有点儿淡。

You can use it as a standalone sentence. Just point at the dish and say 有点儿淡. To be more specific, add the food name first. For example, 这个汤有点儿淡. The 有点儿 part adds a 'bit' of softness. It makes your critique sound like an observation, not a complaint. It is a very natural way to speak.

Use it at a restaurant when you need the salt shaker. Use it at home when your partner forgets the soy sauce. It is perfect for casual dining settings. It is also useful when someone asks for your opinion. If a chef asks "How is it?", this is a fair critique. It shows you have a discerning palate!

Do not use it if the food is intentionally light. Some Cantonese dishes are meant to be 清淡 (qīngdàn), or 'fresh and light.' In these cases, saying it is 淡 might sound like you don't understand the cuisine. Avoid saying it loudly at a formal banquet. You might make the host lose face. Also, don't use it for people's personalities yet—that is a bit more advanced!

Chinese food culture is obsessed with 'Kouwei' (taste profile). In Northern China, people generally prefer stronger, saltier flavors. If a Northerner says 有点儿淡, they are probably reaching for the salt. In the South, flavors are more delicate. However, salt is seen as the 'king of flavors.' Without it, the dish has no 'soul.' This phrase helps you navigate these salty expectations.

You might hear 太淡了 (tài dàn le). This means 'too bland' and is a bit stronger. If you want to be very polite, say 味道比较淡 (wèidào bǐjiào dàn). This means 'the flavor is relatively light.' If you are texting, you can just write 淡了 to your roommate. It gets the point across instantly.