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| - I have to admit I wasn't wowed by Smiling Banana Leaf during my first visit. I tried the pad thai - boring, I know but I had read so many yelp reviews saying it was the best pad thai in Pittsburgh - and was unimpressed (actually I thought it was kind of dry and lacked that awesome, rich peanuty flavor). I didn't really plan on going back until I was looking for an open restaurant on a Monday night and was in the area but I'm so glad I did. While Smiling Banana Leaf isn't my favorite as far as noodle dishes (Thai Cuisine and it's Spicy Basil Noodles wins there), it is by far and away my favorite for curry in the city. The pumpkin curry, in particular, is truly phenomenal. I love that they don't scrimp on the veggies/meat (no big bowl of sauce here), that the veggies are varied/interesting, that they have really great brown rice for accompaniment, and that the spice level here is actually legit. Granted, when I order a higher spice level the server often second-guesses me, but once I verify that I do indeed want my curry hot, they deliver (something that's been lacking at other Thai restaurants). Also, the spices they use in their curry seem more flavorful rather than just delivering tongue-burning heat.
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