During yusheng table service, auspicious sayings are commonly heard, but one employee at a restaurant in Toa Payoh has captured attention for her enthusiastic performance.

In a video posted on Jan 31 on Kelly Jie Seafood's TikTok page, Alice Chong, the restaurant's assistant manager, can be seen energetically 'rapping' Chinese New Year well wishes while preparing for a lohei session at a table, with diners joining in enthusiastically.

Some phrases in the rap include "平平安安到底" which means "smooth sailing and prosperous all the way", and "星星点灯报喜来" which translates to "lucky stars bringing good news and good fortune."

A similar video shared on Singapore Foodie's Facebook page on Feb 5 garnered over 940,000 views and 400 comments, with many praising the 65-year-old's spirited take on the tradition.

"The most prosperous lohei in history... (a Hokkien phrase wishing abundance)!" one comment read.

Another comment said: "Such a great atmosphere and meaning. While everyone's happy, remember to give auntie a red packet."

Despite the positive reactions, some netizens raised concerns about hygiene.

"It's nice, but I think she should wear a mouth shield," one suggested, while another expressed worries about saliva.

According to Kelly Jie Seafood, the lohei 'rap' service has been a Chinese New Year tradition since the restaurant's establishment in 2006.

Second-generation owners and sisters Rachel Lim and Zara Lim shared with 8World that every employee in the store can perform the 'rap,' but customers are naturally drawn to Alice for her lively delivery of the auspicious sayings.

"I'm very happy when I'm interacting with customers, and I don't feel nervous at all. I love my job, and I enjoy delivering the lohei well wishes. When the customers are delighted by the sayings, I'm happy too," Alice said.

Rachel mentioned to The Straits Times that many diners with existing reservations have inquired about the lohei 'rap.'

Kelly Jie Seafood, formerly known as Mellben Toa Payoh, gained popularity for its tze char and various seafood dishes, including the famous claypot crab bee vermicelli soup.

carol.ong@asiaone.com