In Zhangjiajie and western Hunan, “mild” expresses taste preference; it does not communicate an allergy, religious restriction or strict diet. Name the ingredient first, then explain whether stock, fat, marinades and shared equipment matter. Discuss chilli separately.
Local dishes include cured pork, sanxiaguo and chicken preparations. Hunan's official food account describes both dry and broth versions of sanxiaguo and ingredients including offal and cured meat. The dish name is not a complete ingredient list. A broth version is not automatically chilli-free, and cured ingredients cannot always be changed during final cooking. Official food account
For a strict restriction, use: 我不能吃__。不是不喜欢，是必须避免。请确认肉、汤、油、酱料和配菜都不含__。是否共用锅或器具？如果不能保证，请直接告诉我，不要只把它挑出来。 This says the ingredient must be avoided, asks about every component and shared equipment, and requests an honest answer rather than simply removing it after cooking.
For a preference against heat, ask for no fresh or dried chilli, chilli powder or chilli oil, with dipping sauce separate. Also ask whether the ingredients were already marinated with chilli. If avoiding offal and blood, name those categories explicitly; “no unusual meat” is ambiguous. Vegetarians should state whether eggs and dairy are acceptable and ask about lard, meat stock and sauces such as oyster sauce.
For two people, begin by asking whether a vegetable dish can be freshly cooked using suitable oil, then choose an identifiable main and rice. A dish adjusted from raw ingredients is more practical than asking for cured meat to become completely unsalted and unseasoned. Check the food when it arrives; if it is wrong, stop and explain rather than eating out of politeness.
If staff cannot understand or accommodate the requirement, change restaurants or use food with a clear ingredient label. Save a Chinese translation offline before travel, and prepare for complex allergies with appropriate professional advice rather than experimenting in a remote location.
Checked 22 October 2026. No restaurant's allergen handling is guaranteed, and this article does not provide medical emergency instructions.
Editorial archive date: 2026-01-27. This guide was compiled later; use the source-check dates stated in the text.
