Quick answer
Caviar is specifically lightly salted roe from sturgeon, while fish roe is the broader term for eggs from any fish, and at Crown Caviars true sturgeon caviar starts from AED 525 for a 50g tin of Baeri.
Menus in Dubai and across the UAE use the words caviar and roe almost interchangeably, but they are not the same thing. This guide explains the difference so you know exactly what you are buying and serving.
Roe is the broad term
Roe simply means the eggs of a fish. Many fish produce roe that is eaten, including salmon, trout and others, and each has its own look, size and flavour.
Because roe covers so many fish, the word on its own tells you little about quality or taste.
Caviar means sturgeon
Caviar traditionally refers to roe from sturgeon, lightly salted and packed in tins. The species, whether Baeri, Osetra, Kaluga or Beluga, defines the size, colour and flavour of the pearls.
Our how caviar is made guide walks through the rinsing, light salting and grading that turn sturgeon roe into caviar.
How they differ on the plate
Sturgeon caviar is known for delicate, buttery, nutty flavours and pearls that melt rather than burst. Other roe often has a bolder, brinier character and a firmer pop.
Both can be enjoyable, but they are different products and are usually served and priced differently.
What to look for when you buy
Check the label for the sturgeon species and make sure the product is described as caviar rather than just roe. Our caviar grades guide explains how quality is judged.
Crown Caviars sells sturgeon caviar only, dispatched refrigerated across Dubai, the UAE and the GCC, with tins from AED 525 per 50g.
Caviar prices at Crown Caviars
| Caviar | From (50g) |
|---|---|
| Baeri | AED 525 |
| Russian Asetra | AED 575 |
| Imperial | AED 625 |
| Kaluga Beluga | AED 675 |
| Royal Beluga | AED 775 |
| Caspian Black Beluga | AED 850 |
| Caspian Gray Beluga | AED 950 |
| Caviar Hybrid | AED 1,100 |
| Golden Imperial | AED 1,250 |
Prices are VAT-inclusive, in AED. Caviar tins are also available in 125g, 250g, 500g and 1kg.
Frequently asked
Is caviar the same as fish roe?
No. Fish roe is the eggs of any fish, while caviar traditionally means lightly salted roe from sturgeon.
Is salmon roe caviar?
Salmon roe is a type of fish roe, but it is not traditional caviar, which comes from sturgeon.
How can I tell real caviar from other roe?
Look for the sturgeon species on the label, such as Baeri, Osetra, Kaluga or Beluga, and a description of the product as caviar.
How much does caviar cost in the UAE?
At Crown Caviars, caviar starts from AED 525 for a 50g tin of Baeri, with Caspian Black Beluga from AED 850 per 50g.