Updated on December 27, 2022
In China, if you go out to buy street food, the vendors would usually ask if you’d like to add some spice to your favorite dish.
In particular, the locals in Sichuan, Chongqing, and Guizhou province of China love spicy food. Hence, you should know how to order spicy food if you are visiting these exotic travel destinations.
The similar situation may also arise if you buy food on the Chinese online shopping platforms, such as Taobao (淘宝, Táobǎo), Jingdong (京东, Jīngdōng), Pinduoduo (拼多多, Pīn duōduō), etc.
Do you know how to choose hot and spicy Chinese food that suits your taste?
In this post, let’s learn how to say “spicy” in Chinese.
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Here is the common question that the Chinese vendors would often ask their customers:
- Do you want to add spice (do you want spicy food)?
- Làjiāo yào bùyào?
- 辣椒要不要？
In fact, this question is extremely common if you go to eat out in China, especially in the Pedestrian Streets (步行街, Bù xíng jiē).
Here are some of the common answers of this question:
Answer #1
- I don’t want spicy food (please don’t add any spice).
- Bùyào là.
- 不要辣。
Answer #2
- Only a little spicy (very little spicy).
- Wéiwéi là.
- 微微辣。
Answer #3
- A bit spicy is okay (but certainly not too much).
- Wéiwéi là.
- 微辣。
Answer #4
- Medium level of spiciness (I love spicy food as long as it’s not extremely spicy).
- Zhōng là.
- 中辣。
Answer #5
- Very spicy.
- Zhòng là.
- 重辣。
Answer #6
- Sour and spicy.
- Suān là.
- 酸辣。
Answer #7
- Sweet and spicy.
- Tián là.
- 甜辣。
Answer #8
During online shopping, if you prefer to buy the original and natural flavor without any seasoning, spice or extra sugar, you could choose the option:
- Original taste (no added sugar/seasoning).
- Yuán wèi.
- 原味。
I hope now you can conveniently select your favorite spicy food in China.
Let me know your comments. 🙂
-Jia Ming