Quick answer
Caviar is the salted roe (eggs) of sturgeon, prized for its delicate pearls and clean, buttery, briny flavour, and at Crown Caviars it starts from AED 525 for a 50g tin of Baeri.
Caviar is one of the best-known luxury foods, yet many people have never been told exactly what it is. This guide covers what caviar is, the main types, how it tastes and how to start in Dubai and the UAE.
What exactly is caviar?
Caviar is the roe of sturgeon, lightly salted and kept cold. Each pearl is a single egg, and the species of sturgeon, along with the grade of the roe, shapes its size, colour and flavour.
Roe from other fish is often sold as a caviar alternative, but traditionally the name belongs to sturgeon roe.
The main types of caviar
Baeri has deep gray to black pearls and a mild, nutty flavour, from AED 525 per 50g. Russian Asetra (Osetra) is rich and buttery, from AED 575 per 50g.
The Beluga grades have the largest pearls and a creamy, buttery flavour, with Caspian Black Beluga from AED 850 per 50g. Imperial starts from AED 625, Golden Imperial from AED 1,250, Kaluga from AED 675 and Caviar Hybrid from AED 1,100, all per 50g.
What does caviar taste like?
Good caviar is clean and lightly salty, with a smooth, buttery finish rather than a strong fishy taste. Texture matters as much as flavour: the pearls should hold their shape, then give way gently on the tongue.
Milder varieties such as Baeri suit first-time tasters, while Osetra and Beluga offer a richer, creamier experience.
How to enjoy caviar
Serve it well chilled, straight from the tin, with a mother-of-pearl spoon rather than metal so the flavour stays clean. Plain blinis, lightly buttered toast or a little crème fraîche let the caviar lead.
Mother-of-pearl spoons start from AED 80. Caviar is delicate, so keep it refrigerated until serving; every Crown Caviars order is dispatched refrigerated across Dubai, the UAE and the GCC.
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
What is caviar made from?
Caviar is made from the salted roe (eggs) of sturgeon.
What does caviar taste like?
Clean, lightly briny and buttery, with a smooth finish. Baeri is mild and nutty; Osetra and Beluga are richer and creamier.
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.
Which caviar should I try first?
Baeri is the easiest place to start. See our caviar for beginners guide for a simple path through the range.