If you've ever been at an event where caviar was being served, you may have been turned off by the thought of eating fish eggs, or simply not certain how to eat caviar properly. To learn how to indulge in this popular delicacy without embarrassing yourself, refer to the tips listed in this guide.
If you've ever been at an event where caviar was being served, you may have been turned off by the thought of eating fish eggs, or simply not certain how to eat caviar properly. To learn how to indulge in this popular delicacy without embarrassing yourself, refer to the tips listed in this guide.
Introduction
- Although caviar is often served as a garnish on sushi and other seafood dishes, many purists argue that the delicacy is best appreciated on its own. High-quality caviar, such as Petrossian, Osetra, Romanoff, and Beluga, is most commonly served as an hors d'oeuvres.
Step 1: Serving Caviar
When served on its own, caviar should be laid out in a two-piece serving dish designed specifically for caviar. To keep the roe ice-cold, reportedly the best temperature for serving caviar, the bottom part of the serving dish is filled with ice and the caviar is placed in the top portion.
Caviar should never be served in metal dishes or served with metal utensils. If metal touches the caviar, it will reportedly give it a metallic flavor.
Step 2: Eating Caviar
- Caviar has a distinctive and fairly strong flavor. For this reason, for etiquette purposes and because it is expensive, it is polite to eat it in small portions.
- Use the serving spoon to place one, or at the most, two small spoonfuls of caviar on your plate
- If desired and if they are available, place a small amount of caviar on a cracker or small piece of bread
- Some hosts will serve caviar with creme fraiche. If you feel as though the taste of caviar is too strong for you, top your portion with a small spoonful of creme fraiche to dilute the flavor
- Caviar will occasionally be served with other garnishes, including lemon wedges, hard boiled eggs, or minced onions. If available, use these garnishes to complement the flavor of the caviar
- Although purists will say that caviar should only be served with ice-cold vodka, champagne, or chilled white wine may also be served as an accompaniment
Conclusion
As a high-class hors d'ouvere, caviar is served and eaten in accordance with certain strict rules. To avoid embarrassing yourself in front of your guests or fellow party-goers, ensure that you observe the caviar etiquette detailed above.
