Finally got to try the original and salted egg yolk squid and they were both amazing.
Cooked really well and they were really crunchy. Love how have big servings of the squid
went during non-peak time (Tuesday 4pm)
There was only 1 other person waiting for their food
Staff was super friendly and helped me decide what flavours to pick.
Just a bit pricey
This got a ridiculous amount of engagement on my Instagram - and it's not hard to see why! It's a fearsome looking thing.
Ordered:
🦑 Fried Giant Squid: with singaporean salted egg ($9.99)
Review:
Gloriously fried, guilt inducing giant squid which is surprisingly nutritious - high in protein, minerals and low in calories đź’Ş.Â
Whether this extends to the oil that drips down the wooden stick to coat your hand or not, I am unsure. Â
However, for something this ridiculous I'm willing to overlook it because it tasted better than I expected.
Finally there was no queue, I guess because it was 6pm and the hustle & bustle traffic was across the road. I went in, ordered and waited. It was freshly done, somewhat in a slo-mo way. Was it because it was quiet? But the staff looked in sync with what they were doing, albeit slowly. Squid was delish. Very fresh and so worth the $10 tag. I could eat more ... and I will.
IKA8 is conveniently situated next to the Footscray market and just across from the train station - in terms of location, it can't get any better than that.
I ordered the Golden Singapore giant squid which was basically salted egg on a beautifully fried squid with a thin layer of batter. The squid was super tender and the sauce added further savouriness to the entire package. It was umami heaven on a stick.
I overheard that they may be opening soon in Chadstone, which would be great because the masses need to know about IKA8!
Ika8 specialises in giant squids on a skewer. You can get it grilled or fried. The squid a cooked fresh and as a result they are soft and tender. The spicy korean is spicy, think Samayang hot chicken instant ramen spicy.
Service was fast and friendly, a good snack on the run.
Finally tried this giant squid. It’s well seasoned, the squid is tender and the batter tastes good but It keeps falling off. Next time will try their grilled version and other flavors too!
Who doesn’t love some good deep fried snacks? IKA8 is the perfect place to satisfy your squid cravings (deep fried & grilled).
They’ve got an awesome selection of flavours too! My fave was definitely their salted egg fried squid (I can’t say no to salted egg anything!!).
If you’re in the area, you should check em out! They guys are super friendly and helpful too.
Giant deep fried squid the size of your head seasoned to taste.
That's pretty much it. I had the salted egg flavour. I enjoyed it, and finished it. Tender squid, nice flavour, well crumbed. Would I go again? I'm not sure but would I recommend people go try this squid?.... i definitely would.
Worth a visit - lots of fun.
Checking out the recently opened @ika8.au Famous for their Ink-redibly GIANT Deep fried SQUID! topped with Southeast Asian flavours. 🦑 kids loves the original flavours but we recommend them all
Tried the Korean flavour and the Thai flavour.
The Thai flavour was nice but I really enjoyed the Korean one. It's quite spicy and I love the grill smell.
There's a connected entry to the bubble tea shop, which is handy if you can't handle the spiciness.
Julia Datt This Model Eats A Lot
+4
It had been a while since I’d journeyed down to old FOO-TA-SCRAY, but what better excuse than to nose out Melbourne’s latest new food fling, the giant fried squid at IKA8. (Ika is Japanese for squid).
I must admit, I had fears. Would it be too oily? Too batter-y? Just another Insta fad? I took the spicy Tom Yum version and went in for the kill….
Perfect amount of tang for my chilli yearning tastebuds: enough to rouse your palate without swearing like a sailor and reaching for water-which-you-know-won’t-do-anything-but-you-drink-it-anyway. Not too greasy or overdone on the batter.
I know a lot of people on here have been complaining about the price, but when you consider the fact that a 1/4 CHICKEN AND CHIPS IS NOW $13, I know which one I’d take. 

My only warning: DO NOT attempt to eat this in the car in between traffic lights. You will fail and emerge from your vehicle in pants which now feature tentacle imprints.
Follow This Model Eats A Lot on Facey and Insta. And YouTube, if you like luxury Michelin Star food.
Oh my God. This place is like my personal heaven!
The squid is amazing, insanely cheap and did I mention AMAZING! SQUID! SQUIDS!
Ahem. Sorry.
But yes this place is incredible they are happiness and a lovely staff.
I cannot recommend it enough. Take away and street food and it will bring a tear of joy to your eye.
Great squid! The Korean Spices was definitely hot! I told it was a challenge and it certainly was!
Ika8 specialises in giant squids on a skewer. You can get it grilled or fried. The squid a cooked fresh and as a result they are soft and tender. The spicy korean is spicy, think Samayang hot chicken instant ramen spicy.
Service was fast and friendly, a good snack on the run.
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