Definition
Calamari is the culinary term for squid prepared as food, particularly in Mediterranean, Asian, and increasingly global cuisines. The word comes from Italian calamaro (plural calamari), referring to the squid's ink — historically used as a dark pigment. The most common preparation is deep-fried calamari rings, but squid is also served grilled, stewed, stuffed, raw (as sashimi), and in ink-based pasta dishes like spaghetti al nero di seppia.
Why It Matters
Calamari represents one of the most successful examples of culinary rebranding. For decades, squid was considered a low-value “trash fish” in Western markets, fed to livestock or discarded. In the 1970s and 1980s, Italian-American restaurants popularized fried calamari as an appetizer, and by the 1990s it had become a staple of American casual dining — served at chain restaurants, sports bars, and fine dining establishments alike. This transformation illustrates how naming, presentation, and marketing can completely reshape a food's cultural status. Squid is also one of the most sustainable seafood options, as squid populations are fast-growing and resilient.
Example
"The basket arrived, golden and steaming. Inside, rings of calamari glistened — crisp on the outside, tender within, with a squeeze of lemon and a side of marinara. It was the most popular appetizer on the menu, and no one thought about the fact that they were eating squid."
Cultural Context
Calamari's rise in America coincided with the broader acceptance of previously “exotic” foods — sushi, tapas, Thai cuisine. It became a gateway food for skeptical diners: deep-fried, familiar, and not too adventurous. In Japan, squid is a staple — served as sashimi, grilled (ika-yaki), and dried as a snack. In Korea, ojingeo bokkeum (stir-fried squid) is a beloved street food. The global squid trade is massive, with China, Japan, and the Mediterranean being the largest consumers. The “calamari” naming has also been used ironically in internet culture — “Is that a calamari?" memes reference the circular shape of the fried rings.
Related Terms
Squid, Seafood, Mediterranean cuisine, Sashimi, Sustainable seafood, Ink pasta