Lo Hei, 捞起魚生

Lunar New Year is round the corner and usually on the 7th day of Lunar New Year, which is also known as Renri 人日, Chinese must have this special dish called Yu Sheng 魚生 (some call it Chinese Prosperity Salad).

The trend has been so common that nowadays, even before Renri, most restaurants already started selling them. But do you know the meaning of Yu Sheng? The meaning of each ingredients meant for this dish? Let me share with you..

All thanks to HSBC (= because we received a FREE Auspicious Yu Sheng Plate after charging $120 to the card at Cold Storage.

History: Yu Sheng means 'abundance' and the tossing action called 'Lo Hei', is a symbol of prosperity and good health.

How to eat Yu Sheng: We have to put together these 11 ingredients, each of them also comes with a new year greetings. Do be mindful not to say them wrongly..

1: Fish, symbolising abundance or excess through the year, is being put in the centre. 年年有馀

2: The pomelo, put over the fish adds both luck and auspicious value. shout 大吉大利!

3: Pepper & Cinnamon Powder is then dashed over 1 & 2, hoping to attract more money and valuables. 招财进宝 We love this the most!!

4: Then pour over the oil in circular motion around these ingredients. This is to increase all profits and encouraging money to flow in from all directions. This is the most important for business man cos it represent 财原广进

5: Carrots are added to the fish indicating blessings of good luck. Here we wish for 鸿运当头

6: Followed with the shredded green radish on the fish to symbolise eternal youth. 青春长驻, for ladies especially.

7: After which, we put in the shredded white radish is added – prosperity in business and promotion at work. 步步高升

8: Chopped Peanut bits are dusted on the dish symbolising a household filled with gold and silver. As an icon of longevity, peanuts also symbolise eternal youth. 金银满屋

9: Sesame seeds quickly follow symbolising a flourishing business. 生意兴隆

10: Deep-fried crispy crackers in the shape of golden pillows is added, wishing everyone (literally) filled the whole floor with gold. 片地黄金

11. Sour Plum sauce is being added, wishing all couples/ families 甜甜蜜蜜!

At this moment, you should be on your mark, ready with your chopsticks in your hand. You are encouraged to toss the Yu Sheng 7 times, shouting loudly the 10 greetings mentioned earlier and lo hei (toss with luck) with other auspicious New Year wishes!

Hereby, I would also like to wish everyone Good Health and Have a prosperous Dragon Year! Cheers & *hugs*