How do I ask for less chili heat without getting a bland tourist-mild plate?
I like Sri Lankan food. I do not like mouth-on-fire for an hour. Last two rice-and-curry places heard not spicy and served plain rice, boiled vegetables, and a confused smile — different from a celiac or allergy ask. I want real curry flavor with the top heat turned down. What words or gestures actually work in a small shop so I get a proper plate that is just less fierce?
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4 Answers from travellers
Say you want the normal curries but less chili — point at the chili pieces and say little chili, or ask for the gravy without the green chili on top. Not spicy often gets translated as plain tourist food. Naming a dish you like and asking for mild heat on that dish works better than a blanket ban. I will not invent a spice-level menu code. Smile, be specific, and accept that some kitchen heat still surprises. Coconut sambol on the side lets you add warmth yourself.
Pointing at the chili bowl and saying little changed everything. Not spicy had failed twice.
Named fish curry and dhal, asked less chili. Flavor stayed. Mouth survived.
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