For something different this festive season, try these healthy(ish) yet delicious yusheng
Sichuan Dou Hua
Made up of over 30 varieties of delicious greens, cresses, and edible flowers, Sichuan Dou Hua’s colourful new yusheng is sure to be the centrepiece of any gathering. The resplendent display is arranged in the shape of a snake, and can be enjoyed as is, or enhanced with premium toppings such as smoked salmon or fugu (pufferfish) sashimi, the latter which is air-flown from Shimonoseki in Yamaguchi prefecture. This yusheng is available exclusively at Sichuan Dou Hua’s UOB Plaza branch. Diners can also see how the ingredients go from farm to table, as you’ll get to observe how some of these vegetables are grown indoors using a smart indoor farming system.
Cherry Garden, Mandarin Oriental, Singapore
Cherry Garden at the Mandarin Oriental offers five yusheng selections this year. If you’re vegetarian, or prefer something lighter, the Garden of Health Yu Sheng is a refreshing mix of fresh fruits and vegetables. Of course there’s the classic Prosperity Yu Sheng which comes brimming with premium ingredients like with Arctic clam, home cured salmon, and crispy fish skin for added texture and crunch.
Tung Lok
Ring in Chinese New Year with Tung Lok‘s Prosperity Yu Sheng. This quintessential platter flaunts showcases the finest ingredients such as premium smoked Norwegian, fresh vegetables, and crispy yam and sweet potato shreds. Drizzle TungLok’s lower-in-sugar yu sheng sauce, and transform this timeless dish into a refreshing and healthier delight.
Peppermint, PARKROYAL Collection Marina Bay Singapore
At Peppermint, PARKROYAL Collection Marina Bay Singapore’s all day dining restaurant, start your festive meal with a DIY Prosperity Yu Sheng, featuring fresh ingredients like shredded carrot and radish with Urban Farm flowers (available from now till 12 Feb). Also elevate your celebration with Peppermint’s Urban Farm Yu Sheng ($108 for six or $138 for 10), which lends a refreshing and sustainable twist on the traditional lohei dish. The platter combines abalone and salmon slices with freshly harvested vegetables and edible flowers straight from the hotel’s Urban Farm.
Zui Teochew Cuisine
For something different, try the Teochew Prosperity Yu Sheng at Chui Huay Lim Teochew Cuisine and Zui Yu Xuan Teochew Cuisine. Resembling a green rosette encircled by its vivacious vegetable counterparts, it’s also texturally different from your typical yu sheng with more bite, and bolder flavours. Instead of julienned radish and carrot, this Teochew salad features red carrots and preserved radish – a key ingredient in Teochew cooking. There’s also the addition of coriander and chilli slices to turn up the heat, as well as red coral lettuce. To finish, a punchy drizzle of plum sauce will kickstart the palate and awaken the senses.
Little Farms
Little Farms‘ Auspicious Yusheng is a vibrant celebration of flavours, crafted with all-natural ingredients for a refreshing twist on this beloved classic with no artificial colouring and no preservatives. The medley includes fresh red dragon fruit, pomelo, mandarin orange, pineapple, cucumber, carrot, and daikon. This colourful base is elevated with sashimi-grade salmon, toasted sesame seeds, and roasted peanuts, perfectly seasoned with Chinese five spice, cinnamon, and ground white pepper. A luxurious drizzle of house-made passion fruit sauce, honey, and extra virgin olive oil ties it all together, delivering a harmonious balance of sweet, tangy, and savoury notes.
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Text by: Eris Choo