During the 2023 Lunar New Year celebrations, political leaders, including Singapore's Prime Minister Lawrence Wong (left) and Malaysia's Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim (third from left), participated in mixing a plate of yusheng. Getty Images
The "prosperity toss" has become a cherished Lunar New Year tradition that may initially appear as a chaotic food fight. However, those who partake in this lively celebration know it’s more than just tossing food around—it’s a festive custom that symbolizes prosperity, luck, and unity for the coming year.
The scene is set around a table covered with a cloth, as diners eagerly surround it, chopsticks in hand, ready for the toss. A platter filled with colorful ingredients is prepared, and each item is added to the plate with auspicious phrases being chanted. The sequence begins with vegetables, followed by raw fish, dressing, and garnishes like nuts or crispy wontons.
Lunar New Year celebrations often feature lucky dishes, which can be enjoyed at Keng Eng Kee Seafood in Singapore, a food stall recommended by the Michelin Guide. CNN
As the final ingredients are added, the energy builds, and the tossing begins. Diners enthusiastically lift their chopsticks, sending ingredients flying in hopes of bringing good fortune. “The higher the toss, the more blessings you’re wishing for,” says Paul Liew, a third-generation owner of Keng Eng Kee Seafood, a Michelin Guide-recommended food stall in Singapore. “But it’s more about the spirit of the celebration than a competition.”
The history of the prosperity toss is as lively as the event itself. Singapore and Malaysia both lay claim to the invention of this tradition, with each country’s culinary experts offering their own version of the dish. Some trace the modern form of yusheng, also known as yee sang or lou sang, to the 1960s in Singapore, where four prominent chefs added colorful vegetables and tangy sauces to raw fish, creating the popular dish that’s a staple of Lunar New Year celebrations.
In Malaysia, the origin story differs, with claims that chefs at Loke Ching Kee restaurant in Seremban City in the 1940s were inspired by traditional fish noodle dishes to create the prosperity toss. Despite these competing stories, the tradition has become beloved in both countries, sparking friendly debates about its true roots.
“The prosperity toss is something that’s enjoyed not just for its taste, but for the joy it brings,” Liew explains. “What’s more important is how it’s celebrated today, in the spirit of togetherness and hope for the new year.”
The toss itself is more than just a fun moment during the meal; it’s about creating a balance of textures and flavors. Liew emphasizes that a good toss blends the crispness of vegetables, the crunch of peanuts, and the moisture of the sauce, which binds the dish together. “The sauce makes a big difference,” he adds. “It’s the secret ingredient to a perfect toss.”
Fifty Tales, a restaurant in Malaysia, was founded by Bimmy Soh, Aaron Phua, and Aaron Khor. During the Lunar New Year season, they offer a unique version of the traditional prosperity toss dish. CNN
As the prosperity toss spreads beyond its origins in Singapore and Malaysia, chefs in various parts of the world have embraced this culinary tradition. In Toronto, Hong Kong-Canadian chef Susur Lee serves a version of the dish all year round, with deep-fried taro noodles and a fruity dressing. In Malaysia, new restaurants like Fifty Tales have put their spin on the dish, offering versions that feature premium ingredients like abalone and fresh vegetables, along with in-house sauces.
Despite its fun and festive nature, the prosperity toss is not just about the food—it’s about bringing people together. As Liew shares, it’s a tradition that symbolizes a fresh start and a hopeful new year. “Even my father, who’s usually reserved, joins in with his grandkids,” he says with a smile. “It brings out a different side of everyone, and that’s what makes it special.”
While the toss may lead to some mess—ingredients often end up on the ceiling or scattered across the room—it’s all part of the fun. The higher you toss, the more fortune you’re inviting, making the playful chaos a beloved part of the tradition.
