Would You Eat This Dried Cuttlefish?

July 24, 2008

Yesterday while at a Chinese supermarket, I came across the popular Asian snack: dried cuttlefish. Cuttlefish is similar to squid, and these dried snacks are chewy and meaty with a briny, slightly sweet flavor.

I grew up eating them and think they're deliciously addictive, but I can see how their threadlike texture and fishy smell might turn people away. What about you? Do you think you could stomach this?

40 Comments

2 years 6 days

My 5 yr old granddaughter talked me into eating this. She got a pkg in her Easter basket!! Yum!!!!

3 years 17 weeks

they're poison, I tells ya!

dbrimstone 4 years 14 weeks

if the texture bothers you you can always stick it in the microwave for about 25 seconds so they crisp up a bit.

Hannahbanana 4 years 42 weeks

That package is actually a Korean brand. It's good when eaten as is and it's also really super tasty when it's made as a Korean side dish which is made by mixing it with Korean hot pepper paste and sesame oil. It goes great with rice.

eshellmoyer 4 years 42 weeks

I hate how long you have to chew it, and how sweet it turns. not for me.

Allytta 4 years 42 weeks

i love them. it's not only chinese thing, but Russian as well.

carrothead 4 years 43 weeks

my dad looooves dried squid from Japan my uncle brought back. This lookes like the same thing, only cuttlefish.

nnayap 4 years 43 weeks

Sounds good. My personal fav = shrimp chips YUMMMMMMM

bluebellknoll 4 years 43 weeks

Needs to be eaten with an ice cold beer. Good stuff.

Le Luxe 4 years 43 weeks

Barf.

CaterpillarGirl 4 years 43 weeks

I love them, yummy.

chipjimi 4 years 43 weeks

i grew up on this stuff. I love it!

bigestivediscuit 4 years 43 weeks

Love it, especially the hot and spicy versions.

soulight 4 years 43 weeks

I've never had it, but Nigerian cuisine has some interesting dishes so I'm sure I would take a liking to it.

Brandi13jrm 4 years 43 weeks

I lived in Hawaii for about 7 years and there is a very large population of different Asian cultures. This stuff is very popular there and is in every store, even familiar ones like Safeway. I also had a Filipino room mate back in the day that used to practically live off dried cuttlefish. I personally don't like it but it doesn't freak me out or anything.

ilanac13 4 years 43 weeks

hmm...nope - not a chance. i'm adventurous with food - but not THAT adventurous. (and thankfully i'm a veggie)

katrinawrites 4 years 43 weeks

I find dried cuttlefish very flavorful and chewy, but I can understand how some people may find it too gummy and strange. So before you try the cuttlefish, ease into the dried seafood genre by digging into some crunchy dried squid flakes on top of a cup of hot steamed rice or bowl of ramen. For an even gentler alternative, try sprinkling some Japanese Furikake on your food (mixture of sesame seeds, chopped seaweed, sugar, salt). Enjoy!

Rancher'sGirl 4 years 43 weeks

I tried these once...very unique, but not my style. It was interesting, though.

JP from Sydney 4 years 43 weeks

Hey there, love this blog...though not sure about that last snack ...woooh...maybe with the hot sauce could work ;) Anyway keep up the great work! Anyway, look forward to more posts. Cheers, JP

ayuninur 4 years 43 weeks

yes, i totally addicted to it..!

Puzzle2397 4 years 43 weeks

I'll probably try something like this during my year-long stint in South Korea.

berrypeachie 4 years 43 weeks

Mmmmmm, Give me a bag. I love these, but they're definitely chewy.

shoneyjoe 4 years 43 weeks

mediafreak, *everything* goes well with alcohol. And yes, not only would I eat this, but I've had it before and can clear out an entire bag of that in no time. Also, I'm a bassoon player, and the jaw strength needed to get through dried cuttlefish is exactly the same as what's needed for music. Think chewing through rubber bands, but much tastier.