Yee Sang in Malaysia: Meaning, Recipe & Tips for Chinese New Year 2026

Every Chinese New Year in Malaysia, there’s one thing we all look forward to besides angpaos and cookies — Yee Sang.
Whether you call it Yee Sang, Yu Sheng, Lou Sang, or in Malay “Prosperity Toss”, this colorful dish brings people together with good wishes and loud, happy energy.

In this guide, you’ll learn:
✔ what that means
✔ the ingredients & recipe
✔ is healthy？
✔ how to make it at home
✔ and… what to wear for Lo Hei (super important for Malaysians 😆)

Let’s start!

What Is Yee Sang?

What does Yee Sang mean?

Yee Sang (鱼生) literally means “raw fish”, but in Chinese New Year culture, it represents abundance, prosperity and good luck.

In Cantonese, people say “Lo Hei” which means “to toss up” — symbolizing rising fortune.

Yee Sang in Malay

Many Malaysians call it “Salad Prosperiti”, “Toss Salad”, or simply Yee Sang Malaysia style because it’s a uniquely Malaysian-New Year dish.

When do we eat Yee Sang?

Usually from the 7th day of Chinese New Year (Ren Ri / 人日), but in Malaysia, restaurants start serving it as early as December.
Families enjoy it during:

• reunion dinner
• office gathering
• friends gathering
• company annual dinner
• Chinese New Year lunch/dinner

Yee Sang recipe preparation with shredded vegetables, salmon, sesame seeds and plum sauceYee Sang Ingredients — Full List

The classic Yee Sang includes:

Vegetables

• shredded carrots
• radish
• cucumber
• purple cabbage

Pickled items

• pickled ginger
• pickled papaya

Condiments

• lime
• sesame seeds
• peanuts
• plum sauce

Protein

• salmon
• abalone
• jellyfish

Crispy toppings

• golden crackers (everyone’s favourite 😆)

Symbolic meanings

• Carrots → good luck
• Radish → prosperity
• Lime → smooth years ahead
• Salmon → abundance
• Crackers → gold

Yee Sang Recipe — How to Make It at Home

Here’s a simple Yee Sang recipe perfect for Happy New Year 2026 gatherings.

Step-by-step

1. Prepare shredded vegetables
2. Arrange ingredients nicely on a big plate
3. Add salmon slices on top
4. Sprinkle sesame seeds & peanuts
5. Pour plum sauce
6. Everyone stands up and shouts auspicious phrases
7. Toss as high as you can! (Higher = more luck)

Homemade Yee Sang sauce

Mix:

plum sauce

lime juice

sesame oil

a bit of honey

salt

What to Wear for Yee Sang & CNY — Innerwear Tips for Malaysian Weather

Now the part many Malaysian women actually Google:
“What to wear for Lo Hei?”
Because you need to lift your arms, take photos, lean forward…
So the wrong bra = not comfortable at all.

Here are simple tips:

1. Tank tops + no bra style

Perfect for casual CNY or friends’ gatherings.
Choose a built-in padding tank top so you can enjoy the meal without worrying about visible lines or slipping straps.

Great for Malaysia’s hot weather.

2. Lace bra for CNY dinner

If you're wearing something feminine or elegant, a lace bra gives:

• better shape
• sexy but classy look
• smoother silhouette under thinner fabrics

Works super well with satin dresses or lace cheongsams.

3. Sex bra vs lace bra — which suits CNY?

• Sex bra → for date nights, couple dinner, stylish events
• Lace bra → versatile, suitable for reunion dinner, Lo Hei, office events

4. Avoid these problems during Lo Hei

• visible bra lines under tank tops
• heavy padding that traps heat
• straps slipping when tossing Yee Sang
• cups moving when lifting your arms

Choose a bra that is:
✔ breathable
✔ lightweight
✔ non-slip
✔ no thick padding

5. Big-bust ladies: Best bra for CNY & Lo Hei

If you’re busty, you know Lo Hei = many photos + arm movements.
Pick a bra that:

• reduces bounce
• provides side support
• gives a slimming effect under fitted CNY clothes

A minimizer lace bra works best for comfort + shape.

Chinese New Year Essentials in Malaysia

Chinese New Year cookies you must have

• pineapple tarts
• love letters
• honey cornflakes
• kuih kapit
• almond cookies

Great to serve during a Yee Sang gathering at home.

CNY greetings for your friends

• Happy Chinese New Year!
• Gong Xi Fa Cai!
• Happy New Year 2026!
• Wan shi ru yi!
•  

FAQ:

Is Yee Sang healthy?

Yes, if you reduce the sweet sauce and add more vegetables.

What are the ingredients?

Vegetables, salmon, pickles, crackers, sesame seeds, peanuts, plum sauce.

What does Yee Sang symbolize?

Prosperity, abundance, good fortune.

Is Yee Sang Malaysian or Chinese?

Malaysia and Singapore made it popular — it’s a local cultural icon!

When to eat Yee Sang?

Anytime during Chinese New Year, but especially on the 7th day (Ren Ri).