What Is Caviar? Types, Benefits and Price in Dubai

What is caviar, exactly?

Caviar is the salt-cured roe, or eggs, of sturgeon fish. The eggs are gently harvested, lightly salted, and packed into tins, creating small, glossy pearls that burst on the tongue with a rich, buttery, slightly salty taste. True caviar comes only from sturgeon—an ancient fish that has lived in the world’s waters for over 250 million years. Other fish eggs, like salmon roe (red caviar) or tobiko, are also called caviar, but they are a different product. For centuries it has symbolised luxury, and in Dubai it is a favourite at fine dining tables and special occasions. Because wild sturgeon are now protected, the best caviar today comes from carefully managed farms, with international trade controlled by CITES rules. In short, caviar is a rare delicacy — pure sturgeon roe, served chilled.

Takeaway: Caviar is salt-cured sturgeon roe — a rare, luxurious delicacy enjoyed chilled around the world.

What are the main types of caviar?

Caviar is graded by the sturgeon species it comes from, and each type of caviar has its own look and taste. Beluga, from the Huso Huso sturgeon, is the most famous, with large, glossy pearls and a creamy, buttery flavour. Oscietra (Osetra) has medium pearls and nutty, earthy notes, with colours from golden to dark brown. Sevruga gives smaller, darker pearls with a stronger, saltier taste. There are also newer favourites like Kaluga hybrid and smooth Siberian Baerii. All of these come from sturgeon, so they are known as sturgeon caviar. Bright orange salmon caviar, or red caviar, is a popular and more affordable alternative.

Takeaway: The main caviar types — Beluga, Oscietra, and Sevruga — differ in pearl size, colour, and flavour.

What are the benefits of eating caviar?

Beyond its taste, caviar offers real nutritional value, which is part of its appeal. It is naturally rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which support heart and brain health, and it provides high-quality protein in a small serving. Caviar also contains vitamin B12, vitamin D, and minerals like iron and selenium. Because the flavour is so intense, a little goes a long way — a typical serving is only about 15 to 30 grams per person. That means you enjoy these nutrients in a small, satisfying portion. As with any rich food, caviar is best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Takeaway: Caviar delivers omega-3s, protein, and vitamins like B12 in a small, flavour-packed serving.

How do you eat caviar the right way?

Knowing how to eat caviar helps you enjoy it fully. Serve it well chilled, straight from the fridge, and use a non-metal spoon — such as a mother-of-pearl spoon — because metal can give the pearls a slight off taste. Eat a small amount on its own first to taste the flavour, then try classic pairings like blinis, lightly buttered toast, crème fraîche, or boiled egg. Chilled champagne or vodka is the traditional drink to serve alongside. For a fuller spread, pair caviar with premium seafood such as smoked salmon or king crab. Keep caviar refrigerated, and once a tin is opened, enjoy it within a day or two.

Takeaway: Serve caviar chilled with a non-metal spoon, taste it plain first, then pair with classic sides.

How much does caviar cost in Dubai?

Caviar prices in Dubai depend on the sturgeon species, the grade, and the tin size. At WNF Caviar Heritage, smaller 30g tins of varieties like Siberian Oscietra or Baerii start at around AED 157–166, making caviar more accessible than many people expect. A 30g tin of premium Beluga sits closer to AED 340–430, while rare grades like Almas cost much more because of their scarcity. Larger tins give better value per gram, so they suit gatherings and gifting. Genuine caviar costs more than supermarket substitutes because sturgeon take years to mature and the roe is harvested and graded by hand.

Takeaway: Caviar in Dubai starts around AED 157 for entry tins, with premium Beluga and rare grades costing more.

Where can you buy quality caviar in Dubai?

For authentic caviar in Dubai, WNF Caviar Heritage (Wild North Fish General Trading) has supplied premium caviar and seafood since 2001. Every product is CITES-certified and sustainably farmed, so it is authentic and legal to buy, and you can read the brand’s story on its about page and the heritage of caviar. The brand is trusted by more than 5,000 clients across the UAE, including Burj Al Arab and Emirates Airlines. You can order online and get same-day, chilled delivery across Dubai in dedicated chiller vans, with cash on delivery available.

Takeaway: WNF Caviar Heritage offers CITES-certified caviar in Dubai since 2001, with same-day chilled delivery.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is caviar made of?
   Caviar is made of the salt-cured roe (eggs) of sturgeon fish, gently harvested, lightly salted, and packed into tins as small, glossy pearls.
2. Is caviar healthy to eat?
   Yes, in moderation. Caviar is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and vitamins like B12, and a small 15–30g serving delivers these nutrients with intense flavour.
3. What are the most popular types of caviar?
   Beluga, Oscietra, and Sevruga are the classic sturgeon caviars, while Kaluga, Baerii, and salmon (red) caviar are popular alternatives.
4. How much does caviar cost in Dubai?
   Entry tins start around AED 157–166 for a 30g size, premium Beluga sits near AED 340–430, and rare grades cost more.
5. How should I eat and store caviar?
   Eat it well chilled with a non-metal spoon and pair it with simple sides. Keep it refrigerated and enjoy an opened tin within a day or two.

Ready to taste it for yourself? Order authentic, CITES-certified caviar in Dubai with same-day delivery, or call +971 55 226 5230.