fishy fishy fishy!

time really flies... since its nearing CNY, one of my favourite holidays (cant wait), i did some research with my partner for our school project on singapore's Yu Sheng, here it goes...

In Singapore, we have a dish that is only available during the Chinese New Year period. It is traditionally served on Ren Ri (Everyone’s Birthday), the 7th day of the Chinese New Year due to the Chinese superstitions and beliefs that humans were created on that day. Some of you may have already guessed it, yes, it is none other than the popular -Yu Sheng.
There are several symbolic meanings behind this dish. Its name, Yu Sheng means ‘raw fish’ and with homophones and some enunciation, it is often interpreted as ‘abundance of wealth and long life’. The tossing action, known as Lo Hei, means to ‘rise’ in reference to a thriving business. Therefore it is also very popular with businessmen.

The original dish originated from Guangdong, China wasn’t very ‘colourful’ as it consisted of only turnip, fish and carrot strips and was served with oil, vinegar and sugar.

In the 60s, part of a promotional gimmick for their restaurants, Singapore’s very own four ‘Heavenly Kings’ of the restaurant scene - Lau Yoke Pui, Than Yu Kai, Sin Leong and Hooi Kok Wai improvised the dish and added more ‘colour’. Hence, the Yu Sheng we eat today is filled with variety of colours.

The ingredients are arranged on a large plate include raw fish, shredded green and white radish, carrots, pickled ginger, crushed nuts and pomelo. These ingredients are topped with deep-fried flour crisps, crushed peanuts, sesame seeds, cinnamon, pepper and other spices. When all the ingredients are added together, all will stand where they begin the ritual of ‘Lo Hei’ by mixing all these ingredients while shouting auspicious greetings for a prosperous new year

Here are some of the prosperous greetings while mixing the salad or better known as ‘Lo Hei’:
Gong Xi Fa Cai - Wishing you a big windfall (striking lottery)
Wan Shi Ru Yi – May success comes your way
Nian Nian You Yu – Prosperity and abundance
Da Ji Da Li – Victory in whatever you do
Zao Cai Jin Bao – Good fortune and wealth to you
Cai Yuan Guang Jing - May wealth comes your way.
Hong Yun Dang Tou – May the lady luck shines on you.
Bu Bu Gao Sheng - May you rise in status

Yusheng as an International Cuisine

The restaurants in other countries such as Vietnam, New York, Australia Indonesia and London, have also developed an appetite for Yu Sheng and created different varieties to suit their taste buds and food culture. In Thailand, Yu Sheng is made using fish, vegetables, pomelo, lemongrass, papaya, mango and Thai herbs.

For people who missed eating Yu Sheng, you can get it in Duty Free Shop in Changi Airports as they are available in packets for tourists to buy as gifts.

Happy Chinese New Year!