Lucky fish dish
(A meal of ‘lao yusheng’ at Ying’s relatives home: Singapore)
What I have enjoyed most since arriving in Asia, but certainly since I arrived into Singapore is that I have been welcomed wholeheartedly into people’s lives, homes and families. In the past couple of days, I have been part of the household, visiting all Ying’s relatives – the only difference between myself and everyone else (besides my colour and bewilderment) is that every person has spoken to me; asking me what I have seen in Singapore, whether I understand the symbolism of a certain baffling CNY practice or what I would most like to eat or drink.
As per usual, I deliver a certain novelty to an occasion, I fear I was a slight disappointment last night because I actually ate everything on the menu without making any fuss or asking any questions. Ying’s uncle checked first that I was aware of the existence of ‘tofu’ (bean curd), and then was visibly taken aback when I insisted for the third time that I have eaten and would eat fish head curry. “It is a fish head, you know that?” He derived great amusement from offering me platters and watching me scoop their contents into my bowl.
This dish is called ‘lao yusheng’ and looks like this in Chinese (thanks to Ying’s dad)
捞鱼生
The term means ‘lucky raw fish’ and it’s a traditional dish specific to Singapore and Malaysia. The Chinese are fond of puns and word play, so each of the many ingredients added to the dish has a different meaning and property. It’s a blend of raw fish, spices, herbs, nuts and shredded radish. Once all the foods have been placed together in the dish, the party is called together to mix it all up with chopsticks and then share it out all together. You can see that there were many people all fighting for a share – Chinese New Year is so similar to Christmas in its family oriented silliness that it’s impossible not to feel rather festive. This dish is only particular to Singapore and Malaysia (I was told) so it’s quite a special dish. Hopefully it will bring us all luck and prosperity in the New Year.
shoulda told me you were in SG baby!!!
Happy New Year, Rosie!!
Hello Rosie,
Here is a link that explains what Yu Sheng means.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yusheng