SingaporeMotherhood | Family Fun
December 2024
CNY 2025: 18 Scaled-up Yusheng (鱼生) to Usher in the Year of the Snake
The Year of the Snake is slithering its way into 2025, promising a year of wisdom, grace, and prosperity. For your Chinese New Year (CNY) reunion dinners, we’ve curated a line-up of uniquely scaled-up yusheng creations, each brimming with tantalising flavours and auspicious ingredients. From classic interpretations to daring new concepts, these vibrant platters will bring good fortune and a symphony of huat to every gathering.
In case you need a reminder of the key steps to the customary lohei yusheng (捞起鱼生) ritual, we’ve also included a quick refresher below. With CNY Eve falling on 28 January 2025, it’s time to brush up on those auspicious sayings!
(See also: 10 Nosy #NoFilter Questions we’ve been asked during CNY Visits (and how to answer some of them))
1. Gold & Silver Yusheng Prosperity Toss – Artemis Grill & Sky Lounge
Toss modernity with tradition at sky-high dining concept Artemis Grill this season. The Silver Set features Salmon and Ikura Caviar, with pickled wakame, red cabbage, carrot, sesame, peanut, daikon radish, tapioca cracker, and gold leaf. Whereas the Gold Set adds on Hamachi and Hokkaido scallop for extra indulgence.
From $68, for dine-in from 13 Jan to 12 Feb 2025
2. Octopus Yusheng – Birds of A Feather
Birds of A Feather offers an East-meets-West Octopus Yusheng. Plump octopus legs are first sous-vide until just tender, then quickly torched to seal in the juices and flavour. It also features endives, microgreens, peanut crumbs, grapefruit segments, and edible flowers, with house-made yu xiang (鱼香) dressing and ma hua (麻花) flakes.
$88, for dine-in from 24 Jan to 9 Feb 2025
3. ‘Kerabu’ Lobster Yusheng – Café Quenino, Artyzen Singapore
Blending tradition with innovation, Artyzen Singapore sets the stage for a spectacular CNY celebration at Café Quenino. Its ‘Kerabu’ Lobster Yusheng is a fresh and tangy take on the classic. Poached lobster stars amidst a medley of julienned veggies, young mango, papaya, and crispy yam tossed in a makrut lime and ginger flower dressing.
$88, for dine-in from 20 Jan to 13 Feb 2025
4. Premium Prosperity Yusheng with Fresh South African Abalone, Great Amberjack & Australian Scallop – Crystal Jade Palace, Golden Palace & Pavilion
This year, Crystal Jade Group shines the spotlight on South African abalone, great amberjack sashimi, and Australian scallops. The new interpretation also pairs pink grapefruit, pomelo, red apple, and dried mango strips with mandarin orange, dried orange peel, and kaffir lime leaf chiffonade. Finally, deep-fried yam strips, candied walnuts, and Hsin Chu beehoon crisps provide a crunchy contrast to the Shikuwasa citrus dressing.
From $128, for dine-in & takeaway from 8 Jan to 12 Feb 2025
5. Signature Gyu Sheng – Fat Cow
Naturally, Singapore’s favourite wagyu specialist restaurant would serve a very special yusheng – or rather, gyu-sheng! Fat Cow presents its Signature Gyu Sheng starring thin slices of Toriyama Umami Wagyu. The supporting cast includes the likes of chuka kurage and chuka wakame, as well as assorted julienned vegetables.
$68, for dine-in from 22 Jan to 5 Feb 2025
6. Abundance Yusheng – Ginkyō by Kinki
Modern Japanese bistro Ginkyō by Kinki offers an astonishing yusheng iteration in line with its culinary ethos of playfully blending authenticity with contemporary creativity. A mountain of salmon, tuna, and swordfish sashimi joins golden orbs of salmon roe and flying fish roe. Lastly, an aromatic truffle oil and goma dressing tie it all together.
$88, for dine-in from 1 to 31 Jan 2025
7. Auspicious & Abundance Yusheng – Ichiban Boshi, Ichiban Sushi & Kuriya Japanese Market
If you consider quality sashimi the most important element of yusheng, then here’s one for you. Toss to a year of high fortune with the Auspicious Yusheng from Ichiban Boshi and Ichiban Sushi. It comes with 24 slices of salmon sashimi and RE&S Group’s signature yuzu sauce. Over at Kuriya Japanese Market, the Abundance Yusheng (above) features a total of 28 slices of salmon, maguro, and sudachi yellowtail. You also receive complimentary red packets and a ‘Huat’ Yusheng Mat.
$68.80, for dine-in & takeaway from 2 Jan to 12 Feb 2025 (pre-orders open 23 Dec online & 26 Dec in-store)
8. Gold Rush Snake Yusheng – Jade, The Fullerton Hotel Singapore
Jade’s multi-talented Chinese executive chef Leong Chee Yeng presents the Gold Rush Snake Yusheng with a calligraphy greeting and snake illustration hand-painted in five-spice powder. Norwegian smoked salmon, shallot oil, kumquat dressing, and Jade’s signature golden champagne jelly cubes complete the platter. In an ultimate display of artistry, chef Leong also creates a 3D snake from king prawn and rose wine-marinated abalone. This Deluxe Edition ‘Sure Win’ Yusheng (top image) is available only when dining in.
From $78, for dine-in & takeaway (without illustrations) from 6 Jan to 12 Feb 2025
9. Japanese-inspired Premium Yusheng – Keyaki, Pan Pacific Singapore
Toss to new beginnings with Keyaki’s luxurious Premium Yusheng. The opulent platter features lush ingredients such as lobster, ikura, and uni, adorned with Kinpaku gold flakes and Ginpaku silver flakes. Alternatively, order the Wafu Yusheng, which presents bluefin tuna, Hamachi, yellowtail, Kurage jellyfish, and Harihari Nankin shredded pumpkin.
From $138, for dine-in from 8 Jan to 12 Feb 2025
(See also: Will Chinese New Year Traditions End With My Generation?)
10. Blazing Snake Fortune Yusheng – Man Fu Yuan, InterContinental Singapore
In keeping with Man Fu Yuan’s CNY tradition, the Blazing Snake Fortune Yu Sheng measures 60 inches in circumference. For dine-in only, the impressive creation features eight snakes making up the Chinese character for fortune (福). The symbolism continues with the addition of flambéed unagi (eel), abalone, rock lobster, ikura, crispy shredded dried Hokkaido scallop, salmon sashimi, and crispy fish skin. Don’t worry, more modest versions are also available for smaller parties.
From $98, for dine-in & takeaway from 6 Jan to 16 Feb 2025
11. Bountiful 8-Grain Yusheng – Racines, Sofitel Singapore City Centre
Begin gatherings with the new Bountiful 8-Grain Yusheng from Racines at Sofitel Singapore City Centre. Inspired by an increasing number of health-conscious folk, this vegetarian iteration represents an abundant harvest. It includes nutritious grains and seeds, such as black-eyed beans, quinoa, pumpkin seeds, and millet. Traditional smoked salmon and abalone options are also available.
From $138, for dine-in & takeaway from 13 Jan to 12 Feb 2025
12. Auspicious Golden Snake Yusheng – Shang Palace, Shangri-La Singapore
Headlining Shang Palace’s wide range of yusheng platters, the limited-edition Auspicious Snake Yusheng pairs Scottish smoked salmon with jellyfish. Its head is carved from a mango, while layers of dragonfruit, and green and yellow Italian cucumber form its body. Other renditions feature a mix of Norwegian smoked salmon, South African abalone, poached lobster, golden crispy fish skin, and marmoreal mushroom.
From $70.80, for dine-in & takeaway from 13 Jan to 12 Feb 2025
13. Prosperity Fugu & Smoked Salmon Yusheng with Organic Fresh Greens – Si Chuan Dou Hua Restaurant
Si Chuan Dou Hua Restaurant unveils a first-of-its-kind yusheng to celebrate the Year of the Snake. Exclusively available at the TOP of UOB Plaza flagship (above), it comprises over 30 varieties of organic greens, cresses, and edible flowers. Presented in the shape of a snake, it is topped with either smoked salmon or fugu (pufferfish) sashimi, the latter air-flown from Shimonoseki, Japan’s fugu capital. The outlet at PARKROYAL on Beach Road also serves similar yusheng platters featuring fugu or smoked salmon.
From $78, for dine-in (links above) & takeaway from 6 Jan to 12 Feb 2025
14. Tablescape Seafood Yusheng – Tablescape Restaurant & Bar, Grand Park City Hall
Toss to heights of fortune and success with the indulgent Tablescape Seafood Yusheng. Shaped like a snake, it stars Josper-grilled octopus, local lobster, as well as maguro loin and salmon sashimi. The festive staple is replete with avruga caviar, ikura, crispy fish skin, golden crackers, gold leaf, and honey sesame dressing. Smaller families can order the more traditional Prosperity Yusheng instead.
From $88, for takeaway from 8 Jan to 9 Feb 2025
15. Slithering Abundance Yusheng – Tajimaya Yakiniku
Auger abundance with Tajimaya Yakiniku’s Slithering Abundance Yusheng with Wafu Plum Sauce. The striking centrepiece features 36 pieces of premium salmon sashimi forming the shape of a snake. Or opt for the elegant Floral Abundance Yusheng, an artful arrangement of 12 pieces of salmon and six each of tuna and Hamachi into a blooming flower.
From $108, for dine-in & takeaway from 15 Jan to 12 Feb 2025
16. Sliced 2-Head Abalone Yusheng – Xin Cuisine Chinese Restaurant, Holiday Inn Singapore Atrium
Welcome the Year of the Snake with Xin Cuisine’s luxurious Sliced 2-Head Abalone Yusheng. The masterpiece pairs tender, premium abalone with a vibrant medley of vegetables and zesty plum sauce. Another unique option is the Salmon Taro Yusheng. The classic signature Salmon Yusheng is also available, while the Vegetarian Salmon Yusheng offers a wholesome alternative.
From $8, for dine-in & takeaway from 3 Jan to 12 Feb 2025
17. Crispy Golden Eel & Yellowtail Yusheng – Ya Ge, Orchid Hotel Singapore
At the heart of Ya Ge’s CNY menu this year is a snake-shaped platter of transformation and good fortune. A house-made passionfruit kumquat dressing lifts the formation of vibrant vegetables, while highlighting savoury yellowtail and crispy eel skin. Final touches include edible gold leaf embracing the snake’s head, as well as signature mango puddings, this time in the shape of auspicious koi fish.
From $88, for dine-in & takeaway from 13 Jan to 12 Feb 2025
18. Kaleidoscope of Prosperity Yusheng in ‘Shun De’ Style with Yellowtail Slices & Sakura Shrimps – YÀN
Herald heights of prosperity with YÀN’s headlining Kaleidoscope of Prosperity Yusheng this year. Its signature ‘Shun De’ style yusheng features a mountain of crackling vermicelli, purple and yellow sweet potato, crispy shredded conpoy, pickled ginger, and gold flakes, atop a halo of vegetables. Last but not least, tender yellowtail slices and Sakura shrimps complete the ensemble. Other options pair Sakura shrimps with salmon, baby abalone, or lobster.
From $88, for dine-in & takeaway from 6 Jan to 12 Feb 2025
(See also: Mums-to-Be, Take Note of These 8 CNY Goodies Pregnant Women Should Avoid)
Lohei Yusheng Step by Step
Ready to begin the prosperity toss? Firstly, start by offering good wishes to everyone at the table. Try Gong Xi Fa Cai (恭喜发财; Congratulations for windfalls) or Wan Shi Ru Yi (万事如意; May all things go your way). Since it’s the Year of the Snake, you can also include She Nian Xing Da Yun (蛇年行大运; The Year of the Snake brings great luck).
As either the head of the family or the restaurant server proceeds to add each ingredient to the dish, they should call out the following auspicious sayings, while everyone else exclaims Shou Dao (收到; Received) in response.
Step 1: Arrange slices of raw fish
Say: Nian Nian You Yu (年年有余)
It means: Abundance every year
Step 2: Squeeze lime juice over the fish
Say: Da Ji Da Li (大吉大利)
It means: Much luck and fortune
Step 3: Scatter pepper and five-spice powder
Say: Zhao Cai Jin Bao (招财进宝)
It means: Attract money and bring in treasures
Step 4: Drizzle the oil in a circular motion over the ingredients
Say: Cai Yuan Guang Jin (财源广进) or Yi Ben Wan Li (一本万利)
It means: Wealth to come from all directions and increase profits 10,000 times
Step 5: Throw in the julienned carrots
Say: Hong Yun Dang Tou (鸿运当头)
It means: Good luck is imminent
Step 6: Add the shredded green radish
Say: Qing Chun Chang Zhu (青春常驻)
It means: Eternal youth
Step 7: Then the shredded white radish
Say: Feng Sheng Shui Qi (风生水起) or Bu Bu Gao Sheng (步步高升)
It means: Prosperity in business and promotions at work or in school
Step 8: Sprinkle finely chopped peanuts
Say: Jin Yin Man Wu (金银满屋)
It means: A house filled with gold and silver
Step 9: Sprinkle sesame seeds
Say: Sheng Yi Xing Long (生意兴隆)
It means: Flourishing business
Step 10: Scatter golden crackers
Say: Pian Di Huang Jin (遍地黄金)
It means: Gold everywhere you step
Step 11: Drizzle the sweet plum sauce
Say: Tian Tian Mi Mi (甜甜蜜蜜)
It means: Sweet and loving relationships
Step 12: Chopsticks at the ready? Toss away!
Say: Huat ah! (发啊!)
It means: Prosperity!
(See also: 12 Yummy CNY Goodies to Make with Your Loved Ones)
Prices may be subject to prevailing taxes; prices and menus are accurate at time of publishing.
Featured image: The Fullerton Hotel Singapore
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