Last week, we were lucky enough to be invited to try Giggling Squid, a Thai restaurant in Bishop’s Stortford. We had spotted Giggling Squid in Brighton and Windsor on weekends way, but we had no idea there was one much closer.
Thai is one of our favourite foods and we love our local Thai restaurants. And while Bishop’s Stortford is a slightly longer drive for us (around 45 minutes), honestly, it is absolutely worth it to experience Giggling Squid.
Giggling Squid
Just a little background before I show you all the food! Giggling Squid has been open in Bishop’s Stortford town centre since November 2018. The lovely Manager Tharini told me that the community has been absolutely lovely and so welcoming. She said that the restaurant has been really busy since it opened, and is especially popular with groups and families. And I can see why.
It is quite a big restaurant, with plenty of space including booths and more private sections for larger tables and group bookings. The décor is lush – very floral, fresh and pretty with lots of lovely greenery.
The food
New menus are launched every six months to keep the offering fresh. If you have food allergies or intolerances, there is a special folder which lists every dish and its allergens. There is also a dedicated vegan menu.
The children’s ‘little tapas for little people’ menu is great. They choose two items from the menu for £5.99, and they get free sticky rice with it. They can add pudding for £1.99. It’s a really good idea as it helps to encourage children to try new things. There is also an activity sheet and colouring pencils to help entertain the little ones.
Ethan chose spring rolls and vegetable Pad Thai noodles. He declared the spring rolls the best he’d ever tasted, and got well stuck into the noodles.
The rice came in its own basket which he really liked. It kept the rice really hot too. The kiddie portions are a very good size so I think it’s good value for money.
Hubby and I enjoyed starters of ‘delicious Thai chicken wings’ and ‘samui zingy prawns’, both of which tasted amazing and we agreed we would totally order again. The chicken wings kind of melted off the bone, and the prawns were deliciously spicy – mind the chillies, they are HOT!
For mains, we chose ‘chilli and basil gra pao with prawns’ and ‘chicken Paneang curry’ with sides of ‘vegetable Pad Thai’ and ‘Jasmine rice’. It was all absolutely delicious, perfectly cooked and full of flavour. I reckon this was one of the best Thai meals we’ve had (and that includes in Thailand!).
For dessert, Ethan picked a ‘caramel and chocolate lollipop’ which he really enjoyed. Tom’s curiosity got the better of him and he chose ‘Jasmine and toasted rice ice cream’ (yes, really!). I played it safe with ‘Melting heart chocolate dessert’. To be honest, I was a little dubious about what Tom’s ice-cream would taste like, but I tried some and it was really good – a light, fresh flavour with tasty bits of rice in. What’s not to like?! Kind of like rice pudding ice-cream but much, much nicer!
And my chocolate dessert? Well, there are no words really. Believe me when I say, you just need to go to Giggling Squid and order it. Like, right now. Absolute heaven on a plate.
We’ll be back (as soon as humanly possible)
I’ve already recommended Giggling Squid to my parents (who live ten minutes from Bishops Stortford, the lucky things) and we will absolutely go back. There are so many things I’d like to try from the menu.
Giggling Squid is a little more expensive than your average Thai restaurant but hubby and I agreed, it’s totally justified. The way the food is cooked, the presentation, and the flavours are all fantastic, and the staff were very friendly and knowledgeable too.
Writing this and looking at all the photos has made me really hungry (especially as it’s nearly lunchtime!) and now I’m massively craving Thai food. Oh well, better get planning our next visit…
Thank you so much to Giggling Squid for inviting us, we loved it!
Natalie xx
Disclaimer: Mums Off Duty received a complimentary meal for the purpose of review. All words and opinions are my own.
16 comments
Oo the menu sounds delicious and the food looks full of flavour! I love discovering new restaurants 🙂
We’d never been before, it was so good!
I went to the opening of Giggling Squid in Norwich and it was really beautiful. I need to go again soon!
Oh lucky you. Yes I’m desperate to go again already!
Oh my goodness all the food looks so scrummy and impressed that the dessert was also good as often they can be a let down in Asian-themed restaurants.
It was all delicious, and yes I was surprised by the desserts too. A good range and totally yummy as well.
I love thai food so would love a visit here. I think it’s great that they have a specific children’s menu, I’ve never seen this in a thai restaurant before.
Ethan absolutely loved the children’s menu. It’s great that there’s such a good choice, and they can pick two different things, plus rice!
This food looks so tasty. I’ve never tried Thai before but the chicken wings and mains look so good!
Oh my gosh you have to try Thai food, it is one of my favourites. You will love it!
You had me at ‘Giggling Squid’ – what a fantastic name for a restaurant! Yum – the food looks so good, but I especially love the children’s menu. It really is a great idea to get the little ones to try something new. If we are ever nearby – we are most certainly going to stop by for a taste.
I love the name too. My mum was trying to remember what it was and called it ‘Slippery Eel’ which we laughed about. The kids menu is great, Ethan is fussy but loved it.
Love the name! I would want to eat here on that alone. The food looks really yummy too.
It is such a good name! The food was delicious.
Aw looks like you had an amazing time. Love the look of the interiors and the food too xx
We had such a lovely evening. Can’t wait to go back!