ladyironchef » Yu Sheng in Singapore

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.

TungLok CNY Takeaway Goodies 2018 – Reunion Dinners With Restaurant Standards

ladyironchef — Fri, 26 Jan 2018 09:00:48 +0000

Chinese New Year is one festival that all of us Chinese people look forward to the most every year. It is an occasion of feasting, non-stop celebration and sheer exuberance; Lunar New Year is a time for a reunion with family and loved ones.

This joyous occasion is ultimately a celebration of family, hence gatherings with family and relatives around the dining table are a common sight. While it is commonplace for families to slug it out days before through the preparation and actual cooking, it definitely draws out the joy out of the festivities. This year, save yourself the trouble and effort of preparing everything from scratch by indulging in TungLok’s takeaway offerings.

What you can expect from the colossal brand this year is nothing short of grandeur for your family to luxuriate in—minus the hassle of cooking and washing up, of course. Their competitive prices make them a distinguished option for all home parties but rest assure that the quality of their food goes above and beyond their price point.

PROSPERITY YU SHENG

Simply put, Chinese New Year just would not be the same without the iconic yu sheng for lo hei. This dish that traditionally consists of shredded vegetables, various sweet and savoury condiments and fresh raw salmon is an auspicious staple that can be seen at almost every reunion meal.

TungLok’s magnificent and picturesque yu sheng comprises fresh vegetables, mushroom, yam, sweet potato shreds and a drizzle of TungLok’s healthier yu sheng sauce and it stays true to tradition by using fresh salmon instead of anything fancy.

TungLok scored yet another first as Health Promotion Board (HPB) has endorsed TungLok’s Yu Sheng Sauce for its lower sugar content, making this popular festive dish a perfect choice for a healthier celebration.

The Prosperity Yu Sheng is priced at S$48++ for 6 persons and S$78++ for 10 persons. *For takeaways, only Smoked Norwegian Salmon is available.

TUNG LOK PEN CAI

Pronounced as ‘poon choi’ in Cantonese, this one-dish item has come a long way from being served in wooden washbasins during the Song Dynasty to sturdy clay pots in modern times. Now, it is commonly enjoyed at reunion dinners.

TungLok Treasure Bowl (Pen Cai) is a wonderful pot full of premium delicacies ranging from abalone, dried oyster, scallops, prawns, slices of smoked duck and a variety of stewed vegetable and beancurd delights—all beautifully coated with a rich and thick gravy. Be prepared to dig deep to get every morsel of delicious goodness in this luxurious treasure bowl.

TungLok’s Treasure Bowl comes in 2 different variations, but every one boasts only the finest ingredients and homemade abalone sauce. The Heavenly Treasure Bowl that contains 16 ingredients is the most luxurious treat, and comes in two different sizes—S$388++ for 6 persons and S$588++ for 10 persons. The Royal Treasure Bowl contains 13 ingredients and is priced at S$288++ for 6 persons and S$388++ for 10 persons.

FRIED GLUTINOUS RICE WITH ASSORTED PRESERVED MEAT

Forming the bulk of your reunion dinner is the Fried Glutinous Rice With Assorted Preserved Meat that features fragrant rice fried with bits of roasted pork and mushrooms. The mixture is wrapped in a leaf for that extra boost of aroma.

As simple as it looks, we love this wholesome dish for its addictive chewy glutinous rice that is packed with flavourful waxed meat with every bite. The distinct umami taste and texture easily won us over.

SUPERIOR HERBAL CHICKEN

Who doesn’t love chicken? Especially one that is slow cooked for an extended period of time until the meat is fall-off-the-bone tender. Nothing spells comfort quite as accurately as TungLok’s Superior Herbal Chicken. Tender, succulent and redolent with deep herbal flavours and aromas, this is easily a crowd favourite.

Good news for the health conscious: this is dish is chock-full of nutritious qualities that are great for the young and old alike!

VEGETARIAN OPTIONS

As part of TungLok’s initiative to ensure every family has a memorable family reunion—regardless of dietary preferences—they have an array of vegetarian dishes that boasts vibrant colours and fresh flavours.

Gone are the days of unexciting, run-of-the-mill vegetarian dishes on Chinese New Year. What you can look forward to this year include favourites such as Longevity Treasure Bowl (Pen Cai), Thai-Style Deep-Fried Vegetarian Fish and more!

If you think that one type of Yu Sheng is enough, TungLok Group impresses with a second—a more vibrant Prosperity Vegetarian Yu Sheng that does not compromise on flavour.

This colourful vegetarian salad features a mixture of luscious ingredients from plump cherry tomatoes and pomegranate seeds that give each bite a nice pop of sweetness; toss to your heart’s content!

Featuring soy-based products in place of the various seafood and meat ingredients in their Longevity Treasure Bowl, reunion dinners will still be a grand and tasty affair for all our vegetarian friends.

Replacing the usual meats in a pen cai are 18 ingredients such as yellow fungus, fresh mushroom, an assortment of beancurd rolls and cuttlefish balls as well as vegetarian abalone.

The Longevity Treasure Bowl is exclusively available at LingZhi Vegetarian Restaurant at S$198++ for 6 persons and S$268++ for 10 persons.

Wrapped in a lotus leaf, their Fragrant Rice is a yummy treat to have as an alternative to its meat-filled counterpart.

Serving is pretty straightforward. Simply untie the piece of string that holds the parcel in place to reveal a treasure trove of aromatic and delicious brown rice, bits of corn, carrots, and mock meat—all beautifully accented by the fragrant leaf that the dish is cooked in.

Vegetarians will fawn over the Thai-Style Deep-Fried Vegetarian Fish like how we did. Not only did the dish look like genuine fish meat, we were impressed with the ‘fish’ texture right down to the overall taste.

Tender beancurd as the fish flesh and fried beancurd as its skin, the dish is covered in a layer of zesty saccharine Thai sauce. The fish roll is crispy on the outside yet soft and flaky on the inside.

CNY FESTIVE GIFTS AND GOODIES

And our friends are all going to receive TungLok Pork Bak Kwa and TungLok Nian Gao as festive gifts this year, we promise.

TungLok Nian Gao is the first in Singapore to be recognised by Health Promotion Board for its lower sugar content and as a source of dietary fibre, and it is available in unique flavours – traditional, pandan and black sesame at S$22+ per box.

Boost your immunity with the special Red Dates Nian Gao (S$28+ per box) that is filled with nutrients and vitamins. You will be spoilt for choices as you indulge in these sweet delights.

Believe us when we tell you that TungLok’s Pork Bak Kwa is among the best we have ever tried. Many may not know, but TungLok flame-grill their own Pork Bak Kwa in very limited quantities. The sweet and savoury succulent meat has enough bite that comes with pleasant hints of smokiness. The all-time popular Classic Bak Kwa comes with an option of honey-glazed and spicy flavours (S$35+ per 500 grams).

On top of that, TungLok’s X.O. sauce (S$9.80+)—made with a blend of dried canopy and silver bait using TungLok’s secret recipe—makes for a delicious gift for your family and relatives.

TAKE-HOME SETS

TungLok Group is offering sets in the form of Take-Home Feasts which comprises of Yu Sheng, Pen Cai, Superior Herbal Chicken, Fried Glutinous Rice with Assorted Preserved Meat and Nian Gao.

Prices start at S$268+, and there are several Take-Home Feasts that are great for 6 to 10 people. These Take-Home Feasts are perfect for your reunion dinners or if you need to bring an auspicious gift for all the house visits.

Early birds who make a purchase before 31 Jan 2018 will enjoy 15%* off for takeaway Yu Sheng, Pen Cai as well as the Take-Home Feasts. Additionally, you can receive 15%* off TungLok Festive Gifts from now until 02 Mar 2018. *Valid for MVG / tunglokfirst members and UOB card members.

For more enquiries, please visit www.tunglok.com.

This post is brought to you by TungLok Group.

Ginger – CNY Dinner Buffet With Prosperity Trio of Pen Cai, Lobster Lo Hei & Lobster

ladyironchef — Sun, 14 Jan 2018 07:00:31 +0000

When it comes to crab and seafood buffet, our minds naturally gravitate towards Chef Low and his team at Ginger at PARKROYAL on Beach Road. Drawing inspiration from Singapore’s culturally-rich ethnic landscape, the chefs at Ginger never fail to impress us with their tantalising array of seafood offerings each time we visit.

This Lunar New Year, usher the Year of the Dog with Ginger’s value-for-money buffet that will feature Boston lobsters in its Prosperity Trio. That’s right, lobster fans will be thrilled to hear that this all-day-dining restaurant is introducing a new Prosperity Lo Hei that swaps out the traditional salmon slices with luscious chunks of Boston Lobsters.

Exclusively for the dinner buffet from 05 Feb to 02 Mar 2018, every table will enjoy one complimentary serving of the Prosperity Trio—customised to suit the number of your dinner guests. The Prosperity Trio, is a new and exciting creation by Ginger that essentially comprises lavish delights such as their Prosperity Lo Hei with Boston Lobsters, Braised Sea Treasures (Pen Cai) and Wok-Fried Lobsters in Superior Stock.

Also making their debut on the buffet line are the Golden Sea Bass with Sha Sha Sauce, Barbecued Pork Ribs in Capital Sauce and Baked River Prawns with Garlic Shoyu (available from 01 Feb to 02 Mar 2018).

Quote ‘ladyironchef x Ginger CNY’ to enjoy 25% off for both the lunch and dinner buffet. That means you only pay S$36++ per adult for the lunch buffet and S$58.50++ for the dinner buffet!

PROSPERITY LO HEI WITH BOSTON LOBSTERS

No Chinese New Year would be complete without a prosperity toss or Lo Hei. Seen at literally every reunion meal, this iconic salad dish of technicolour beauty symbolises starting the new year on a good note.

Traditionally, salmon slices are used but Ginger raises the bar this year with their Prosperity Lo Hei with Boston Lobsters that introduces luscious, plump lobster meat as well as a myriad of ingredients not commonly found in your typical yu sheng; think ingredients such as pomegranate, jellyfish, deep-fried and salmon skin.

Taking the idea of reunion dinners to a whole new level, each table will enjoy one complimentary serving of the Prosperity Trio during the dinner buffet that comprises this extravagant Lo Hei, as well as a serving of the Braised Sea Treasures and Wok-Fried Lobsters In Superior Stock—no minimum number of persons required!

BRAISED SEA TREASURES

Not many know about this, but back in the olden days, Pen Cai was a dish strictly meant for royalty—more specifically the emperor during the Song Dynasty. Now a mainstay in many Chinese restaurants, this braised treasure pot of goodness is something anyone can enjoy.

Boasting premium ingredients such as baby abalone, sea cucumber, fresh scallops, fish maw, dried oysters and wawa vegetables, Ginger’s Braised Sea Treasures is so luxurious, rich and will definitely impress everyone in the family.

WOK FRIED LOBSTERS IN SUPERIOR STOCK

The Wok Fried Lobsters in Superior Stock, (available only as part of the exclusive Prosperity Trio served during the dinner buffet), is a crustacean enthusiast’s dream come true. Fried with ginger and scallions, the plump lobsters achieve a clean and fragrant aroma that does not overpower the natural sweetness of the crustacean. Once fried to a golden shade, it is further intensified with a savoury stock.

Each piece of lobster that we had was tender and oozing with savoury flavours. On the outside, you get a mildly caramelised exterior with subtle hints of wok hei and on the inside, the flesh was still soft and sweet.

GOLDEN SEA BASS WITH SHA SHA SAUCE

Given the expertise of our friend, Executive Chef Low Hoe Kiat, in Asian cooking, Ginger will offer a wide variety of traditional delicacies to usher in the auspicious year. Debuting on the buffet line is the Golden Sea Bass with Sha Cha Sauce which is deep-fried whole.

The deep-fried fish boasts a crispy exterior and delicate meat that is brought to life with the addition of the savoury sha sha sauce—a traditional Teochew condiment comprising soybean oil, garlic, shallots, chilis, and dried shrimp.

BARBECUED PORK RIBS IN CAPITAL SAUCE

If there was any way to describe perfection in a bite, their Barbecued Pork Ribs in Capital Sauce would be it. Sticky, sweet and complete with a charred and smoky quality, this lean pork rib is hands down, a winner in our book.

BAKED RIVER PRAWNS WITH GARLIC SHOYU

One of the newer highlights of Ginger’s extensive buffet spread is Chef Low’s signature Baked River Prawns with Garlic Shoyu, a tantalising treat that boasts succulent textures in every bite. The garlic and shoyu combination play a profound role in this dish which complements the natural sweetness of the river prawns excellently.

BRAISED SEA CUCUMBER WITH TREASURES

Another new addition to the buffet line-up is the new Braised Sea Cucumber with Treasures that features sumptuous and chunky braised sea cucumber, pork belly and vegetables. Although we are not huge fans of sea cucumber, we must say that the ones here are braised beautifully.

Last but most certainly not least, is this stellar fried chicken dish that is bound to have you going back for seconds or even thirds. Lightly battered and fried whole, the chicken is insanely crispy with a flavour closely resembling that of our favourite Har Cheong Gai.

Don’t forget to quote ‘ladyironchef x Ginger CNY’ to enjoy 25% savings for both the dinner and lunch buffet. That means you only pay S$36++ per adult for the lunch buffet and S$58.50++ for the dinner buffet.

Terms and conditions:

**Offer is valid from 5 February to 2 March 2018.
**Offer is valid from Mondays to Sundays.
**Offer is not valid during Eve of and on Day of Public Holidays.
**Blackout dates on 15 February 2018, 16 February 2018 and 17 February 2018 apply.
**Prior reservation is highly recommended and subject to availability.
**Offer cannot be combined with any other promotions, offers or vouchers.
**Prices are subject to service charge and Goods and Services Tax (GST).
**Prosperity Trio is served exclusively during the dinner buffet.
**Prosperity Trio is customised to suit the number of guests per table and limited to one serving only.
**The hotel reserves the right to amend promotional details without prior notice.

Chinese New Year Lunch Buffet
5 February to 2 March 2018
Mon to Fri: Adult S$48++, Child S$24++
15 February 2018 (Eve of CNY): Adult S$68++, Child S$34++
16 & 17 February 2018 (1st & 2nd day of CNY): Adult S$68++, Child S$34++

Chinese New Year Dinner Buffet
5 February to 2 March 2018
Mon to Fri: Adult S$78++, Child S$39++
15 February 2018 (Eve of CNY): Adult S$98++, Child S$49++
16 & 17 February 2018 (1st & 2nd day of CNY): Adult S$78++, Child S$39++

Ginger
PARKROYAL on Beach Road
7500 Beach Road
Singapore 199591
For reservations: +65 6505 5710 or dining.prsin@parkroyalhotels.com
Daily: 6pm – 10.00pm
Nearest Stations: Bugis / Nicoll Highway

This post is brought to you by PARKROYAL on Beach Road.

Chinese New Year Dinner Singapore 2012

ladyironchef — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 00:00:45 +0000

I’m really excited that Chinese New Year is just less than two weeks away. It is the time where we get to catch up with our relatives and friends. And of course, the part that I’m looking forward to is eating lots of yummy food.

In recent years, more and more families are choosing to eat out because of convenience and ambience. There are also some that order Chinese New Year Takeaways from restaurants and hotels, to eat at the comfort of their homes. No matter where you are having your reunion dinner, I hope you will have a good time with your loved ones!

If you are still looking for a restaurant to celebrate the occasion, let me help you with some suggestions for Chinese New Year Dinner 2012.

Chin Huat Live Seafood

For a scrumptious seafood feast, go to Chin Huat at Sunset Way for their Chinese New Year Promotion. At $398++ for 10 persons, the set menu comes with Salmon Yu Sheng, Braised Shark’s Fin, Deep-fried Goby, Poached Live Prawns and Steamed Chicken.

105 Clementi Street 12
#01-30 Sunset Way Singapore
Tel: +65 6775 7348

Mandarin Court Chinese Restaurant

This Lunar New Year, Executive Chinese Chef Sunny Kong of Mandarin Court Chinese Restaurant has put together 10 different signature menus ranging from the $98++ per person menu (minimum 2 persons) – which features Salmon Yusheng, Braised Shark’s Fin, Steamed Sea Perch, and Braised Baby Abalone; to an extravagant $1,888++ meal for 10 persons, from 13 January to 6 February 2012.

From their Chinese New Year Takeaway menu, the prosperity Salmon Yusheng for 8-10 persons is available for $108, while the Pen Cai for 5-8 persons is $368.

333 Orchard Road Level 35
Orchard Wing Mandarin Orchard Singapore
Tel: +65 6831 6262

Man Fu Yuan

Over at Man Fu Yuan Intercontinental Hotel, there are 12 different options to cater to everyone’s tastes. The 6 course menu ($108++/pax) – with Yu Sheng, Shark’s Fin, Baby Abalone, Deep-Fried Sea Perch – is ideal for a family of 4.

Should you choose to celebrate your Chinese New Year Dinner Party at home, Man Fu Yuan also presents an attractive takeaway package which includes Pen Cai and Yu Sheng at $358 (DBS Credit Card promotion at $320).

80 Middle Road
2F Intercontinental Hotel
Tel: +65 6825 1062

Chinese New Year Eve, also known as Chu Xi: the day where families gather for reunion dinner.

Imperial treasure steamboat

What’s Chinese New Year’s Eve without steamboat?

On 22th Jan 2012, Imperial Treasure Steamboat at TripleOne Somerset has created special Chinese New Year set menus. For a family of 4, you can have the $328++ menu which comes with Lo Hei, Seafood, Prawns, Abalones, Scallops, Clams, and Desserts.

For those of you who are having an early reunion dinner celebration, the normal set menu for 4 persons is $168++.

111 Somerset Road, #02-21 TripleOne Somerset
Tel: +65 6732 8231

Keng Eng Kee Seafood

For a simple reunion dinner, head over to Keng Eng Kee Seafood Restaurant. There are two Chinese New Year Set Menus at $399 and $499 (for 10 pax). For smaller families, you can order from their Cze Char ala carte menu.

The last I checked, they are fully booked during Chinese New Year’s Eve.

Blk 124 Bukit Merah Lane 1
#01-136 Alexandra Village Singapore
Tel: +65 6272 1038

Paradise Inn

With 11 branches in Singapore, Paradise Inn is the ideal choice for your family reunion dinner. The casual dining restaurant serves good Chinese food at affordable prices.

23 Serangoon Central
#03-15 NEX Mall
Tel: +65 6634 4228

What’s there not to like about Chinese New Year when you get to eat traditional goodies like kueh bangkit, loveletters, pinapple tarts, peanut cookies, and bak kwa?

Yan Ting

One of my favourite Chinese restaurants in Singapore, Yan Ting at the St Regis is the place to go if money is no object.

Yan Ting presents several sumptuous set menus for Chinese New Year 2012. You can choose from the 8 course ($1088++/10pax) which has Salmon Yusheng, Braised Shark’s Fin Soup, Steamed Soon Hock, and Crispy Roasted Chicken; and the 9 course which has Double-boiled Shark’s Fin Soup, Pan-roasted Rack of Lamb, Crispy Peking Duck as the highlights.

There’s also the 6 course set menu at $98++/pax (min 2 persons) for smaller families. The Lunar New Year Dinner menus are available from 12th January to 6th February 2012.

29 Tanglin Road
The St Regis Singapore
Tel: +65 6506 6888