Surume: Dried Squid

Surume is a whole squid that has been dried, and is a snack food. It is sold in any supermarket or convenience store, as well as shops specializing in seafood products. The squid, in its entirety, may be purchased or it can come shredded in smaller packages. A common snack eaten by people of all ages, it often appears as an accompaniment to beer and even an alternative to popcorn at the movie theatre.

However, beware of purchasing mass produced surume; it may not only be salted, but will probably also be flavoured (unfortunately) with MSG.

Surume has a strong flavour and even stronger smell, as drying seems to intensify its “squidiness”. Many people enjoy its texture, which is chewy and stringy (reminiscent of cheese strings).