List of things people promise you are 'not spicy

The phrase "it's not spicy at all" in Vietnam is meant to be encouraging, not a technical description.

It's not a lie. The speaker is being completely honest — by their own scale. The problem is that both sides are using two different units of measurement.

Conversion table:

Not spicy" → has chili, but just a little "Just a little spicy" → spicy "Medium spicy" → very spicy "That's spicy, watch out" → reconsider your life choices "Even Vietnamese people find this spicy" → don't

Dishes often described as "not spicy" but actually have chili in them: bún bò (with red chili oil floating on top), mì Quảng (served with green chili on the side), bánh xèo (the dipping sauce has chili), gỏi (chili mixed into the dressing), and almost every dipping sauce placed on the table.

A phrase that actually works: don't say "not spicy." Say "no chili peppers" — specific, pointing to an action, not dependent on anyone's perception. The seller will really leave the chili peppers out.

If you've already eaten it: milk, yogurt, plain white rice, or banana. Plain water and beer won't help — they just spread the spicy substance evenly around your mouth.

And here's some good news: your spice tolerance really does go up. After about two weeks in Central Vietnam, you'll find that first bowl of bun from day one now tastes mild.