Burgers, pizza and chips. Those tend to be the go-to types of restaurants we look for when out and about with the kids, mainly because theyβre easy, cheap and youβll know theyβll eat it.
But have you ever considered something a little different?
We were recently asked to try out Thai restaurant chain Giggling Squidβs new tapas menu for kids, and I must admit that while I love Thai food a Thai restaurant isnβt necessarily the sort of place Iβd consider taking the kids.
Thereβs nothing worse than them pulling faces at food they donβt recognise, refusing to eat what youβve paid for and making a meal out miserable for everyone, which is why itβs just easier to go for a safe bet.
But it turns out I was wrong and during our visit to the Giggling Squid I realised that actually Thai food is great for kids. Hereβs why.
5 reasons Thai food is great for kids
1. Itβs healthy. Traditionally Thai food is lightly prepared with a focus on protein, colour and aromatic flavours with lots of herbs and spices. All big ticks when it comes to getting them to eat a varied diet.
2. They can eat it with their fingers. The Giggling Squidβs new βlittle tapas for little peopleβ menu (Β£5.95 for two dishes) has a focus on finger food β thereβs chicken satay on skewers, spring rolls and prawn crackers, all with dipping sauce.
3. You can hide things in it. Things theyβd normally turn their nose up at, like peppers, coriander, prawns and onions.
4. It keeps them fuller for longer. My two absolutely adore sticky rice and theyβll happily eat the lot. It fills them up for hours afterwards, unlike certain other kid-friendly restaurant chains when theyβre hungry again half an hour later.
5. You can have a civilized family meal instead of a chimpanzeeβs tea party. Having never been to a Giggling Squid restaurant before I had no idea what to expect. We went at lunchtime when youβll find tapas sets for grown-ups, so you donβt need to eat what theyβre eating, as well as the kidsβ tapas. There are games on the kidsβ menu and felt pens are provided, so Misery Guts and I could actually sit back and enjoy a meal while the kids were occupied.
Have you ever given your kids Thai food and have you ever been to a Giggling Squid restaurant? Or is a Thai restaurant somewhere youβve never considered taking the kids before?
We were given a meal at our local Giggling Squid free of charge in exchange for this review. As always all opinions are my own and based on my own honest experience.
Like what you read here? Please consider voting for us in the Family & Lifestyle categoryΒ ofΒ BritMums’ Brilliance in Blogging Awards 2017! All you need to do is click here, scroll down to the Family & Lifestyle category and fill in the details – my blog url:Β http://www.crummymummy.co.uk, my twitter id: @mrsnataliebrown and my email address: [email protected]. It takes justΒ TWO minutes and I’ll eternally grateful! Thanks so much!
Linking up withβ¦
I wouldn’t have thought about going to a Thai restaurant with little kids in tow, but you’ve made some valid points here that have definitely swayed me a little. #TheListLinky
I’d love to go to a Thai restaurant but there aren’t any anywhere near here. We used to take our son to our local Indian once a month, so much better than the usual chain places. He loved it and they always made a huge fuss of him. Our daughter isn’t quite so well behaved so we tend to just call in for a takeaway now. We’d always rather eat in a nice restaurant or pub than a fast food chain though x
#TheListLinky
I love Thai food – it’s great this place has a menu for kids, I’ve not seen that in any around here, they’re more aimed at adults #thelistlinky
I love Thai food and would love to find a really child friendly place to take mine! I’ll see if we’re near a Giggling Squid!
I’ve not heard of that chain, sounds great. At the moment we’re trying to eat out a bit more with our 3 year old and 1 year old but our 3 year old is fussy so we tend to stick to pubs…. he does like wagamamas though so maybe we should try Thai next!
#triedtested
My kids love all types of food, this looks delicious and tasty, well worth a try #TriedTested
Mmm. I’m not sure my two would try Thai food! Maybe we’ll have to give it a go!
I love thai food. The only time Isla has had it she was 6 months old and choked on a piece of carrot… Will have to try her with it again
#thelinkylist
I am not sure I would have ever considered a Thai meal for the kids, but actually, they like almost all of the things on that menu! Thanks for linking up with #TriedTested