My Swedish friend asked for 'mild' in Chengdu. They brought him milk.
Erik from Stockholm is not good with spice. Black pepper is "a bit much."We're in Chengdu. Hot pot. I tell him to get yuan yang (half spicy, half mild).
He says: "I want to try the real thing. But mild. Very mild."
He tells the waiter: "Wei la. Bu yao la."
Waiter looks at him. Looks at me. Walks away. Returns with a glass of milk.
Erik: "I didn't order this."
Waiter, via translation: "For your mouth. You will need it."
Erik insisted on the mild spicy broth anyway.
Three bites later:
Red-faced. Sweating. Chugging milk.
"In Sweden, this would be classified as a chemical weapon."
Lessons:
• "Mild" in Sichuan = still pretty hot
• If a waiter brings milk unprompted, trust them
• Sesame oil dip is your best friend
Erik was proud he finished. He also didn't eat spicy again for the rest of the trip.
What's the spiciest thing you've eaten in China?
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