少放点儿盐。

You usually say this right after you order a dish. When the server is writing down your order, just add shǎo fàng diǎnr yán. You can also use it when cooking with friends. It functions as a polite imperative. It is short, sweet, and saves your kidneys from a sodium overload.

Use it at local 'hole-in-the-wall' eateries where the seasoning can be heavy-handed. It is perfect for busy lunch spots or when ordering takeout. If you are at a friend's house and they ask how you like your food, this works too. It is especially common if you are trying to stay fit. Use it whenever you want to prioritize flavor over saltiness.

Avoid saying this at high-end Michelin-star restaurants where the chef might take offense. Do not say it after the food has already arrived at the table. That would be yán fàng duō le (too much salt was put). Also, do not use it if you are a guest at a formal banquet hosted by an elder. In that case, just eat a little less of the salty dish.

Chinese cuisine, especially Northern styles, can be quite salty. There is an old saying that salt is the 'chief of all flavors.' However, modern Chinese urbanites are becoming very health-conscious. You will hear young people and the elderly alike using this phrase constantly. It reflects a shift toward 'qīngdàn' or light, clean eating. It is a sign that you know how to take care of yourself.

You can swap salt for other seasonings easily. Try shǎo fàng diǎnr là for less spicy. Or try shǎo fàng diǎnr wèi jīng for no MSG. If you want no salt at all, say bù fàng yán. If you want to be extra polite, add a máfán (trouble you) at the beginning. It makes you sound like a local pro.