If you love seafood, you’ve probably wondered whether “calamari” and “squid” are just two names for the same thing. The squid vs calamari taste is hotly debated among food connoisseurs. Both have similar appearance but terminology is what differentiates them and both of them belong to same family of creatures.
Understanding the difference between squid and calamari can help you cook great food, and if you understand about types of squids and more about calamari vs squid it will help you take better purchasing decisions. So, let's dive into it.
Squids are Torpedo shaped, long body aquatic creatures which have two fins on each side and a total of 10 tentacles—two long hunting tentacles and eight shorter arms. Their well-structured body are versatile in cooking but become rubbery if overcooked.
Some common species are: Loligo, Illex, and Dosidicus types.
Squid is loved everywhere around the world. From Japanese Ika sashimi to Korean Ojingeo Bokkeum people celebrate it with region‑specific dishes which enriches culinary experiences. It is a versatile seafood in Mediterranean regions you’ll find stuffed squid, while Southeast Asian countries often grill it with chili and lime.
So, what is calamari made from if it’s not a different species? “Calamari” is actually the culinary term for tender types of squid, often from specific species that are softer in texture. The word comes from the Italian calamaro. Calamari dishes are popular in many cuisines and are known for their delicate flavor and versatility — often served fried, grilled, or stuffed.
While all calamari is squid, not all squid is calamari. In cooking, “calamari” typically refers to more delicate varieties like the European squid (Loligo vulgaris), which are prized for their tenderness. So, when chefs talk about calamari, they’re referring to how the squid is selected and prepared—not to a separate animal.
Fried calamari rings : Italian dish in which calamari are shaped like rings and deep fried and can be served as appetizer
Calamari Fritti Crunchy, tender squid bites served hot with a zesty dipping sauce.
Calamari Pasta: Tender calamari tossed with al dente pasta in a savory garlic-tomato sauce.
Mediterranean Preparations: Fresh calamari infused with herbs, olive oil, and lemon, true to coastal Mediterranean style.
Calamari and squid are different in some key ways.
Squid vs calamari cooking, appearance, and price are helpful things that a chef or seafood enthusiast needs to know or a person purchasing seafood online or at a market.
Texture : Squid’s texture is firm, even chewy and whereas, calamari is more tender and delicate in texture
Taste : Squid has a very mild taste and gives a slightly brine after taste and calamari is sweeter in taste and delicate
Appearance and Anatomy: As earlier mentioned, squid and calamari have slight difference in their anatomies and appearance thought they belong to same family there are slight differences in their anatomy, Squid has a longer body and larger fins; calamari have smaller fins and thinner flesh.
Price and Market Position : In seafood and culinary Industry calamari has more value compared to squids, calamari is priced higher than squid due to its tenderness and perceived premium quality.
Cooking Techniques and Recipes : There are different types of cooking techniques and recipes according to geographical areas, cultures and availability across the world some people like it fried, stuffed etc. If ever search how to cook squid or Calamari on Internet you’ll get different types of tips which will tell about the cooking techniques, Squid Recipes, then it can be calamari frying, stuffed squid and many more. Let’s talk about the best ways to cook squid and calamari
How to Identify Calamari vs Squid When Buying Now at this point we know difference between Calamari and squid now we face a challenge of identifying the calamari and squid before purchasing it and experiencing the desired taste. The one should know where to buy squid online there are some factors which play vital role in identifying the difference between the fresh calamari and squid.
Before buying we should check it through visual and textural cues as we know that both have different texture and anatomy, we can use it as a cue to choose the whatever needed. To choose a squid we should check that it is thick, greyish and larger compared to calamari. Calamari is thinner, has a lighter flesh and have translucent flesh on it.
Before purchasing, it's important to ask your seafood supplier the right questions to ensure you're getting high-quality squid or calamari. Be sure to request origin info - ask whether the product is wild-caught or farmed. Clarify the species names to know exactly what you're buying, as different species vary in taste and texture. Inquire about the freezing method, such as whether it was fresh frozen, which helps preserve flavor and quality. Finally, confirm the cut type — whether it's offered in rings, tubes, or whole to suit your recipe needs.
Regional Names and Variants
Indian Dishes Using Calamari/Squid
You can easily buy calamari online in India, especially in coastal cities like Chennai, Kochi, and Mumbai, where demand for fresh seafood is high.
Certain species of squid that are caught in the wild have sustainability issues as a result of overfishing. Traceable supply chains and responsible sourcing search is key to keeping the ocean healthy and respecting the local fishers.
At HookCatch, we are a responsible seafood brand committed to sustainability, transparency, and quality. From ethical harvesting procedures to strict cold-chain handling, our entire process is designed to preserve marine ecosystems while ensuring the freshest catch. As part of our commitment to ethical sourcing of squid products and other seafood, our clearly marked packaging makes it easy to track both the species and origin. This empowers chefs and restaurant buyers to make eco-friendly decisions with confidence. Order from HookCatch to get seafood that’s as considerate as it is delicious.
