Mr. Foodie and I are always on the hunt for those unassuming neighborhood restaurants that offer a delightful surprise, far from the hyped-up, glitzy establishments. We crave the charm of a cozy spot, and Pittsburgh has a knack for delivering just that.
One afternoon, as we were driving down East Carson Street, not far from our place, my passenger, Mr. Foodie, suddenly exclaimed, “Stop! Thai food!” I hit the brakes. Hunger had struck, and the promise of Thai cuisine was too enticing to ignore.
Mr. Foodie’s eyes are certainly sharper than mine. I hadn’t noticed what had caught his attention until we got closer: a small sandwich board outside the former “Your Pie” location simply announced “Thai food.”
It turned out we’d stumbled upon the soft opening of a Thai eatery that was still finding its identity. A warm and welcoming server, who we later learned was also the talented chef, greeted us. They were celebrating their opening week with a special: Thai green tea. Of course, we said yes.
Refreshing Thai Green Tea at Dancing Crab Thai Noodle House
Wow. It was like a perfect Thai iced tea, but infused with the subtle, refreshing flavor of green tea. Our excitement began to build. This place held promise.
I vividly recall my first order: a vibrant mango salad with chicken and delicate summer rolls. Mr. Foodie opted for the rich pineapple curry with chicken.
This initial visit sparked a two-month-long Thai food obsession, during which we discovered the restaurant’s official name: Dancing Crab Thai Noodlehouse (they eventually got a proper sign!). Here’s what it looks like now:
Exterior view of Dancing Crab Thai Noodle House in Pittsburgh
Street sign for Dancing Crab Thai Noodle House on East Carson Street
Every time we return to Dancing Crab Thai Noodle House, Chef Lek makes a point to come out, greet us, and express her gratitude for our patronage. Even though the restaurant is spacious and has been recently renovated, Lek creates an atmosphere that feels like dining in someone’s cozy home kitchen. We’ve introduced several friends to this gem, and they’ve all echoed this sentiment.
Having thoroughly explored the menu, we can confidently say that everything we’ve tried has been exceptional. Here are some of our absolute favorites. For most dishes, you’re invited to choose your spice level from 1 to 10. I appreciate a good kick, but not so much that it overwhelms the other flavors. They are not shy with spice here, so I’ve personally never ventured beyond a level 4.
Must-Try Appetizers at Dancing Crab Thai Noodle House
Summer rolls here are generously sized, some of the largest I’ve encountered. They are packed with substantial portions of protein – shrimp, chicken, and/or tofu, depending on your preference – along with sautéed vermicelli noodles (a delightful twist that adds an extra layer of flavor) and fragrant fresh Thai basil. These rolls are almost a light meal in themselves.
Large and flavorful Summer Rolls at Dancing Crab Thai Noodle House
The fried tofu is another standout. These breaded, deep-fried squares of tofu are simply addictive. Think of the best chicken fingers, but tofu, and even better.
Crispy Fried Tofu appetizer at Dancing Crab Thai Noodle House
The mango salad is a dish I consistently crave. This version features tofu, which I prefer at a spice level 2 for a milder experience. The mango is consistently ripe and juicy, and the tofu is lightly fried to a perfect crisp, never oily. I don’t think I’ve ever dined here without ordering this salad as part of my meal.
Refreshing Mango Tofu Salad at Dancing Crab Thai Noodle House
Another salad worth mentioning is the pla goong. It features perfectly cooked shrimp with a light, zesty dressing. One evening, when Chef Lek saw how much I was enjoying it, she shared that she makes the dressing from scratch, using a blend of fresh-squeezed lime and fish sauce. Sometimes, I’ll simply order this and the mango salad for a flavorful and protein-rich meal.
Pla Goong Shrimp Salad with zesty dressing at Dancing Crab Thai Noodle House
Lastly, don’t miss the potstickers. On one occasion, they were out of mango for the mango salad (a minor tragedy! but a testament to their commitment to quality ingredients). Looking for an alternative, the waitress recommended the steamed dumplings. These dumplings are completely homemade and served with a delicate dressing of crunchy onions in oil. Dipped in dumpling sauce, they rival dumplings I’ve had at renowned dim sum spots in Philadelphia and San Francisco. And are they not beautifully presented? Like miniature, handcrafted works of art.
Homemade Potstickers at Dancing Crab Thai Noodle House, beautifully presented
Curry and Noodle Soup Selections
Moving on to curries, Dancing Crab Thai Noodle House offers two main styles: curry noodle soup and traditional curries.
On a chilly evening, my go-to order is the red curry noodle soup. I usually opt for a spice level 3, which provides a pleasant warmth. Here it is with tofu. It’s rich, creamy, comforting, and utterly delicious, not to mention incredibly filling. I especially love how the broccoli soaks up the flavorful curry… mmmm.
Comforting Red Curry Noodle Soup with Tofu at Dancing Crab Thai Noodle House
For the traditional curries, Mr. Foodie typically chooses chicken. We’ve sampled several – the red chicken curry, pumpkin curry, and pineapple curry. We initially ordered them at a level 4 spice, but found that was a bit too intense for our taste, so we now usually go for a 3, or even a 2. These curries are creamy, more of a light curry broth compared to the soups, featuring incredibly tender chicken (never overcooked) and a generous mix of vegetables. Here’s the red chicken curry:
Creamy Red Chicken Curry at Dancing Crab Thai Noodle House
And here’s the pumpkin curry with chicken, which we learned is made with fresh Thai pumpkin, chosen for its ability to maintain its texture during cooking:
Authentic Pumpkin Curry with Chicken at Dancing Crab Thai Noodle House
Noodle Dishes: Pad Thai Perfection
Now, let’s talk noodles. In conversation with Chef Lek, we discovered that Dancing Crab Thai Noodle House started as a food truck outside a grocery store they also owned in the Strip District. They transitioned to a brick-and-mortar location to escape the harsh weather and expand their menu. The truck focused solely on noodles – the chef’s true passion. When I tasted the pad thai, it was evident – this is one of the best renditions of pad thai I’ve ever had. Often, Americanized Thai restaurants make pad thai overly sweet – a real disappointment. This pad thai was not sweet at all; it was wonderfully tangy with tamarind, a flavor beautifully enhanced by the fresh squeezed lime served on the side. We prefer ours with shrimp, which is always cooked to perfection. Truly outstanding.
Exceptional Pad Thai with Shrimp at Dancing Crab Thai Noodle House
To illustrate Chef Lek’s incredible warmth and generosity, on my last visit, she presented me with a small New Year’s gift (a change purse) brought back from Thailand by a friend, along with a heartfelt hug. That’s the kind of place Dancing Crab Thai Noodle House is.
As you know, we always blog anonymously – even as I write this, Lek is unaware (surprise!). And that’s precisely what we love most about food blogging – it encourages us to revisit places repeatedly, and in doing so, we have the privilege of getting to know the people behind the food. And when they are as genuinely lovely as Chef Lek, it makes us even more devoted patrons.
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