You’ve got to be squidding me.
Squid can be a divisive ingredient. Many are intimidated by the creature’s tentacles and sometimes rubbery texture but for those who love it, there’s no better way to enjoy it than freshly-fried, golden brown calamari. It’s usually served as an appetizer, garnished with lemon and parsley and served with some sort of dipping sauce.
And with a certain show *ehem* Squid Game *ehem* gaining interest, what better way to enjoy binge-watching a horrific yet enrapturing series than enjoying a beloved dish featuring one of the words in the title.
Fun Fact: Calamari is the Italian word for "squid" (singular: calamaro)
Most people don’t realize that calamari doesn’t always have to be battered and fried. It can be grilled or sautéed with olive oil and garlic the way the Spaniards typically prepare their chipirones. But because we live by the saying, “If at first you don’t succeed, fry, fry again,” we’ve curated a list of deep-fried calamari dishes in Metro Manila.
Read on, we only ask that you follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. Consider it a squid pro quo.
Gringo
Gringo is a local concept from the Tokyo Bubble Tea group. It’s a restaurant specializing in Latin American and Tex-Mex specialties including chicken, ribs, burritos, and more.
Their garlic calamari is a must-try! Best paired with a bucket of ice-cold beer and a fresh squeeze of lemon.
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The Wholesome Table
A restaurant with an all-day menu serving organic, healthy comfort food, at the Wholesome Table you’re sure to get dishes made with ingredients that are organic and locally sourced.
Fresh from the sea, you’ll enjoy their calamari which is baby squid deep-fried and battered served with a slice of lemon and garlic aioli.
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Cyma
A Greek and Mediterranean-inspired restaurant, Cyma serves up flavorful, flaming dishes that’ll make you say “Opa!” and make you smile with their comforting yet interesting flavors.
Cyma’s version of calamari is actually called Kalamarakia and is served with tzatziki and spicy tomato sauce.
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Cafe Sanso
Cafe Sanso is a small cafe serving Spanish specialities such as chorizo platters, paella, callos, and churros. It serves as an ode to Juvenal Sanso, the internationally acclaimed artist, master painter and printmaker.
Their calamari is crispy on the outside, tender on the inside and best paired with their cocktails.
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32 V. Cruz, San Juan City 1500, San Juan
8275-2200
Rackshack
The younger sibling of Racks, Rackshack has a more laid-back concept but still offers their beloved ribs and meat slathered in the older’s signature barbecue sauces.
Enjoy one of the best appetizers this restaurant has to offer: their light yet crunchy appetizer.
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Bag O’ Shrimps
Offering seafood in bags cooked in different sauces, if you’re a shellfish, crab, shrimp, and squid fanatic, then best order your next meal from Bag O’Shrimps.
Enjoy their crunchy and tasty calamari any time of the day with a bottle of your favorite cold beer.
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Conti’s Bakeshop and Restaurant
A bakeshop and restaurant that serves up comfort food, Conti’s isn’t only famous for its crowd-favorite Mango Bravo Cake but also for its pasta, soups, and viands.
Their calamari platter consists of deep-fried squid rings and squidlets, is served with tartar sauce, and complements any of their meals really well!
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Chili’s
Chili’s is an American bar and restaurant serving Southwestern-inspired dishes like burgers, fajitas, nachos, and alcoholic drinks like margaritas.
For those who have been long-standing fans of their calamari, you’ll be happy to know that they’ve kept their recipe and that their calamari is still their hand-battered squid rings deep-fried to a golden brown.
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