这个辣吗？
Is this spicy?
Use before ordering if you are unsure about the dish.
Food phrases
How to say less spicy in Chinese.
Spicy food can mean very different things in different Chinese restaurants. Ask before ordering and show the phrase clearly if you are not confident speaking Mandarin.
Spice level phrase cards
不要太辣。
Not too spicy, please.
Use when you can eat some spice but want the restaurant to reduce it.
可以少放油吗？
Can you use less oil?
Useful for stir-fried dishes, noodles, and spicy food.
不要香菜。
No cilantro, please.
Use before ordering if you do not like cilantro.
Common mistake
Do not only say "no spicy" if you can handle a little spice. "Not too spicy" is often more natural when you still want the original dish.