Whole dried squid

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Dried squid is a beloved seafood specialty for many Vietnamese families, from a weekend snack to a favorite pairing with drinks among friends. At Ola Squid, dried squid is made from carefully selected squid, sun-dried or machine-dried using traditional methods that keep the body and head intact. If you're looking for a good, safe whole dried squid to eat right away or give as a gift, this article covers everything from where it comes from to how to pick a good one and store it properly.

Where Ola Squid's dried squid comes from and how it's made

A good batch of dried squid starts with selecting fresh squid. After being caught, the squid is cleaned of its innards while keeping the body and head intact, then sun-dried or machine-dried at the right temperature so it dries evenly without losing its natural sweetness. Ola Squid sources its squid from clean, low-pollution waters, and sorts it by size right at the point of purchase, so each batch comes out consistent in size. That way, customers can pick the size that fits their needs instead of getting a bag with mixed sizes. The production process is fully self-contained before packaging and includes these basic steps:

• Cleaning fresh squid and removing innards and impurities.
• Sun-drying or machine-drying to a set standard for temperature and time.
• Checking the quality of each batch before packaging.
• Vacuum-sealing to keep it fresh for longer.

Thanks to tight control at every stage, Ola Squid's dried squid keeps its attractive shape, with no broken heads or torn tentacles by the time it reaches the customer.

How to spot good dried squid

Not every whole dried squid on the market is the same quality. To pick a good batch, there are a few signs you can check with just your eyes and nose. Start with color. Good dried squid usually has a natural light pink color, not overly pale or unnaturally yellow. An even coating of white powder on the surface is also a sign that it was properly sun-dried or machine-dried rather than treated with chemicals. A few other things worth checking:

• Smell: good squid has a distinctive ocean scent, without any fishy or foul odor.
• Firmness: the head and tentacles should stay attached to the body, not come apart when you pick it up.
• When grilled: the meat should be chewy with natural sweetness, and show a light pink color inside when torn apart.

Paying attention to these details makes it much easier to tell quality dried squid apart from the lower-grade product that sometimes gets mixed into the market.

Sizes of dried squid at Ola Squid

Each type of dried squid comes in a different size, suited to a specific need. Ola Squid sorts by piece count per kilogram so customers can choose easily.

Size (pcs/kg)	Price	Characteristics	Best for
15–22 pcs/kg	1,200,000 – 1,599,000 VND	Large squid, thick body, firm and chewy meat	Gifting, restaurants - the highest price tier
23–30 pcs/kg	1,020,000 – 1,299,000 VND	Medium-large squid, good balance of price and quality	Gifting, restaurants - a premium tier
31–40 pcs/kg	970,000 – 1,290,000 VND	Medium-sized squid, the most common on the market	Easy to cook, reasonably priced
40–60 pcs/kg	720,000 – 1,099,000 VND	Smaller squid, thinner meat	Everyday, budget-friendly use
61–120 pcs/kg	520,000 – 699,000 VND	Smaller squid, thinner meat	Typically used for pressed or shredded squid products

If you need dried squid as a gift for Tet or other holidays, the larger 15–22 pcs/kg size is usually the top pick thanks to its appealing look and thick, firm meat. Smaller sizes, on the other hand, are more practical for everyday snacking without spending too much.

Nutritional value of dried squid

Beyond its flavor, dried squid is also popular for its solid nutritional profile. It's a rich source of protein while being relatively low in fat, making it a good option for people who work out or want more protein without worrying much about weight gain. Besides protein, dried squid also contains minerals like zinc, iron, and calcium, which support bone health and the immune system. That said, since dried squid is often eaten with seasoning or chili sauce, it's best enjoyed in moderation to keep your daily diet balanced.

What to make with dried squid

A single bag of whole dried squid can be turned into several different dishes, depending on your taste and the occasion.

Traditionally grilled squid

This is the simplest way to prepare it, and it keeps the squid's natural flavor fully intact. Just grill the squid over charcoal or in an oven until it's fragrant, then tear it into pieces and dip it in chili sauce or a lime-pepper-salt mix. This dish works great as a snack with drinks on a weekend evening, or simply as something to nibble on while catching up with friends. The appeal of the traditional grilled version is that anyone can make it at home without needing elaborate seasoning.

Squid salad

After a light grill, the squid is torn into thin strips and mixed with shredded green mango, fragrant Vietnamese coriander, and crunchy roasted peanuts. The chewy bite of the squid combined with the tangy-sweet dressing creates a well-balanced dish that's hard to stop eating once you start. This salad works well for light gatherings, family get-togethers, or as a starter before the main meal. It's especially popular because it's easy to make with ingredients that are simple to find, while still being flavorful and satisfying.

Braised dried squid

Braising is a way of cooking that lets the squid soak up plenty of seasoning, ideal for anyone who likes a rich, savory dish with rice. The dried squid is braised with good fish sauce, minced garlic and chili, and a touch of sugar to balance the salty-sweet flavor. As it braises, the squid gradually absorbs the seasoning, turns an appealing amber color, and gives off a mouthwatering aroma. Served with hot steamed rice, this braised squid dish can make a meal noticeably more satisfying.

Shelf life and how to store dried squid

Storage plays a big role in keeping dried squid tasting good over time. If you're not using it right away, keep the squid in a vacuum-sealed bag in the freezer - that helps it stay fresh for a long time without losing its aroma or changing quality. For short-term use, simply keeping it somewhere cool and dry, away from direct sunlight, is enough. It's also worth checking the expiration date printed on the packaging before use to ensure food safety, especially for products that are already vacuum-sealed. Dried squid at Ola Squid has a shelf life of one year from the production date.

Shipping and returns policy at Ola Squid

Ola Squid is committed to fast, carefully packaged delivery so dried squid reaches customers with its original quality and shape intact. For orders with quality issues caused by a manufacturing defect, customers can reach out for a return under the store's policy.

• Within Ho Chi Minh City: delivery within 2–3 business days after order confirmation.
• Other provinces: delivery within 4–5 business days, depending on location.

Note: delivery times may run longer due to weather, holidays, or courier issues. We'll notify customers of any changes.

FAQ - Frequently asked questions about dried squid

What grade is Ola Squid's dried squid?

Ola Squid's dried squid is grade-1 quality, sorted by size into several categories so customers can easily choose based on their needs, from everyday snacking to gifting.

Is there a discount on wholesale dried squid pricing?

Yes. Ola Squid has a dedicated wholesale pricing and discount policy for bulk buyers. You can contact us directly for pricing suited to your business needs via the hotline at 0989616989. Whole dried squid is a seafood specialty that's both delicious and convenient, fitting a wide range of occasions. With a fully self-contained selection and production process, Ola Squid delivers dried squid that keeps its shape, tastes great, and is safe for your health.