How to Lo Hei the Right Way in Singapore 2026
It may be a simple salad, but the art of the toss is what brings the luck.
Yu Sheng isn’t just a raw fish salad served during Chinese New Year in Singapore. It’s a ritual filled with meaning. The lo hei toss is a way to share prosperity, abundance, and good fortune with everyone at the table.
Each ingredient carries symbolism, and the words spoken auspicious phrases and the right phrase at the right moment amplify the Lunar New Year wishes. How you toss, what you say, and the energy around the table shape the experience. This tradition transforms a simple dish into a celebration of community, turning a meal into a meaningful start to the year ahead.
We rounded up our favorite auspicious practices happening right now! Sll of which have won our cultural reviews. These include the adding of fresh raw fish for abundance, a zesty lime squeeze that brings good luck, an unbeatable drizzle of oil to represent money flowing in, a ridiculously good deal on golden crackers, and a toss as high as possible that everyone can join.
Yu Sheng Traditions Explained: How to Lo Hei Correctly This CNY Singapore
IN THIS ARTICLE —————————————————————————————————————
The Symbolism Behind the Ritual
Auspicious Lo Hei Practices and How to Do Them
The Lunar New Year is a time of renewal, family, and the pursuit of good fortune. In Singapore and Malaysia, no reunion is complete without the vibrant ritual of the “lo hei”. This tradition, centered around a colourful raw fish salad known as Yu sheng, is a symbolic performance where everyone stands together to welcome a bountiful year ahead.
Performing the toss correctly is believed to set the tone for the prosperous months to come. From the way you hold your chopstick to the height of your lift, every movement is steeped in meaning.
Read on: Best Yusheng in Singapore
The Symbolism Behind the Ritual
At its heart, lo hei translates to "tossing up," and the act of tossing represents the rise of one's fortunes. During Chinese New Year celebrations, families and colleagues gather around the table to participate in this new year delicacy. The beauty of the dish lies in every ingredient, each representing a specific blessing.
For instance, the salmon or fish signifies a surplus (Nian Nian You Yu), while the various shredded vegetables represent youth and career growth. As the various ingredients are added to the plate, it is traditional to recite auspicious sayings that match the component being handled. This verbalization of hope is what transforms a simple salad into a powerful ceremony for fortune for the year ahead.
The Ideal Spot for Your 2026 Reunion: Sarai Fine Thai
If you are looking for a refined location for your reunion dinner, look no further than Sarai Fine Thai. Known for its sophisticated approach to Thai cuisine, Sarai offers an elevated version of the Yusheng that is perfect for a festive CNY corporate gathering or an intimate family reunion.
The Prosperity Yu Sheng
At Sarai, the lohei experience is curated by the chef to blend traditional Singaporean customs with refined Thai flavors. Our Prosperity Yu Sheng features delicately smoked salmon with crisp vegetables and aromatic herbs, offering a fresh, zesty profile that stands out from the traditional versions.
Price Points:
Large (L): $48++
Medium (M): $38++
This new year delicacy is available for both dine-in. An easy to enjoy a bountiful meal whether you are at the restaurant's elegant dining table or in the comfort of your home.
Step-by-Step: How to Perform the Perfect Toss
To ensure your auspicious new year gets off to the best start, follow these steps during your reunion dinners at Sarai or at home:
1. The Opening Greeting
As the Prosperity Yu Sheng is placed in the center of the table, start the Chinese New Year celebrations by exchanging greetings like Xin Nian Kuai Le (Happy New Year). This sets a positive sense of togetherness.
2. Adding the Fresh Smoked Salmon
At Sarai, the salmon is prepared with a delicate smoke. As you lay the fish over the green mango and carrots, wish for a year of "extra" and surplus. The presence of fish is essential for the Nian to be successful.
3. The Thai Twist: Green Mango and Carrots
Unlike traditional versions, Sarai includes green mango, which adds a tangy crunch. This, alongside the red carrots and white carrots, creates a colourful base. As these are added, recite phrases for eternal youth and moving higher in your career.
4. The Ten Treasures of Texture
The Prosperity Yu Sheng is packed with various ingredients that add complexity to every bite. This includes:
Preserved Leek and Vegetable Strips
Red Sweetened Ginger and White Sour Ginger Strips
Brown Melon, Preserved Melon, and Gourd Wax Strips
Preserved Cucumber Strips
Each of these symbolizes a household filled with gold, silver, and sweet relations.
5. The Final Crunch and Drizzle
Sprinkle the fried sesame seeds and yusheng condiments to represent a flourishing business. Finally, drizzle the dressing in a circular motion, symbolizing wealth flowing in from all directions.
6. The Grand "Huat" Moment
This is the climax of the dinner. Everyone stands, grips their chopstick, and begins tossing the ingredients. To maximize your luck, you must toss the salad as high as possible.
While you toss, shout phrases like “huat ah” or simply “huat” with energy. The higher the toss, the better the fortune for the year ahead. This high-energy moment is what makes the lohei so popular in Singapore. It is a shared expression of joy and hope.
Why Choose Sarai Fine Thai for Your Festive CNY Gathering?
Choosing the right venue for your reunion is about more than just the food; it is about the atmosphere. Sarai provides a serene yet festive environment that is ideal for a corporate gathering or a family meal. Our Prosperity Yusheng is a new year delicacy that respects the symbolism behind the tradition while introducing high-quality ingredients like fresh smoked salmon.
From performing the “lo hei” with long-time friends or close relatives, the sense of togetherness fostered by this ritual is unmatched. During this new year period, booking a table at a top-tier Singaporean restaurant like Sarai ensures that your reunion dinner is both delicious and meaningful.
Secure Your Spot Today!!
As we approach the Lunar New Year, tables at popular in Singapore restaurants fill up fast. Don't miss the chance to experience the Prosperity Yu Sheng at Sarai. Whether you choose the $38++ or $48++ option, you are guaranteed a bountiful start to the year ahead.
Tanglin Mall 163 Tanglin Road #03-122 Singapore 247933 Tel : 3125 5142