Forget boring resolutions, make a pact with prosperity on a plate!
Yee Sang, also known as Yu Sheng or Lo Hei, is a vibrant and delicious salad that takes centre stage during Lunar New Year celebrations in Malaysia, Singapore and other parts of Southeast Asia. More than just a dish, it’s a tradition filled with symbolism, auspicious phrases, and communal joy. Let’s dive into the world of Yee Sang, exploring the meaning behind each ingredient, the lucky phrases to chant while preparing it, and where to find this iconic dish.
INGREDIENTS AND MEANINGS
Yee Sang is a colourful canvas adorned with a variety of ingredients, each carrying its own auspicious message:
Raw Fish, usually salmon slices
The word “fish” (鱼) sounds similar to “abundance” (余), making it a powerful symbol of prosperity.
Shredded Vegetables
Different vegetables represent different wishes: green papaya for longevity, white radish for purity, and carrots for good luck.
Pomelo or Lime
The tangy citrus adds a refreshing zing and symbolizes fortune.
Peanut Crumble and Sesame Seeds
These crunchy toppings represent wealth and prosperity.
Plum Sauce and Sesame Oil
The sweet and savoury sauces mean sweet and prosperous while adding depth and complexity to the dish.
Crispy Crackers
These deep-fried crackers add a delightful textural contrast and symbolize abundance.
As you assemble the Yee Sang, the fun begins! Each ingredient is accompanied by auspicious phrases chanted by everyone gathered around the table. Here are some key phrases to remember:
- Squeezing the Lime or Pomelo: “Da Ji Da Li!” (大吉大利)
- Adding the Fish: “Nian Nian You Yu!” (年年有余)
- Pouring the Plum Sauce: “Tian Tian Mi Mi!” (甜甜蜜蜜)
- Sprinkling the Peanut Crumble and Sesame Seeds: “Jin Yu Man Tang!” (金玉满堂)
- Adding the Crispy Crackers: “Huat Ah!” (发啊！)
Best places to order your Yee Sang for Chinese New Year celebration
Yee Sang is widely available throughout Malaysia, Singapore, and other parts of Southeast Asia, especially during the Lunar New Year. Here are some places to find it in Klang Valley:
GOODDAM
Forget your typical salmon yee sang! Gooddam throws tradition a delicious curveball with their slow-roasted pork belly, draped in a Sarawak black pepper gravy that’ll tantalize your taste buds for only RM158.
Feeling fancy? Indulge in their gourmet option, featuring grilled lobster, scallop sashimi, and house-made smoked salmon, priced at RM308, definitely a steal. Gooddam’s yee sang is sure to be the star of your celebration!
ORIENTAL GROUP OF RESTAURANTS
Don’t let the name fool you! Super Tanker restaurants have quietly become synonymous with authentic Chinese banquet feasts that surpass expectations. This Lunar New Year is no different, with their takeaway yee sang sets starting at just RM88 for a classic jellyfish and pear combo. Feeling fancy? Upgrade to opulent options like abalone (RM178) – a luxurious start to your festive celebrations.
For more information visit Oriental Group.
FIFTY TALES
This beloved Seapark noodle bar unveils their Cincai Dinner menu, a celebration of aromatic home-cooked delights with a modern twist. Taste the smoky whispers of pu-erh tea-infused corn-fed chicken leg, let the vibrant spring onion chimichurri dance on your palate with succulent pork ribs, and warm your soul with claypot glutinous rice nestled with 32-day aged duck ham. And no festive feast is complete without Fifty Tales’ signature yee sang: a vibrant salad dressed in their secret-recipe plum sauce and crowned with delicate, in-house cured red snapper. Enjoy their Yee Sang in-house or takeaway (prices start at RM58) to bring the festive feast home.
For more information visit Fifty Tales.
TABLE AND APRON
This beloved Seapark noodle bar unveils their Cincai Dinner menu, a celebration of aromatic home-cooked delights with a modern twist. Taste the smoky whispers of pu-erh tea-infused corn-fed chicken leg, let the vibrant spring onion chimichurri dance on your palate with succulent pork ribs, and warm your soul with claypot glutinous rice nestled with 32-day aged duck ham. And no festive feast is complete without Fifty Tales’ signature yee sang: a vibrant salad dressed in their secret-recipe plum sauce and crowned with delicate, in-house cured red snapper. Enjoy their Yee Sang in-house or takeaway (prices start at RM58) to bring the festive feast home.
For more information visit Table and Apron
Also read:
The Best Reunion Dinners in Kuala Lumpur this Chinese New Year
