HALAL AND VEGETARIAN LO HEI FOR CORPORATE EVENTS

An inclusive yusheng toss that every colleague can join

Inclusive Chinese New Year at work

Lo hei is one of the most loved parts of a Singapore workplace Chinese New Year, and it is a moment everyone can share, whatever their background. The question most organisers face is food: Muslim colleagues need halal-certified food, and others may be vegetarian, vegan or avoid raw fish.

This guide explains how to plan an inclusive office lo hei with halal yusheng, vegetarian and fruit options, so that the whole team tosses together. For the full toss sequence, see our guide to lo hei ingredients and their order.

Choosing an Inclusive Yusheng

Halal-certified yusheng

Several caterers and restaurants in Singapore offer halal yusheng during the Chinese New Year season. Look for MUIS halal certification of the supplier, not just "no pork, no lard". If you are serving a mixed group, consider ordering halal yusheng for every table so that no one is singled out.

Vegetarian and vegan yusheng

Vegetarian versions replace the raw fish with mock salmon, konjac, smoked tofu or extra fruit. Check that the sauces and crackers are free of animal products if colleagues are strictly vegetarian or vegan. Our vegetarian CNY catering guide has more ideas.

Fruit yusheng

Fruit yusheng uses mango, dragon fruit, pomelo, pear and similar fruit in place of fish. It suits mixed groups, is easy to serve in an office and feels fresh in the afternoon.

Smoked or cooked fish

For groups who avoid raw food, including some pregnant colleagues, smoked salmon or cooked fish is a simple swap.

What Stays the Same

Whatever the ingredients, the ritual is the same: a leader adds each item with its saying, then everyone tosses high and calls 捞起. The phrases are blessings for prosperity, health and success, not religious statements, so colleagues of any faith can join comfortably. Share our list of lo hei sayings in pinyin and English so everyone can take part.

Running an Inclusive Office Lo Hei

Ask about dietary needs early through the RSVP, not on the day.
Label each platter clearly as halal, vegetarian or contains fish.
Keep halal food separate with its own serving tools and chopsticks, and do not place it next to non-halal dishes.
Explain the tradition in one sentence before the toss so new and non-Chinese colleagues know what to expect.
Offer non-alcoholic drinks for the toast that follows.
Mix the tables so departments and backgrounds toss together, which is what makes the moment memorable.

Sample Inclusive Lo Hei Format (30 Minutes)

5 minutes: the host welcomes everyone and explains lo hei in one sentence in English, and in Mandarin if the team prefers.
5 minutes: platters arrive at mixed tables, each clearly labelled halal, vegetarian or fish.
5 minutes: table leaders add each ingredient with its phrase, read from a printed card in pinyin and English.
2 minutes: everyone tosses together, calling 捞起 as high as they can, while the photographer captures each table.
13 minutes: colleagues eat and mingle, with non-alcoholic drinks and mandarin oranges.

This short format fits a lunch hour or the start of an afternoon event. It also works across several office floors, with one host walking from floor to floor.

Timing and Ordering

Chinese New Year 2027 falls on Saturday 6 February. Yusheng orders peak in the first two weeks after the holiday, and certified suppliers have limited capacity, so place halal and vegetarian orders by mid-January. The season ends with Chap Goh Mei on 20 February. For catering beyond yusheng, see our corporate CNY catering guide.

If you would like us to handle the whole celebration, from food to the toss leader and activities, see our corporate lo hei events and corporate Chinese New Year event pages.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is halal yusheng available in Singapore?

Yes. Several caterers and restaurants offer halal yusheng during the season. Check that the supplier holds MUIS halal certification.

Can Muslim colleagues join lo hei?

Yes, many do. Serve halal-certified yusheng, keep it separate with its own tools, and explain that the phrases are new year wishes for good fortune.

What is in vegetarian yusheng?

Vegetarian versions replace the fish with mock salmon, konjac, tofu or fruit, and keep the vegetables, crackers, nuts, sesame and plum sauce.

Should we order halal yusheng for every table?

For mixed groups, ordering halal for all tables is the simplest way to include everyone without singling anyone out.

When should we order yusheng for CNY 2027?

Order by mid-January. Demand peaks in the two weeks after Chinese New Year on 6 February 2027.