Oyatsu Surume: Classic Dagashi Squid Snack for Kids
Japan has many varieties of squid snacks compared to other countries, and many of those are eaten as “Otsumami (おつまみ)” or an accompaniment for alcoholic drinks, such as sake, shochu, and beer.
If I give a representative example of such squid Otsumami snacks, what comes to my mind first is “Surume (するめ)”.
Surume is a snack food made from squid called “Surume Ika (スルメイカ)” that’s been gutted and dried under the sun.
Before eating, the dried whole squid is usually toasted and shredded by hand.
Japanese people like to eat the prepared squid strips dipping in mayonnaise with Shichimi Togarashi while drinking. But the snack has a tough texture, so it is not suitable for children.
Oyatsu Surume (おやつするめ)
However, there is a Surume treat meant for kids, which is the Dagashi snack “Oyatsu Surume (おやつするめ)”.
Unlike regular Surume snacks, it is so cheap, priced at 30 yen (about 0.3 USD), that even children can buy it.
Besides, these squid shreds are so thin, like Surume Somen, that they are much easier to eat than average Surume strips.
The Surume shreds are pre-seasoned with sugar and salt, so they are eaten as they are.
Conclusion
The Dagashi Oyatsu Surume is a simple squid snack. But the more you chew on it, the more umami comes out and the tastier it becomes.
With this Dagashi snack and the soft drink Namaiki Beer, children can feel like adults without guilt!
