I think I have a new favourite, yes I do. Giggling Squid is now officially my new Favourite. Its been on my bucket list for a while, but its just I had to find the right person, so incoming Ayesha.
You guys don’t know Ayesha right? Well you will now, Ayesha is my Giggling Squid partner, so much so, we have been twice now, and I’m sure we will be going on more adventures too.
Based in St Martins square in Leicester, its in the right location for high fine wine dining in Leicester, and it looks the part too. The Leicester one is actually the 35th restaurant in the chain, so must be good. right?
Ill tell you. Don’t worry.
Why ‘Giggling squid?’ well there’s a story behind that, and you guys know I love a story. Pranee Laurillard who is the founder of the chain giggling squid, Proud Thai born named it after the nickname of one of her children. I mean how cute! I must see this child, because its cuteness overload!
Inside Giggling Squid
The actual venue is eye catching from outside, but inside its a dream too. Deceivingly large inside, with floral dropping from the ceilings, and spilling out of the walls, the pastel of the pinks, creams and sage green are eye soothing.
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Framed photos, potted orchid plants dotted around in vases, and seating differs from table and chairs to booths, all fit so perfectly into the picture.
Being the 2 of us we were seated at a window seat with table and chairs. The perfect spot for us.
Menus were brought to us by our designated waitress who advised us (probably on view of my headscarf) that only the chicken dishes are halal, which was greatly appreciated. Also, some of the chicken dishes contain alcohol, so do be wary of that too.
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The Menu
Giggling Squid is a Thai restaurant and does boast that it is authentic Thai recipes, and only uses fresh ingredients, and everything ordered is served fresh. I was really looking forward to this.
The menu was really interesting, actually overwhelming for someone who was going to a Thai place for the first time. I had to put my hands down and let Ayesha do the ordering. Shes the expert.
For drinks we went for the mocktails, Lychee angel and they made a virgin mojito (both non-alcoholic) for me.
Ayesha then under a lot of pressure because she had given me big expectations of this place ordered the following.
King prawn pad Thai- which is classic Thai noodles, hot-wok’d with iconic Pad Thai sauce, egg, beansprouts, tofu, Thai chives, red onion and prawns Of course.
The famous Thai green curry – made with green chillies, garlic and lemongrass in a silky coconut sauce, with Jasmine rice
Chicken Satay – which is chicken skewers steeped in coconut milk, lemongrass, and fresh turmeric, then grilled until golden.
My Verdict
I went back- do you really need a verdict here. My favourite being the Thai green curry, absolutely delicious! I actually crave it from day to day.
The next time we went, it was mid afternoon, they offer a lunch menu which offers six tapas set, each set containing 4 different things, which is great if you want to try a variety. however The only option available for halal is the ‘Hungry squid’ which was chicken satay, mixed vegetable, green curry, and jasmine rice, we added a side of prawns to that, and we had the perfect meal.
Have you been to Giggling Squid?
What’s your favourite?
Note: Only chicken dishes are halal in the Leicester branch, and always ask if alcohol is present in dishes too. This place also serves alcohol.
Can’t wait for my next visit. You up for it Ayesha?
Click her For giggling squid website/menu.
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Love and regards