Calamares – The Filipino Fried Squid Rings Delicacy
Calamares is a well-loved Filipino delicacy made of battered and deep-fried squid rings. While its name may be derived from the Spanish word for squid, “calamar,” this dish has become a staple in Filipino street food and dining culture. Crispy, golden, and often served with a flavorful dipping sauce, Calamares is a delicious snack or appetizer that perfectly showcases the Filipino love for seafood and fried food. Let’s dive into its origins, cultural significance, and how it has become a popular dish across the Philippines.
The Origins of Calamares
Calamares traces its roots to Spain, where seafood is central to their cuisine, but it has been adapted to suit Filipino tastes. Introduced during the Spanish colonial period, the dish was embraced by the local population and eventually evolved into a Filipino street food favorite. Squid is abundant in the coastal regions of the Philippines, making it an accessible and affordable ingredient for many families and food vendors.
Over time, Calamares became a popular dish, often featured in local eateries, seafood restaurants, and as a street food snack. Its appeal lies in its simplicity—squid rings are coated in seasoned flour or breadcrumbs, then deep-fried to a crispy perfection. The dish is typically served with a dipping sauce, such as a tangy vinegar, sweet chili sauce, or mayonnaise with garlic, which enhances the flavor of the fried squid.
Calamares and Filipino Culture
Calamares plays a special role in Filipino food culture, especially as a pulutan (finger food) enjoyed with cold drinks during social gatherings. Whether at a beach outing, backyard barbecue, or family get-together, this dish is a favorite companion for casual drinking sessions. Its crispy, bite-sized pieces make it easy to share, embodying the Filipino spirit of communal dining and celebration.
In addition to its status as a popular street food, Calamares is often served in seafood restaurants or as an appetizer in Filipino homes. Its versatility allows it to be paired with different dipping sauces, catering to various regional tastes and preferences. From coastal towns to urban streets, Calamares has become a go-to comfort food for many Filipinos.
How to Enjoy Calamares
Calamares is best enjoyed fresh and hot, straight out of the fryer, when the batter is at its crispiest. It is typically served with a dipping sauce on the side to complement the slightly briny flavor of the squid. The most common sauces include spiced vinegar, sweet and sour sauce, or aioli, each offering a unique flavor experience.
For those who want to try making Calamares at home, it’s a relatively simple recipe. The key to a good Calamares is to ensure the squid is not overcooked, as this can make the rings tough and rubbery. A quick fry at high heat keeps the squid tender while achieving a crispy, golden exterior.
The Filipino Take on Calamares
What makes Filipino Calamares unique compared to other versions around the world is the influence of local flavors and ingredients. Filipino street vendors often season the batter with garlic powder, paprika, or pepper to add an extra kick to the dish. Furthermore, it is commonly paired with vinegar-based dips, which are a staple in Filipino cuisine, providing a perfect balance to the rich, fried squid.
In some regions, especially in coastal provinces, local variants of Calamares may include larger squid or even different types of seafood. This variation in ingredients showcases the adaptability of the dish to what is locally available, a hallmark of Filipino cooking.
Calamares is more than just fried squid—it is a reflection of Filipino culinary ingenuity and love for seafood. Its crispy texture and flavorful sauces make it a beloved snack, appetizer, or pulutan at gatherings and celebrations. Whether enjoyed as a street food treat or prepared at home, Calamares remains a quintessential part of Filipino dining culture, uniting people over good food and shared moments.