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Giggling Squid Harborne – Royal Thai Tea

Giggling squid is Thai Food with personality as self proclaimed on their own website. I first came across this delightful restaurant chain many years ago when visiting Stratford Upon Avon so when the Harborne branch opened up I was delighted to have a branch so close. I love Thai food as it’s always bursting with flavour and champions fresh ingredients. Giggling Squid does it best so it’s no surprises that they’re now the biggest Thai restaurant chain in the U.K.

a woman in a pink dress holding a cup.

I always struggle to recommend a favourite dish at a good restaurant – I’m the kind of person who likes to order several small plates as a main, or convince my fellow diners to agree to a sharing tapas style dining experience. I get real food envy when I see other peoples meals and I just want to try out everything which is why I jumped at the chance to try the Royal Thai Tea so that I could indulge all my food cravings in one sitting.

A new concept for Giggling Squid and available in selected restaurants throughout May is the Thai themed afternoon tea. I have to admit I’m not a fan of drinking tea or the usual soggy or dry sandwiches you get in most places but the menu for this experience had me drooling. Featuring all of my favourite starters including the salt and pepper squid.

“a stacked tier of goodies which includes our most popular Thai Tapas such as our Salt & Pepper Squid, Golden Moneybags and Chicken Satay as well as delish vegan options like our golden, crispy pastry Spring Rolls and moreish Thai Spice Rice Balls

a person reaching for a piece of food on a plate.

Giggling Squid Harborne is located on the High-street, on the corner of Albany Road. On the day of our visit, on a rainy Saturday in May (just after the Kings Coronation) it was a delight to step inside the restaurant where it always feels like spring. Large windows across two sides maximise the lighting of the space creating an airy and bright feel. The interior style has nods to traditional Thai decor and features large murals, floral papers and some lovely focal points. The Harborne branch has a towering spiral staircase adorned with floral garlands and chandelier lighting features which make the most of the high ceilings. The ambience however is still casual and relaxed so it makes for the perfect place for an afternoon tea with friends.

The important details:

  • Served daily from 1st – 31st May between 2.3pm – 5.30pm
  • £32.99 for two people including a pot of tea.
  • Tea options include: English breakfast, Mint, Jasmine and lemongrass.
  • Option to add two glasses of bubbles for £11.95.
a cup and saucer on a table with a painting behind it.

Ordering was an easy process with the friendly team asking about allergies and providing all of the menus. Drinks service was quick and efficient – I opted for a mocktail and a mint tea. Both equally refreshing. I really liked the transparent tea pot and the visual quality of being able to see the mint leaves. The attention to detail with things like this always makes a mark with me, especially in cities like Birmingham where there are so many places offering an Afternoon Tea.

a drink with a straw in a glass on a table.

Our food was arranged on a three tier cake stand with serving plates and I was really excited to see just how good it looked as I spotted it being bought across the restaurant. I noticed straight away that all of the components were full sized – as they are on the ‘normal’ menu which was an immediate win for me, as miniatures often leave me longing for more.

  • a white plate topped with different types of food.
  • a white plate topped with fried food and french fries.
  • a white plate topped with food and a fork.
  • a hand holding a small bowl of food.

I was intrigued to see how they would incorporate all of the different elements of each dish – the sauces and garnishes at Giggling Squid are a spectacle and again nothing was compromised. I think I managed to capture images of everything before we tucked in but highlights for me include the Golden Money bags of chicken in crisp pastry being served in their own little dishes, the spiced rice balls being served on their bed of zingy Thai Salsa which is one of my favourite flavour experiences and the inclusion of the delicate floral garnishes which I have grown to love.

a plate of food on a table in a restaurant.

The dessert options were top tier – it’s the “sweet heavens above” Trio from the main menu which includes the melting heart chocolate, salted caramel soufflé and the pineapple and coconut finger. All equally exquisite. Arlo and I decided to halve each one as we couldn’t decide which ones we wanted to opt for. My personal favourite is the caramel which just melts away in your mouth but Arlo said that the chocolate one was the “best ever!”

a piece of chocolate cake with strawberries on top.

What a great way to celebrate the Coronation, a monumental day in history. We felt very satisfied, the food was filling but not too heavy and we sat and finished our drinks enjoying the ambience of the restaurant for a little while before venturing back out in to the rain. I really hope Giggling Squid keeps this afternoon Tea offer on the menu beyond this month.

a woman holding a bowl of food and smiling.

Last Updated on 1 year by Lavania Oluban

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