CONTEMPORARY THAI DINING AT GIGGLING SQUID, LEICESTER

The much awaited Giggling Squid, serving Thai cuisine, opened a few weeks ago in St. Martin’s Square, Leicester and after attending the launch night it was a dead cert I would be returning.  Sampling a taster of some of the dishes in the form of canapes teamed with the beautiful interiors and service, this is most definitely a welcome addition to Leicester’s City Centre foodie scene.

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A Taste of Home & History

Pranee having grown up around the Mekong Delta, (a place I have visited on many occasions, whilst travelling in South East Asia), aims to share the food of her childhood from this region and additionally other recipes, which she and Andy enjoy cooking whilst traveling around Thailand. The Mekong Delta is home to a rich abundance of fish, spices, herbs and different cooking styles, which I feel are reflected on the menu at Giggling Squid.

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The team of chefs at Giggling Squid are predominantly Thai, which also helps in recognising the true flavours of Thailand, translating and executing the recipes from the region.

Happy Interiors

Walking into the doors of Giggling Squid, may not make you giggle but they certainly will make you smile.

It’s like walking into a fragrant orchid filled, pastel-hued home housing a delicious melting pot of flavours. Floral tones pinks, purples and whites trellises against the dark ironworks and backs of chairs and combine effortlessly with the light green buttoned seating in the form of booths,  classic seating and romantic window couples seats.

There are also two almost private booths opposite the bar area towards the back of the restaurant to seat group diners.

The Cocktails

After being promptly shown to a table, we kicked off our evening with a small selection of cocktails including the Thai G&T for Dr C, a mango chilli mosquito for myself and a Thai Sabai to share.

Thai G&T is a refreshing mix of Kaffir lime leaf and ginger infused London dry Gin with Indian Tonic water. I’d say this is a must for Gin lovers.

Mango Chilli Mosquito is a mix of Mekong rum, mango, pineapple, lime with a chilli kick, which nips your throat (in a nice way) as it slides down. A must for Mojito swiggers.

Thai Sabai is an interesting flavour and something that I’ve tried in Thailand too. Mekong rum and lime juice are infused with basil. This is for those who like their cocktails quite strong and to pack a punch! Did you know Sabai means ‘it’s all good’ in Thai?! Definitely a favourite cocktail from the evening.

We accompanied our drinks with a very moreish generous  basket of prawn crackers and fresh spicy dipping sauce, which we ate throughout the evening.

There is also a selection of beers, wines, soft drinks and mocktails to choose from.

Starters

Giggling squid has a great offer on starters where you can select three for £17.50, however, we opted to have one each and share (I’d already heard about the delectable desserts).

Dr C being a fan of duck chose the crunchy duck and lychee bites. Small crispy rice discs topped with duck, star fruit and sweet lychee made for an interesting flavour combination that was a delight to start the meal with.

For me the choice was quite simple, I went for the crispy vegetable spring rolls where the shredded vegetables married well with the homemade sweet chilli sauce. The rolls are very light and not greasy so go down very easily.

Mains

For the main event, I was keen to try one of my Thai all times favourites, Massaman curry, which contained tofu a medley of vegetables to include, broccoli, onions, peppers, mushrooms, potatoes and carrots. The sauce was a little sweet but the light chilli gave it a kick in the background. The flavours of coconut milk, cumin, nuts, cinnamon and star anise made this quite a fragrant dish.

I poured my curry over another favourite, coconut rice, which was lightly favoured and topped with some coconut milk.

Dr C’s chicken cashew stir fry looked a treat. It was a fine mix of roasted cashew nuts, mushrooms, peppers, onions and chilli with a sauce that was just right in consistency to go well with some sticky rice. Only good comments were heard about this dish so I know it was a winner and Dr C said it was lightly spiced too, to allow all the flavours to be enjoyed.

Desserts

There was no way either of us were leaving without the finale of dessert and decisions in this category were simple and concise.

For the lady it was caramelised mango cake; deliciously light, warm and rich accompanied by a cornel of vanilla ice-cream and that is all. You’ll have to try it as simply there are not enough adjectives to describe this one.

For the gent, being the romantic type, he chose the melting heart chocolate dessert. A warm chocolate erupting core encased in a chocolate pudding served with a buttery biscuit base and some kiwi and strawberry. Sorry folks no photos of the oozing chocolate centre, it was gone too fast!!

Be-lavie’s Experience

Giggling Squid serves delicious Thai cuisine. It’s beautifully adorned, the food is of great quality and there are a great range of vegetarian, vegan and non-vegetarian dishes to chose from. The service is excellent with the waiting staff well informed and experienced in making recommendations for both food and drinks. The environment is casual and perfect for family meals, date nights and group celebrations. It’s also worth asking about child-friendly dishes.

After meeting and speaking to Pranee at the launch, I can understand why Giggling Squid is a success. It doesn’t have the feel of a restaurant chain but more an independent where in true Thai hospitality, the diner is treated graciously to a vibrant mix of flavours and individuality. I look forward to returning and getting stuck in to the lunctime Thai tapas.

Tell me, have you sampled food at Giggling Squid and what were your thoughts? Do you have a favourite dish?

Giggling Squid

Unit 3-5 St. Martin’s Square

Leicester

LE1 5DF

Tel. 0116 251 999999

For more information and the full menu have a look on the

Giggling Squid’s website

Disclaimer: Our meal at Giggling Squid was complimentary in exchange for this review however all views, opinions and photography are my own and remain  copyright of be-lavie.

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