The Japanese snack made from thinly sliced dried squid and often sold in strips is surume.
Surume is dried squid prepared by removing much of the moisture from the squid, producing a chewy seafood snack with an intense savory flavor. It may be eaten in strips, shredded, or cut into smaller pieces.
Dried squid has long been used in Japan as a preserved food because dehydration extends shelf life. Modern snack versions are commonly sold in convenience stores, supermarkets, and specialty food shops. Some products are seasoned with soy sauce, sugar, chili, or other flavorings.
Surume is sometimes confused with ika, the general Japanese word for squid. Ika describes the animal or squid-based foods broadly, while surume specifically refers to dried squid. Its chewy texture makes it unlike crisp rice crackers such as senbei.