ladyironchef » Chinese New Year Dinner Tips

The Significance Of Lo Hei & What It Actually Represents

Editorial — Wed, 09 Jan 2019 04:00:40 +0000

The Chinese Lunar New Year is an annual festival where many traditions culminate from exchanging of oranges to the receiving of red packets and more. Still, as far as the Chinese New Year goes, the iconic yu sheng toss remains at the helm of all things festive.

Yu Sheng, otherwise known as lo-hei or prosperity toss, is something that we’ve grown terribly fond of. A vibrant centrepiece dish comprising various elements, each boasting its own unique flavour and meaning behind it, the yu sheng is always the first order of business at any family gathering.

Yet, as we find ourselves going through the motion of this tradition year in year out, how many of us millennials can actually say that we truly understand this practice and its significance? To a season dedicated to good fortune, family reunion and feasting, here is our guide on lo hei, what it is and what it represents.

HOW THE MODERN INTERPRETATION CAME TO BE

Since its origins as a simple raw fish dish back in the 1930s, the recipe has undergone a series of transformations, and even until today, people are still finding innovative ways to present this dish. The dish was brought to Singapore in the late 19th century by the migration of Cantonese and Teochew migrants from China.

“Lo Hei”, in Cantonese literally translates to “tossing up good fortune”, and it refers to the ritual adopted in Singapore that involves a group of people gathered around a massive plate, tossing its contents violently while saying out auspicious phrases before eating it—it is popularly believed that the higher the toss, the better your prospects and fortune in the year ahead.

At the very beginning, the salad itself consisted merely of raw fish slices, some vegetables and seasoning to taste. It was only much later on in 1964, where a quartet of chefs—known affectionately as the ‘Four Heavenly Kings’—reinvented the dish and served it at the then, newly opened Lai Wah restaurant. The new salad saw an improvement in texture, colour, and flavour.

KEY INGREDIENTS & WHAT THEY REPRESENT

Carrots – Represents good luck.
Green Radish – Represents eternal youth.
White Radish – Represents good job opportunities in the coming year.
Raw Fish – symbolises abundance and prosperity.
Pomelo – Represents luck.
Crushed Peanuts – Is a sign that your home will be filled with many valuable possessions.
Sesame Seeds – Represent the hope that your business will flourish.
Golden Crackers – Symbolises wealth.
Plum Sauce – A key component that binds the salad together, it represents stronger ties among family and friends.
Pepper & Cinnamon Powder – signify the wish for wealth
Oil – Often drizzled onto the salad in a circular motion rather than poured over. This is to symbolise that money will come from all directions.

WHAT COMES NEXT?

Before the tossing begins, the dish needs to be prepared, usually by one individual who adds the ingredients one by one in a specific order, while the reciting wishes of luck and prosperity at the same time.

With the plate placed in the middle, friends and family members stand around the table to toss the ingredients whilst exchanging blessings and words of prosperity—although, more often than not, people tend to just shout them out.

9 INTEGRAL STEPS & WHAT TO SAY

Step: Yu Sheng platter is placed at the centre of the dining table.
What To Say: “Gong Xi Fa Cai” meaning, “Congratulations for your wealth”.

Step: Raw sliced fish is added.
What To Say: “Nian Nian You Yu” meaning, “Abundance throughout the year”.

Step: Pomelo or lime is added.
What To Say: “Da Ji Da Li” meaning, “good luck and great prosperity”.

Step: Spice sachets are sprinkled over.
What To Say: “Zhao Cai Jin Bao” meaning, “May you attract wealth and treasures”.

Step: Oil and plum sauce are poured over ingredients.
What To Say: “Yi Ben Wan Li” meaning “Make 10,000 times of profit with your capital”

Step: Peanut crumbs are poured over.
What To Say: “Jin Yin Man Wu” meaning, “May your home be filled with lots of gold and silver.”

Step: Sesame seeds sprinkled over.
What To Say: “Sheng Yi Xing Long” meaning, “Wishing you prosperity for the business.”

Step: Deep-fried flour crisps in the shape of golden pillows are then added.
What To Say: “Man Di Huang Jin” literally translating to, “May the whole floor be filled with gold.”

Step: The toss commences.
What To Say: “Lo Hei” literally translating to tossing luck.

10 Types of People You Meet At A Chinese New Year Reunion Dinner

Cheryl Chong — Sat, 30 Jan 2016 01:00:49 +0000

It is that time of the year again – Chinese New Year. The time of amazing food, quality time with family and overnight mahjong.

If you celebrate Chinese New Year in Singapore, you would know that house visiting is mostly a must, and you spend pretty much the whole day going from one house to another – to reconnect with relatives, have some food, and to collect or give out red packets.

With that, you will notice that everywhere you go, there are certain types of people and they are generally the same at every house. Here are 10 Types of People at A Chinese New Year Reunion Dinner.

#1 THE ‘HANGRY’ RELATIVE

If you do not already know what this popular term means, it is the fusion of two words ‘hungry’ and ‘angry’. There is definitely someone who will whine about why the food is not ready yet, or why there is not enough food. If you can relate to this, you are probably this person. Else, just go find this person some food!

#2 THE AUNT WHO HAS ‘NO FILTER’

You know it, we know it; well, she might not know it. But she is the (annoying) one who will constantly ask inappropriate questions about why your boyfriend is not at the gathering (even though you two recently broke up), why are you not married yet, or why you chose to take a gap year from University. Unfortunately, there is no way of avoiding her; she will find you and interrogation starts!

#3 THE AUNT WHO TALKS TOO MUCH

“My son is top in his class!” “Did you see this new designer handbag I got?” “Your food is a little salty, maybe you could…” Yup, she does not stop talking and yapping away and all you can do is sit politely and listen because she thinks her advice is golden.

#4 THE AWKWARD & QUIET COUSIN

There is always one person at every social situation who excludes himself or herself. They might just prefer to be alone, or are simply feeling too awkward to interact. Nevertheless, try walking up to them to strike a conversation!

#5 THE NOISY KIDS

Running around, throwing things, screaming – kids can be a handful, especially when the parents don’t even care. Then again, it is Chinese New Year and we will embrace the spirit of love and harmony.

#6 THE ONE WHO HATES CHINESE NEW YEAR

The downer. This person is basically the one who ruins everybody’s mood. He or she would be complaining about the festive songs, shows and decor, and they just basically look so bored and discontent with the gathering altogether.

#7 THE ONE WHO IS SLEEPY AND BORED

You can spot this person yawning while resting his or her head on the couch. This person does not necessarily hate Chinese New Year, they might just find family gatherings a little too much, especially when they have #2 or #3 around.

#8 THE ONE WHO LOVES CHINESE NEW YEAR

This person will be dressed head to toe like a red packet. He or she will jiving along to Chinese New Year music and most likely be the life of the party. Sounds like fun, but can be a pain if he/she is overly obsessed.

#9 THE RELATIVE WHO FORGETS YOUR NAME

The reason is simple – you see this person only once a year, and they will never remember your name. You just have to tell him/her whose kid you are, and they would go, “Ohhhhhhh!”

#10 THE SLEEPY UNCLE

There will always be an uncle of ours who would be dozing off on the couch, or just snoring away in the bedroom because, well, he is always sleepy.

Read: Here are some Chinese New Year 2016 Food Hacks You Need To Know Now.

About the writer:
Cheryl is a staff writer for ladyironchef. She loves a good steak and an even better cuppa. She eats just about anything and everything. In her free time, she regularly starts on sci-fi or fantasy movie marathons.

7 Chinese New Year Food Hacks You Need To Know Now

Cheryl Chong — Mon, 18 Jan 2016 01:00:40 +0000

Chinese New Year is no doubt one of the most hectic months of the year, especially if you are the appointed one to take charge of all the preparations. The lunar festivity is meant for fun and lots of time with the family, so would it not be nice to lessen any burden you have with some tips and hacks?

When it comes to prepping the menu, there is so much you can do to make your lives easier. And we can assure you that with these steps, you will have a mistake-proof Chinese New Year; food hacks really save our lives.

Here are some Chinese New Year 2016 Food Hacks You Need To Know Now.

#1 AVOID CHINATOWN FOR FOOD SHOPPING

If you cannot stand crowds, that is.

Chinatown during the Chinese New Year period might be fun and bustling, and discounts might be splendid. But crowds can be such a turn-off; we say go to a neighbourhood bazaar (there are tons every year and everywhere) instead to grab your decor and snacks and whatnot, instead of elbowing your way through and being elbowed at Chinatown.

#2 BUY GROCERIES ONLINE TO AVOID CROWDS

With platforms such as Redmart, you can even do some last minute shopping online and have it delivered right to your doorstep.

That is one big step already checked off your list. Speaking about convenience and laziness!

#3 RESTAURANT FOOD DELIVERY

If you are lazy to cook at home, why not get food delivery for your Chinese New Year dinner? And no, we are not talking about the ubiquitous pizza and fast food delivery.

Deliveroo has completely reinvented the idea by offering food delivery from top restaurants and cafes – all at a flat rate of S$3 per delivery. Readers of ladyironchef can use the promo code “LICROO” to get S$20 off your first order on Deliveroo.

#4 DIY VARIOUS SNACKS

If you are a fan of adding personal touches to the food you serve, try making your own simple and quick snacks for sharing. Recipes are aplenty online and are easy to find.

Want to showcase more creativity? Make use of CNY-related goodies and jazz them up. Pineapple tarts smoothie and bak kwa (BBQ-ed pork jerky) sandwich, anyone?

For the former, simply dunk a few pieces of pineapple tarts into the blender, add some milk or water, and have them blended into a drink. Sounds farfetched but you will be delightfully surprised by the taste.

The latter is our favourite thing to do. We would sit bak kwa slices atop our favourite breads (focaccia works well!), then sprinkle cheddar, and pop them in the microwave. Cheesy steak sandwiches reinvented and made better with bak kwa!

#5 FUN & CONVENIENT COMMUNAL HOT POT

Instead of thinking of a million recipes to make a buffet or dinner spread, why not do a hotpot instead? This is your ticket to a fool-proof meal plan!

After all, Chinese New Year is all about bringing families together for a reunion, and enjoying time together. Hotpot is the best way to interact, and communal dining is such a quintessential Chinese thing to do! Just remember to refer to point #2 when you do your grocery shopping.

#6 KNOW THE “LUCKY FOODS” BEFORE PREPARATION

This lunar festival is largely about prosperity and anything lucky. From decors to colours, foods to words, anything symbollic and auspicious will be very warmly welcomed.

Do your research well and proper, list down all the possible “lucky foods” you can include in your menu planning, and have this list with you when you do your grocery shopping.

This sounds so minute, but take it from us that your folks will be pleased by your effort.

#7 MAKE PRETTY & EASY SOFT DRINK POPSICLES

Instead of serving soft drinks in cans (which is just plain boring and we are all sick of such convenience by now), offer your guests soft drink popsicles instead!

They don’t take much effort – just overnight freezing – and they are so pretty. We are pretty sure the kids in your family will be so happy too.

Pimp your popsicles up and give it a lunar touch. Throw in pineapple chunks and mandarin slices. You can even use rose syrup for red-coloured popsicles; the redder the better for CNY!

When in doubt, refer to point #5.