Dealing with an overly spicy dish can be tricky, but it's definitely possible to mitigate the heat. Here's a breakdown of methods, applicable both at restaurants and at home:

Key Strategies:

• Dilution: This is a fundamental approach. Adding more of the non-spicy components of the dish can spread out the heat. At home: If it's a soup or stew, add more broth, water, or stock. Increase the quantity of vegetables, grains, or proteins. At a restaurant: Ask if they can add extra plain rice, noodles, or vegetables to your dish.
• Dairy: Dairy products contain casein, which binds to capsaicin, the spicy compound. At home: Add yogurt, sour cream, milk, or cheese. Coconut milk is a great non-dairy option. At a restaurant: Ask for a side of yogurt or sour cream. If appropriate, see if they can add coconut milk to the dish.
• Acidity: Acids help to neutralize the alkaline capsaicin. At home: Add lemon or lime juice, or vinegar. Tomato-based products also provide acidity. At a restaurant: Ask for extra lemon or lime wedges.
• Sweetness: Sweet flavors can counterbalance the heat. At home: Add a small amount of sugar, honey, or maple syrup. At a restaurant: This is less common, but in some cases, a small amount of a sweet sauce might help.
• Starches: Starches absorb capsaicin. At home: Serve the dish with rice, potatoes, or bread. At a restaurant: Order extra rice, bread, or potatoes to accompany the meal.
• Fats: Fats can dissolve capsaicin. At home: Adding oils, or nut butters. At a restaurant: This is less common in restaurants, but depending on the type of food, some restaurants may be able to add some type of oil.

Important Notes:

• Taste as you go: When making adjustments, add small amounts and taste frequently.
• Consider the dish: The best method depends on the type of cuisine and the specific ingredients.
• Restaurant considerations: Don't hesitate to communicate with the staff. They may have specific recommendations or be able to adjust the dish. If you are a person that is very sensative to spice, it is always best to ask the resturant staff how spicy a dish is before you order it.

I hope this helps!