Giant squid on a stick is Melbourne’s newest street food

Fancy a giant squid on a stick? Get on down to Footscray where new quick service restaurant IKA8 is hoping to add their take on South East Asian street food to the suburb’s already diverse casual dining scene. Giant squid dishes cooked openly on the fire grill or fried in oil will be the signature dish at this new joint, which opens with a grand two-day launch on 20th and 21st October (where 2 for 1 giant squids will be offered).

Located directly opposite Footscray Station, Head Chef Eddie Huynh has worked up a menu dedicated to giant squids with various flavours including one with special Singaporean salted egg sauce, another with Thai tangy tom yum sauce, a Japanese inspired one with soy and ginger glaze, and a super-hot Korean option. All are priced at $10, with other menu items include squid bites, squid balls, lightly battered snacking rings, signature fat chips, and bento box meals.

“Squid is a welcomed favourite in Asian restaurants, yum cha, pubs and street festivals across South East Asia but is still yet to be celebrated in all its glory across Australia”, said IKA8 co-director Jenny Pham. “In a time where consumers dare to be adventurous, and squid is more regularly seen on menus, it seems to be the right opportunity for IKA8 to fill the gap in the market for a squid-focused QSR that transports people back to where it all began”.

Following launch on 20th October, IKA8 will be open daily from 11am to 9pm.

Address: 24 Irving Street, Footscray
Website: ika8.com.au

Chris Singh

Chris Singh is an Editor-At-Large at the AU review, loves writing about travel and hospitality, and is partial to a perfectly textured octopus. You can reach him on Instagram: @chrisdsingh.