Grilled Squid (Kao You Yi)
Kao You Yi (grilled squid) is a popular grilled squid dish widely eaten in East Asia, particularly in Taiwan and China. It is mainly served at night market stalls, where fresh squid is skewered on metal or bamboo sticks and grilled directly over an open flame to achieve a fragrant, smoky flavor. In places like the Liuhe Tourist Night Market in Kaohsiung, it has become a well-known local delicacy, enjoyed for its distinctive seasoning with a variety of spices and sauces such as soy sauce, cumin, and five-spice powder. As a convenient snack, it is loved by both locals and tourists, and is considered one of the iconic dishes representing Taiwan’s night market culture.
- Taste Rating
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- Price
- 200 New Taiwan Dollar
- Meal Date
- 12/28/2024
- Food Travel Log
- When you think of Taiwan, think of squid! (Ranked 11th in the world for catch volume in 2024) In the port town of Kaohsiung? Even more squid! The grilled squid I had at the night market, known as "Kao You Yu," was tender and richly seasoned with cumin and salt, making it the perfect companion to a beer. Squid and beer are good friends, just like us, don't you think? Squid & Beer: Indeed, dear tourist.
AI Gourmet Analysis
Overview of Kao You Yu (Grilled Squid)
Kao You Yu (pinyin: kǎo yóu yú) is a grilled squid dish widely enjoyed throughout East Asia, especially in Taiwan and China. It is a staple and popular menu item in the night markets of port cities, such as Liuhe Tourist Night Market in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, and is beloved by both tourists and locals. The cooking method is simple yet enhances the savory aroma and natural umami of squid, making the dish a long-time favorite as a street snack or beer accompaniment.
Preparation Methods and Characteristics
Kao You Yu mainly uses fresh squid, with the body and tentacles typically skewered on metal or bamboo sticks, and slowly grilled over direct heat or on a special grill. During the grilling process, a uniquely blended sauce or spices are applied, and in Taiwanese night markets, pepper, salt, cumin, and garlic powder are commonly used. As a result, the squid surface becomes crispy and flavorful, while the inside remains juicy and chewy. The grilled squid can be served on the skewer or sliced into rings on the spot.
Varieties of Sauce and Spices
In Taiwan, a sweet and savory soy sauce-based glaze, spicy seasonings with chili, and spice mixes such as salt, cumin, and five-spice powder are standard. Reflecting the port-town culture of Kaohsiung, the use of fresh squid brings a rich flavor, and spicy-seasoned versions are also popular, suited to the local climate. The frequent use of cumin is influenced by Xinjiang cuisine in China and Southeast Asian food cultures. Sprinkling spices on freshly grilled squid awakens the appetite with its enticing aroma.
History and Cultural Background
Squid has long been an important marine resource caught in abundance along the Taiwan Strait and the South China Sea coast. As of 2024, Taiwan ranks 11th globally in squid catch volume. While smoked, stewed, and stir-fried squid dishes are common, grilled squid—especially as street food—has achieved particular popularity within Taiwan’s night market culture. At night markets throughout Taiwan, including Liuhe Tourist Night Market, Kao You Yu stands as a symbol of street-food gastronomy. While there are similarities with grilled squid cultures in neighboring countries—such as “Ikayaki” in Japan or “Ojingeo Gui” in Korea—Taiwanese grilled squid is distinctive for its night market atmosphere and unique seasoning styles.
Liuhe Tourist Night Market and City Features
Kaohsiung’s Liuhe Tourist Night Market is a historic market dating back to the 1950s and a tourist spot where local B-grade gourmet foods are gathered. The surrounding area has developed as a port city, offering an abundance of fresh seafood dishes, including squid delivered directly from local fishing ports, ensuring a high standard of freshness. Kao You Yu is a flagship dish that attracts many tourists.
Comparison with Grilled Squid Cultures Worldwide
| Region | Name | Seasonings | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taiwan | Kao You Yu | Salt, cumin, soy sauce, five-spice powder | Served at night market stalls, intensely seasoned |
| Japan | Ikayaki | Sauce, soy sauce, ginger | Popular at festivals, served sliced into rings or whole |
| Korea | Ojingeo Gui | Gochujang, pepper | Grilled spicy on a hotplate |
| Xinjiang, China | Kao Yu Yu (Grilled Fish) | Cumin, chili pepper | Influenced by lamb kebab culture, applied to squid |
Nutritional Value and Health Aspects
Squid is high in protein and low in fat, and rich in B vitamins, zinc, taurine, and other minerals. When grilled, it contains minimal oil, making it a relatively healthy choice praised abroad as well. Although seasonings tend to be high in salt and spices, in moderation, grilled squid is an excellent option as a snack or light meal.
Conclusion
Kao You Yu is one of the iconic street foods of Kaohsiung and a symbol of both Taiwan’s night market culture and the abundance of ingredients from its port towns. Simple yet profound in flavor and rich in history, it offers a way to directly experience the local atmosphere and culinary culture. While sharing similarities with grilled squid dishes in other countries, it remains a traditional dish with a unique Taiwanese charm.