How to Serve Caviar

Caviar should definitely be served chilled but not frozen. Never keep caviar at room temperature, as this may affect caviar’s true taste and aroma. Caviar should be served on a bed of crushed ice, which will help you serve and store it at the right temperature throughout your dinner and enjoy its authentic taste. Traditionally, it is considered incorrect, or even rude, to take large portions of caviar at a single time. So, at a social gathering or event where caviar is being served, remember to consume it in amounts smaller than or equivalent to a tablespoon. Taking small bites will guarantee a melody of gentle, unique flavors. It is essential to remember that caviar should not be presented as a main dish due to its intense combination of flavors. If you decide to use the fish eggs as a component of a larger dish, it may negatively affect your tasting experience. Moreover, using caviar in quantities that constitute one main dish is often expensive. Therefore, we recommend you serve black caviar as an appetizer or hors d'oeuvres, which is the traditional way of serving it.

It is preferable to use mother of pearl spoons and forks for serving caviar. As previously mentioned, your serving materials must be non-metallic to prevent the caviar from oxidizing and obtaining a metallic taste. As such, bone, horn, glass, and wooden spoons and forks are also acceptable. This is the most recommended way to serve and eat caviar because your sense of taste will not be impaired by a metallic taste and you will have the opportunity to taste the intricacies of the caviar’s unique flavor and sense its delicate aroma.

True caviar connoisseurs believe that the best way to eat and serve these delicate fish eggs is without any additions, by simply serving caviar on its own. These gourmet food experts believe that this is the only way to avoid having garnishes that prevent you from tasting caviar’s highly appreciated flavor. However, what one chooses to eat or not to eat with caviar is a matter of taste and personal preference. If you think that the taste of caviar is too intense, there are certain accouterments and accompaniments that can pair perfectly with this unique delicacy.

Caviar is often served on lightly-buttered dry toasts, unsalted crackers, or bread (crunchy baguette) with creme fraiche. You can also opt for the traditional way and eat caviar with mini pancakes known as “blini”.

Some traditional garnishes for caviar are creme fraiche, sour cream, fresh herbs, chopped onions, and crumbled hard-boiled eggs. Trying them as additions to the fish eggs can improve your caviar-eating experience.

The most expensive way to serve caviar is to put it on oysters or wrap it in Jamon Iberico. Favorite pairings also include serving caviar on top of boiled eggs or omelets, or with potatoes. The most unexpected product you can present with caviar is white chocolate.

The only thing you have to keep in mind is that caviar is supposed to be the pièce de résistance of any meal. Avoid overdoing it by adding too much caviar to your dish. 

Now that you have all of the necessary information needed to prepare you for serving caviar, you can buy a nice tin or jar of red caviar or black caviar at Marky’s. Don’t forget about the utensils, including tin openers and spoons, forks, and plates made from delicate mother of pearl that are also available at our store, which will allow you to serve caviar in a proper way to your guests. 

Bon appetit!

Have you ever wanted to have your very own caviar, hand-crafted just for you? Well, now's the time! The amazing new line from Chef Buddha Lo includes two varieties - Classic Kaluga at $80 per ounce and Premium Osetra caviar which runs about $100 dollars an ounce. You can find these delicacies online or in Marky's shops around NYC, but hurry before they sell out! Learn more here: ‘Top Chef’ Champ Buddha Lo Just Dropped His Own Line of Caviar.