plate

2. Add ingredients one by one, saying auspicious phrases

3. Everyone stands up with chopsticks

4. Toss the Yu Sheng as high as possible

5. Laugh, shout, and enjoy the moment

There’s no “wrong” way — enthusiasm matters more than perfection.

Modern Yu Sheng Variations in Singapore

While traditional salmon Yu Sheng remains popular, many Singapore restaurants now offer creative twists:

• Vegetarian Yu Sheng

• Abalone Yu Sheng

• Smoked duck Yu Sheng

• Fruit-based Yu Sheng for kids

These modern versions still keep the symbolic meanings, making them perfect for mixed-diet families or office celebrations.

Is Lo Hei Only for Chinese People?

Not at all! In Singapore, Lo Hei is multicultural. Colleagues and friends of all backgrounds often join in — and it’s considered good manners to invite everyone at the table to participate.

No one expects perfect pronunciation. Just toss high and shout loudly.

Final Thoughts: Why Lo Hei Matters in Singapore

Lo Hei isn’t just about food — it’s about togetherness, optimism and starting the year on a high note. Whether you’re doing it with family, colleagues or friends, the ritual reflects what Singapore does best: blending tradition with modern life.

So this Chinese New Year, grab your chopsticks, shout “Huat ah!”, and toss your way to a prosperous year ahead.

Make it extra memorable by ordering your Chinese New Year catering from FoodLine’s CNY Menus 2026!