Mr. Foodie and I are always on the hunt for those under-the-radar restaurants, the cozy neighborhood spots that offer a genuine culinary experience without the hype. Forget the flashy openings; we crave the charm of discovering a place that feels like a personal secret. That’s exactly what happened when we stumbled upon Dancing Crab Thai on East Carson Street.
Driving down East Carson, I was focused on the road when suddenly Mr. Foodie exclaimed, “Stop! Thai food!” He has a knack for spotting hidden gems. I hadn’t noticed anything, but trusting his instincts (and our hunger), I pulled over. It turned out he’d seen a small sandwich board sign outside the former “Your Pie” location announcing “Thai food.” Intrigued, we ventured closer and discovered the soft opening of a new Thai restaurant, still unnamed at that point: Dancing Crab Thai Noodlehouse.
We were greeted by a friendly server who, as we later learned, was also the chef. To celebrate their opening week, they offered a special: Thai green tea. Of course, we said yes.
Refreshing Thai Green Tea at Dancing Crab Thai Noodlehouse
The Thai green tea was a revelation – a refreshing twist on Thai iced tea with a smooth green tea base. It was an immediate sign that Dancing Crab Thai was something special. On that first visit, I ordered the mango salad with chicken and summer rolls, while Mr. Foodie opted for the pineapple curry with chicken. This marked the beginning of a two-month-long Thai food obsession, during which we became regulars at Dancing Crab Thai Noodlehouse (they eventually got a permanent sign!).
Here’s what the exterior of Dancing Crab Thai looks like now, a welcoming invitation to authentic Thai cuisine:
Exterior of Dancing Crab Thai Noodlehouse in Pittsburgh
Sandwich board sign advertising Dancing Crab Thai Noodlehouse
What truly sets Dancing Crab Thai apart is the warmth of Chef Lek. Every time we visit, she makes a point to come out, say hello, and thank us for dining there. Despite the restaurant’s spacious and recently renovated interior, Chef Lek creates an atmosphere that feels like dining in a cozy Thai kitchen. We’ve introduced several friends to Dancing Crab Thai, and they all agree – it’s the combination of incredible food and genuine hospitality that makes this place so special.
After thoroughly exploring the menu at Dancing Crab Thai, we can confidently say that everything is exceptional. For most dishes, you can choose your spice level from 1 to 10. I enjoy a bit of heat but still want to savor the flavors, so I usually stick to a level 4. They definitely don’t shy away from spice here, so be mindful when choosing your level!
Let’s dive into some of our favorite dishes at Dancing Crab Thai:
Appetizers That Are Meals in Themselves
The summer rolls at Dancing Crab Thai are generously sized and packed with flavor. They feature hearty portions of protein – you can choose shrimp, chicken, or tofu – wrapped with sautéed vermicelli noodles (a delightful twist that adds an extra layer of flavor) and fresh Thai basil. These summer rolls are substantial enough to be a light meal.
Large and flavorful Summer Rolls at Dancing Crab Thai Noodlehouse
For something crispy and satisfying, the fried tofu is a must-try. These breaded, deep-fried squares of tofu are simply delicious. Think of the best chicken fingers, but with tofu, and even better.
Crispy Fried Tofu appetizer at Dancing Crab Thai in Pittsburgh
The mango salad, especially with tofu, is a dish I order almost every time I visit Dancing Crab Thai. I prefer it at a spice level 2 for a milder heat. The mango is consistently ripe and juicy, and the tofu is lightly fried to a perfect crisp, never greasy.
Delicious Mango Salad with Tofu at Dancing Crab Thai Restaurant
Another refreshing salad option is the pla goong. This dish features perfectly cooked shrimp with a light and tangy dressing. Chef Lek shared that she makes the dressing herself with fresh-squeezed lime and fish sauce. Sometimes, I’ll order the pla goong and mango salad together for a flavorful and protein-rich meal.
Pla Goong shrimp salad with homemade dressing at Dancing Crab Thai
Don’t miss the potstickers at Dancing Crab Thai. One evening, when they were out of mango for the mango salad (a testament to their commitment to quality ingredients), I decided to try the steamed dumplings on the waitress’s recommendation. These potstickers are completely homemade and served with a light dressing of crunchy onions in oil. Dipped in dumpling sauce, they rival the dumplings I’ve had at top dim sum spots in Philadelphia and San Francisco. They’re not just delicious; they’re also beautifully crafted, like little works of art.
Homemade Potstickers appetizer at Dancing Crab Thai Noodlehouse
Comforting Curries and Noodle Soups
Dancing Crab Thai offers two main types of curries: curry noodle soup and traditional curries. On a cold day, the red curry noodle soup is my go-to. I usually order it at a level 3 for a pleasant kick. I love it with tofu. It’s rich, creamy, comforting, and incredibly satisfying. The broccoli soaks up the curry beautifully – simply divine.
Red Curry Noodle Soup with Tofu at Dancing Crab Thai Pittsburgh
For the traditional curries, Mr. Foodie often chooses chicken. We’ve sampled several, including the red chicken curry, pumpkin curry, and pineapple curry. We initially ordered them at a level 4 but found it a bit too spicy, so we now prefer a level 3, or even a 2. These curries are creamy, with a lighter broth compared to the soups, and feature incredibly tender chicken (never overcooked) and a generous mix of vegetables. Here’s the flavorful red chicken curry:
Red Chicken Curry traditional dish at Dancing Crab Thai restaurant
The pumpkin curry with chicken is another favorite, made with fresh Thai pumpkin that holds its texture perfectly during cooking.
Pumpkin Curry with Chicken using fresh Thai pumpkin at Dancing Crab Thai
Noodle Dishes: A True Specialty
Chef Lek’s expertise truly shines through in the noodle dishes at Dancing Crab Thai. We learned that Dancing Crab Thai started as a food truck outside a grocery store in the Strip District. They moved indoors to escape the cold and expand their menu. The food truck focused solely on noodles – Chef Lek’s specialty. After tasting the pad thai, it’s clear why. It’s one of the best pad thais I’ve ever had. Unlike overly sweet, Americanized versions, Dancing Crab Thai’s pad thai is perfectly tangy with tamarind, enhanced by fresh squeezed lime served on the side. We love it with shrimp, which is always cooked to perfection. It’s simply outstanding.
Authentic Pad Thai with Shrimp at Dancing Crab Thai Noodlehouse
Chef Lek’s kindness extends beyond the kitchen. On my last visit, she gave me a small New Year’s gift – a change purse brought from Thailand by a friend – and a warm hug. That personal touch is what makes Dancing Crab Thai so special.
As anonymous bloggers, Chef Lek is unaware of my writing this review (surprise!). But that’s the beauty of blogging – it encourages us to revisit places and connect with the people behind the food. And when those people are as lovely as Chef Lek, it makes the experience even more rewarding.
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Dancing Crab Thai Noodle House
