MONTREAL, Sept. 23, 2026 /CNW/ -- – Thai Express is making another play for premium protein, this time with calamari. The Canadian-born QSR is launching its first-ever Crunchy Calamari, making a premium seafood favourite accessible to more Canadians.
The launch follows last year's highly successful lobster debut, which quickly became one of Thai Express' most in-demand limited-time offerings and revealed an appetite for premium proteins beyond the usual quick-service choices.
Thai Express is building on that demand with calamari, giving Canadians more ways to enjoy a premium seafood favourite beyond the traditional restaurant experience.
The new Crunchy Calamari also goes beyond the traditional appetizer plate. Crispy and golden, it can be enjoyed with fried rice as a main, on its own with a sauce, or added as the protein to an eligible Thai Express favourite.
"Our guests have shown us they're ready for more premium protein choices," said Loune Thongvan, co-founder of Thai Express. "We want to keep surprising them with premium favourites prepared with a distinctly Thai Express twist."
New Crunchy Calamari headlines the Meet the Crunchies lineup from Thai Express, joined by another new limited-time offering, Spiced PopBok, featuring crispy, bite-sized chicken with a spicy kick. The two new additions join existing favourites Imperial Rolls and General Thai Beef, creating a four-item lineup that puts the spotlight on some of the biggest crunches on the menu.
Thai Express officially unveiled the new Meet the Crunchies lineup at a special preview in Montreal, returning to the city where its story began and grew from a local concept into a global franchise
The full Meet the Crunchies lineup is on menus now at Thai Express locations across Canada, with Crunchy Calamari and Spiced PopBok available for a limited time.