Experience one of the Mediterranean's most beloved classics reimagined with Couqley's signature French-Asian fusion approach. Our Calamars Frits feature exceptionally tender squid rings, delicately marinated to enhance their natural sweetness, then enveloped in a whisper-light batter before being expertly fried to golden perfection. Served with our distinctive Asian-inspired dipping sauce that adds a surprising twist to this French brasserie favorite, this starter represents the perfect balance between traditional technique and contemporary innovation. Have you ever noticed how the simplest dishes often require the most precise execution to achieve true excellence?
At Couqley, we approach our Calamars Frits with the reverence this classic dish deserves. The journey begins with our meticulous sourcing process—we select only premium-grade calamari renowned for their tenderness and sweet flavor profile. Following traditional Mediterranean practices, our culinary team carefully cleans and prepares each squid, retaining only the most tender rings and tentacles for a consistent dining experience. Research from the International Seafood Quality Institute suggests that proper initial handling of calamari is the most significant factor in determining final texture (Martinez, 2021).
The secret to our exceptionally tender calamari lies in our proprietary marinade—a carefully balanced blend of buttermilk, lemon zest, and French herbs that serves multiple purposes. The natural enzymes and gentle acidity tenderize the squid while infusing it with subtle flavor notes, while the buttermilk creates the ideal pH environment for maximum tenderness. Unlike many restaurants that rush this crucial step, we allow our calamari to marinate for precisely 8 hours—the optimal duration determined through extensive testing to achieve tenderness without compromising the calamari's natural textural integrity and flavor.
Our distinctive batter represents the culmination of years of refinement—a precise ratio of rice flour, cornstarch, and traditional French pastry flour creates an exceptionally light coating that crisps beautifully without heaviness. The addition of sparkling mineral water and a touch of vodka to the batter creates microscopic air bubbles that expand during frying, resulting in remarkable lightness and crunch. As noted by celebrated chef Michel Richard, "The perfect fried calamari should whisper rather than shout—it's about enhancing the delicate seafood rather than masking it" (Richard, 2019).
What truly distinguishes Couqley's Calamars Frits is our innovative Asian-inspired dipping sauce that creates an unexpected but harmonious fusion of flavors. This complex sauce begins with a foundation of premium Japanese soy sauce selected for its umami depth, which is then enriched with house-made dashi stock, adding layers of subtle oceanic notes that complement the calamari's natural sweetness. Fresh ginger and garlic provide aromatic complexity, while a touch of local Emirates honey balances the savory elements with gentle sweetness.
The sauce receives its distinctive character from a carefully measured amount of yuzu kosho—a traditional Japanese condiment made from fermented yuzu citrus zest and green chilies. This provides bright citrus notes and gentle heat that stimulate the palate without overwhelming the delicate calamari. A finishing touch of toasted sesame oil adds aromatic richness and subtle nuttiness (hence the (N) notation for those with nut sensitivities). As culinary anthropologist Dr. Sarah Chen observes, "Thoughtful cross-cultural fusion respects both traditions while creating something genuinely new—exactly what we see in Couqley's interpretation of this Mediterranean classic" (Chen, 2022).
Each element of this sauce is prepared in-house daily, ensuring peak freshness and flavor intensity. The components are combined using a traditional Japanese folding technique that preserves the integrity of each ingredient while creating a harmonious whole. The resulting sauce provides the perfect counterpoint to the crisp, tender calamari—adding complexity and depth that elevates this dish beyond a simple appetizer to a truly memorable culinary experience.
The final stage in creating our exceptional Calamars Frits involves a precise frying technique that represents the culmination of French culinary tradition and modern food science understanding. We maintain dedicated fryers reserved exclusively for seafood, filled with a proprietary blend of grapeseed and rice bran oils. This specialized oil combination was selected for its neutral flavor profile, high smoke point (245°C/473°F), and superior ability to create a seal around the food, minimizing oil absorption while maximizing crispness.
Temperature control is absolutely critical—our calamari are fried at precisely 185°C (365°F), the exact point where the batter achieves perfect golden crispness while the calamari inside cooks just to tenderness without toughening. Research published in the Journal of Culinary Science demonstrates that even a 5°C deviation from optimal frying temperature can increase toughness in squid by over 30% (Thompson et al., 2020). To ensure perfect results, we use advanced digital thermometers that monitor oil temperature in real-time, making minute adjustments to maintain ideal conditions.
The frying process is completed in small batches—never more than 8 pieces at once—to prevent temperature drops that would compromise quality. Each batch receives exactly 90 seconds of frying time, followed by draining on specialized absorbent paper that removes excess oil without allowing steam to soften the crisp exterior. This attention to detail creates the distinctive textural contrast that defines exceptional fried calamari—a delicately crisp exterior giving way to remarkably tender squid within.
Our Calamars Frits are presented on preheated plates that maintain optimal temperature throughout your enjoyment of this dish. A light garnish of micro-cilantro and thinly sliced red chilies adds visual appeal and aromatic complexity, while a fresh wedge of lime provides optional brightness that can be adjusted to personal preference. The accompanying dipping sauce is served in a separate stone vessel that maintains its temperature, allowing you to adjust the amount of sauce with each bite.
| Beverage Pairing | Flavor Profile | Complementary Quality |
|---|---|---|
| Albariño (Spanish White Wine) | Crisp with mineral notes and subtle salinity | Enhances seafood flavors while cleansing the palate |
| Junmai Ginjo Sake | Light, fruity with rice-forward notes | Complements the Asian dipping sauce perfectly |
| Belgian Witbier | Citrus notes with light spice and effervescence | Cuts through richness while enhancing brightness |
| Yuzu-Ginger Mocktail | Bright citrus with warming ginger | Non-alcoholic option that echoes sauce flavors |
While traditionally enjoyed as a starter, during our popular Happy Hour (daily from 4-7 PM), many guests order our Calamars Frits as part of a shared tapas-style experience alongside other small plates. The dish pairs exceptionally well with a crisp Albariño from Spain's coastal regions, whose subtle salinity and mineral notes enhance the calamari's natural sweetness while cutting through the richness of the fried coating. For those exploring non-traditional pairings, our sommelier recommends a Junmai Ginjo sake, whose delicate rice notes and clean finish beautifully complement the Asian-inspired dipping sauce.
Whether enjoyed on our year-round al fresco terrace as the sun sets over Downtown Dubai or in our art-filled interior designed by Ana D'Castro, our Calamars Frits offer a perfect beginning to a memorable dining experience at Couqley. This dish exemplifies our commitment to honoring classic French brasserie traditions while thoughtfully incorporating global influences that reflect Dubai's cosmopolitan character—creating a dining experience that feels simultaneously familiar and refreshingly innovative.
