不要放辣椒。

You use this when ordering food at a restaurant. You can say it right after naming your dish. For example, 'Kung Pao Chicken, 不要放辣椒.' It works for street food stalls and fancy dining alike. You don't need complex grammar here. Just state it clearly before the chef starts cooking. If you are extra sensitive, say it twice!

Use it whenever you are at a restaurant or ordering delivery. It is perfect for those 'hidden spice' situations. Some dishes look mild but carry a secret kick. Use it when dining with kids or friends who hate spice. It is also useful at a grocery store deli counter. Basically, use it anywhere food is being prepared for you.

Don't use this at a dedicated Sichuan hot pot place. They might look at you with deep confusion or pity. In some regions, 'no spice' is culturally impossible for certain dishes. Avoid using it if you actually enjoy a little tingle. If you want just a tiny bit, use 微辣 (wēilà) instead. Also, don't say it to a friend who is just sharing their snacks.

China has a massive 'spice map.' Regions like Sichuan and Hunan live for the burn. In these places, 不要放辣椒 is a bold statement. Sometimes, a chef's 'not spicy' still feels like fire to others. This phrase is the standard way for outsiders to navigate these spicy waters. It reflects the diverse regional palates across the country. It is a survival phrase for many travelers.

You can shorten it to 不放辣 (bù fàng là) for speed. If you want to be more polite, add 请 (qǐng) at the start. For delivery apps, you often just click a button with these words. You might also hear 一点辣都不要 (yīdiǎn là dōu bùyào). That means 'not even a little bit of spice.' It is for the truly spice-averse souls.