Best delivery and takeaway yu sheng in Singapore (2022) for every budget - includes halal & vegetarian options!

When it comes to celebrating Chinese New Year (CNY) in Singapore, one simply cannot celebrate the occasion without observing the Lou Hei 捞起 (Cantonese for ‘tossing up’) tradition and eating Yusheng鱼生.

The most popular and modern incarnation of this dish is the Qicai Yu Sheng (七彩鱼生; “seven-coloured raw fish salad “): a dish which is enjoyed in homes and restaurants all over Singapore during the CNY period.

As such, if you looking for some delicious yu sheng to celebrate togetherness and ring in good fortune in the year ahead — we got you!

We scoured this island to put together this list of yu sheng options for every budget with everything from the affordable ones you can find at our supermarkets ; the atas (sophisticated or elegant) ones at five-star hotels; and healthier vegetarian options.

So do save this article and return to it when you need to!

Do note that information is accurate as of Jan 17, 2022. Prices and promotions are subject to change without prior notice.

History of Yu Sheng And Lou Hei in Singapore

But like many dishes in Singapore, there are two competing claims for the invention of the modern version of the dish.

Modern yusheng was said to have been invented in the 1940s by Malaysian chef Loke Ching Fatt who created the dish in Seremban, Malaysia.

However, some claim that the dish was created in 1964 in Singapore by the “Four Heavenly Kings” in the Singapore restaurant scene: chefs Hooi Kok Wai, Lau Yoke Pui, Sin Leong and Tham Yui Kai.

Before I start another war about who ACTUALLY invented this dish, let’s focus on the main point here:

Yummy yu sheng and prosperous lou hei!

Affordable Yu Sheng Delivery From Supermarkets (Under $40)

This is a popular choice, especially for smaller families or families who prefer a simple, hassle-free lou hei moment and don’t want to spend too much.

Most of the Yu Shengs on this list cost less than $20.

You can also get these at your nearby supermarkets – plus points for convenience and price.

Not to mention that you can also get the yu sheng delivered to your house!

Hotels and Restaurants Yu Sheng platters

Vegetarian Yu Sheng Singapore + Halal Yusheng Singapore

Yusheng Ingredients

Also, if you want to impress your friends and family with your knowledge or make your own yu sheng, here is a breakdown of the yu sheng ingredients and what they mean:

1. Raw fish symbolises abundance and prosperity. You say: “Nian Nian You Yu” or “You Yu You Sheng” (Abundance throughout the year)
2. Pomelo is added to the salad right after the fish to add luck. You say: “Da Ji Da Li” (Good luck and smooth sailing)
3. Pepper and cinnamon powder both signify a wish for wealth. You say: “Zhao Cai Jin Bao”. (Attract wealth and treasures)
4. Oil should be drizzled in a circular motion. You say: “Yi Ben Wan Li” (Make 10,000 times of profit with your capital) “Cai Yuan Guang Jin” (Countless sources of wealth)
5. Carrots represent good luck. You say: “Hong Yun Dang Tou” (Good luck is approaching)
6. Green radish symbolises eternal youth. You say: “Qing Chun Chang Zhu” (Forever young)
7. White radish is meant to bring about good business opportunities. You say: “Feng Sheng Shui Qi” and “Bu Bu Gao Sheng” (Reaching a higher level with each step and Progressing at a fast pace)
8. Crushed peanuts are sprinkled onto the dish to symbolise that your household will be filled with valuable possessions. You say: “Jin Yin Man Wu” (Household filled with gold and silver)
9. Sesame seeds are added to the salad right after the crushed peanuts have been sprinkled on top. You say: “Sheng Yi Xing Long” (Prosperity for the business)
10. Golden crackers symbolise great wealth. You say: “Bian Di Huang Jin” (Floor full of gold)
11. Plum Sauce, like the oil, is poured all over the dish instead of just one spot. You say: “Tian Tian Mi Mi” (Sweet and loving relationships)

Whether you believe in it or not, it doesn’t hurt to get all the luck we can possibly get, right?

This article was first published in Seedly.