I never had the buffet but I've enjoyed several dishes at Bangkok Kitchen. Recently I tried the som tam. It wasn't like the stuff I'd had in Thailand and I told them so. Turns out I was used to the northeastern (Isaan) style while they were serving me Bangkok style. (Duh! It's Bangkok Kitchen!) Next time, I ordered som tam made to order northeastern style and it was perfect -- just like I remember except it wasn't hot enough to hurt. Next time I'll ask for more peppers.\r
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Thai restaurants everywhere I've been in the states tone down the heat for Americans because so many of us can't stand the peppers. If you want it authentically hot, you've got to make them believe you can take it. You'd better be sure you can though. I've seen bravado turn to tears. Authentically hot, when I ate the stuff in Thailand, made my face flush, my nose run, my eyes tear, my tongue fat, my lips swell, my saliva thick and my ears throb. I think I was temporarily blind, too. I got used to it though. It's wonderful.\r
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