Menu Design
How to Explain Spice Levels on a Chinese Menu
Spice labels should tell diners what kind of heat they are ordering, not only how much heat.
Guide
| Term | Menu explanation |
|---|---|
| Spicy | Contains noticeable chile heat. |
| Very spicy | High heat. Not recommended for spice-sensitive diners. |
| Ma-la | Numbing-spicy Sichuan flavor from chile and Sichuan peppercorn. |
| Dry chile | Fragrant dried chile; may be spicy but not always saucy. |
| Chile oil | Oil-based heat that may be difficult to remove once cooked. |