#tastetheworld at Giraffe, Glasgow

Last month I was invited down to Giraffe in Glasgow to try out their new Spring menu. I’ve only been to Giraffe once previously when me and Katrina were down in Brighton around 4 years ago now. The menu is extremely varied with a little bit of something for everyone, and dishes inspired by loads of different countries, so their #tastetheworld hashtag is pretty spot on!

Me and Pete turned it into a little date night, and to be honest a restaurant with a varied menu like Giraffe is perfect for us. We aren’t fussy when it comes to food, but I often find we are out of sync when it comes to ‘what are you in the mood for?’. I genuinely think we spend 50% of our relationship deciding what to have for breakfast, lunch or dinner! So with a super mixed menu (and not one which is too big either – I get extremely overwhelmed when restaurants have that!) I was intrigued to see what we would both end up ordering, and if they would be from the same part of the world.

For starters, Pete had the Chicken Yaki Gyozas which were lovely and crispy, with a delicious nouc cham sweet chilli dipping sauce. I went for the Grilled Halloumi Skewers (because HALLOUMI YOU GUYS) and to be honest I could have done with a 3rd skewer or double portion. Maybe just because I’m greedy and could probably eat a whole pack in one go? I have no shame.

For the main course, I had the Chicken Katsu Noodles and Pete went for the Chilli Beef Burrito. Pretty much us both down to a t! Pete is such a burrito fiend whereas I tend to avoid them, as after eating I feel like I’m carrying a small baby in my belly. Both of our meals were really fresh and tasty, with a decent portion size which didn’t make you wanna go into a food coma straight afterwards. We  shared a side of onion rings with a BBQ dip, and maaaaan they were good. I have a fear of soggy onion rings, but these were crispy with a decent onion to batter ratio, and not too huge either! (Onion rings the size of bangles just ain’t my vibe)

After two courses and a few beers, we couldn’t manage to squeeze a full desert in each so opted for  the churros to share. They arrived nice and hot, and I even managed to dribble chocolate sauce all down my nice new tshirt. Always the sign of a good meal, right? Next time I think I’ll skip starter and go for main and a full desert, the White Chocolate & Passionfruit Cheesecake, and Salted Caramel Sundae both looked amazing!

For a restaurant that is really giving you a taste of the world by offering so many different dishes, I was worried that it would feel like a ‘jack of all trades but master of none’ situation. However we were pleasantly surprised. Each meal felt like it could have easily belonged in the style of restaurant it would usually be served in (particularly my Katsu Noodles, watch your back Wagamama!) The dishes are extremely reasonably priced, and I think this is the perfect kind of restaurant if you’re going out with a mixed crowd and want a menu with something for everyone. Even a fussy food loving couple like me and Pete who take ages to decide on where to go for food! I absolutely adored the decor too, and my only worry was how quiet the restaurant was for 7pm on a Saturday night. This initially had the alarm bells in my head ringing, but I think it’s probably to do with the fact that this restaurant is fairly new and is tucked away on West Regent Street, so perhaps doesn’t get a lot of ‘passing’ trade. All in all, Giraffe – we like you! I’ll be back soon for that Salted Caramel Sundae.