Mr. Foodie and I are always on the hunt for those under-the-radar restaurant discoveries. Forget the flashy, hyped-up places; we thrive on finding cozy neighborhood eateries with authentic flavors. And that’s exactly how we stumbled upon Dancing Crab Thai Noodlehouse, a place that quickly became our go-to for incredible Thai food.
It was just another day driving down East Carson Street, not far from home. Suddenly, Mr. Foodie yelled “Stop! Thai food!” I slammed on the brakes (almost!), a bit startled but definitely intrigued. We were hungry, and his foodie senses are usually spot on.
Honestly, I hadn’t noticed anything at first. But Mr. Foodie, with his eagle eyes, had spotted a small sandwich board sign outside the old “Your Pie” pizza location. It simply read “Thai food.” That was enough for us.
We soon learned we had walked into the soft opening of a Thai restaurant that was still finding its identity. A warm and welcoming server, who turned out to be Chef Lek herself, greeted us with genuine Thai hospitality. They were celebrating their opening week with a special: Thai green tea. Of course, we said yes.
Delicious Thai Green Tea at Dancing Crab Thai Noodlehouse
Wow. This wasn’t just any green tea. It was like a Thai iced tea, but infused with the refreshing smoothness of green tea. From that first sip, our taste buds were awakened, and we knew Dancing Crab was something special.
On that initial visit, I ordered the mango salad with chicken and summer rolls. Mr. Foodie opted for the pineapple curry with chicken. It was the start of a two-month Thai food obsession, a “Dancing Crab” bender if you will. During this delicious period, we learned the name: Dancing Crab Thai Noodlehouse. Eventually, they even got a proper sign!
Dancing Crab Thai Noodlehouse Exterior View
Dancing Crab Thai Noodlehouse Sandwich Board Sign
Every time we visit Dancing Crab, Chef Lek makes it a point to come out, say hello, and thank us for dining there. Even though the restaurant is spacious and newly renovated, Chef Lek creates a warm, inviting atmosphere, making you feel like you’re a guest in her own cozy kitchen. We’ve introduced several friends to Dancing Crab, and they all agree – it’s a truly special place.
We’ve diligently sampled our way through the entire menu at Dancing Crab, and honestly, every dish has been fantastic. But we do have our absolute favorites, which we’re excited to share. For most dishes, you can choose your spice level from 1 to 10. I enjoy a good kick, but I also want to savor the flavors. Dancing Crab doesn’t shy away from spice, so I usually stick to a level 4 and below.
Must-Try Appetizers at Dancing Crab
Fresh Summer Rolls
These are not your average summer rolls. Dancing Crab’s summer rolls are generously sized, practically a small meal in themselves. Packed with hearty portions of protein (shrimp, chicken, or tofu, depending on your preference), sautéed vermicelli noodles (a flavorful and unique twist!), and fragrant fresh Thai basil, they are the perfect light and flavorful start to your meal.
Delicious Summer Rolls at Dancing Crab Thai Noodlehouse
Crispy Fried Tofu
Forget everything you think you know about tofu. Dancing Crab’s fried tofu is addictive. These breaded, deep-fried squares of deliciousness are like the best chicken fingers you’ve ever had, only it’s tofu, and arguably even better. The perfect crispy and savory appetizer.
Crispy Fried Tofu Appetizer at Dancing Crab Thai Noodlehouse
Refreshing Mango Salad
The mango salad, especially with tofu, is a dish I crave constantly. I prefer it around a spice level 2, allowing the sweetness of the mango to shine. The mango is consistently ripe and juicy, and the lightly fried tofu is never greasy. It’s a must-order every single time I visit Dancing Crab.
Mango Salad with Tofu at Dancing Crab Thai Noodlehouse
Zesty Pla Goong (Shrimp Salad)
Another standout salad is the Pla Goong. Perfectly cooked shrimp are tossed in a vibrant, light dressing that is simply bursting with flavor. Chef Lek shared that she makes the dressing herself, using a blend of fresh-squeezed lime and fish sauce. Sometimes, I’ll order just the Pla Goong and the mango salad for a high-flavor, high-protein, and incredibly satisfying meal.
Pla Goong Shrimp Salad at Dancing Crab Thai Noodlehouse
Homemade Potstickers
One evening, when mangoes weren’t at their peak for the mango salad (a testament to their commitment to quality!), I was steered towards the steamed potstickers. These are completely homemade and served with a delicate dressing of crunchy onions in oil. Dipped in dumpling sauce, they rival the best dumplings I’ve had in dim sum hotspots in Philadelphia and San Francisco. And they are truly beautiful, like miniature works of art.
Homemade Potstickers at Dancing Crab Thai Noodlehouse
Indulge in Dancing Crab’s Flavorful Curries
Dancing Crab offers two distinct types of curries: comforting curry noodle soups and rich traditional curries.
Warm Up with Red Curry Noodle Soup
On a chilly evening, the red curry noodle soup is my ultimate comfort food. I usually order it at a level 3 for a gentle warmth. Served here with tofu, it’s rich, creamy, deeply comforting, and utterly delicious. Plus, it’s incredibly filling! I especially love how the broccoli soaks up the flavorful curry broth.
Red Curry Noodle Soup with Tofu at Dancing Crab Thai Noodlehouse
Explore Traditional Thai Curries
Mr. Foodie is a big fan of the traditional curries, usually ordering them with chicken. We’ve tried several, including the red chicken curry, pumpkin curry, and pineapple curry. We initially ordered them at a level 4, but found that was a bit too spicy for our taste, so we now opt for a 3, or even a 2. These curries are creamy and flavorful, with a lighter broth compared to the soups. The chicken is consistently tender (never overcooked), and they are packed with a generous mix of fresh vegetables. Here’s the classic red chicken curry:
Red Chicken Curry at Dancing Crab Thai Noodlehouse
And here’s the unique pumpkin curry with chicken, made with fresh Thai pumpkin, chosen for its ability to hold its texture beautifully during cooking.
Pumpkin Curry with Chicken at Dancing Crab Thai Noodlehouse
Don’t Miss the Authentic Noodle Dishes
Chef Lek’s culinary journey began with noodles. Dancing Crab actually started as a food truck outside a grocery store in the Strip District. They moved indoors to escape the harsh weather and to expand their menu, but noodles remain Chef Lek’s specialty. The Pad Thai is a testament to this. It’s hands down one of the best Pad Thais I’ve ever tasted. Many Americanized Thai restaurants make Pad Thai overly sweet, which is a major letdown. Dancing Crab’s Pad Thai is perfectly balanced, with a delightful tang from tamarind, enhanced by the fresh lime served on the side. We love ours with perfectly cooked shrimp. It’s truly outstanding.
Pad Thai with Shrimp at Dancing Crab Thai Noodlehouse
Chef Lek’s warmth and generosity extend beyond the incredible food. On my last visit, she gifted me a small New Year’s change purse, a thoughtful present from Thailand, along with a warm hug. That’s the kind of genuine hospitality you experience at Dancing Crab.
As anonymous food bloggers, Chef Lek is still unaware of my writing about Dancing Crab (surprise!). And that’s one of the joys of blogging – it encourages us to revisit places, to truly experience them, and to connect with the people behind the food. When those people are as lovely as Chef Lek, it makes us appreciate these neighborhood gems even more. Dancing Crab Thai Noodlehouse is more than just a restaurant; it’s a place where delicious food and heartfelt hospitality come together.
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