Restaurants are busy during major events, and 'not spicy' or 'vegetarian' does not cover every dietary need. Prepare a bilingual food card and confirm allergens, cross-contact, eggs and dairy, animal fat, alcohol, heat level, sharing and the bill separately.
Separate allergy from preference
For a serious allergy, name the food, whether shared oil or cookware is unsafe and what to do if symptoms appear. A preference simply identifies ingredients to avoid. 'Seafood allergy' may not cover oyster sauce, dried shrimp or shared frying oil, and a vegetable dish may still use animal fat or stock.
Carry a Chinese card such as: 'Severe peanut allergy: no peanuts and no cookware that has contacted peanuts.' Ask the restaurant for a clear answer. If it cannot confirm, choose simple freshly prepared dishes with visible ingredients.
Confirm heat, sharing and drinks separately
Jiangxi cooking may use chilli. Ask whether a dish can omit chilli pieces, chilli oil and chilli sauce, not merely be 'less spicy.' Order a small amount first for children or older travelers. Shared dishes are common, so request serving chopsticks, separate utensils or individual portions before ordering.
Avoid unverified homemade medicinal alcohol, unknown drinks, wild mushrooms and cold food left at room temperature. Confirm alcohol strength and return transport; drivers must not drink.
Order, bill and emergencies
Repeat dish, quantity, price and any room or service fee, and retain the electronic order or receipt. If payment fails, never hand a phone, password or one-time code to a stranger; carry a usable card or modest cash backup.
Call 120 immediately for breathing difficulty, swelling of lips or face, altered consciousness or another severe reaction, and provide allergy details and the hotel address. A guide may interpret but cannot replace medical judgment.