Osetra Caviar: The Complete Guide to Taste, Types and Price

Osetra is the caviar many people come back to. Where Beluga is soft and creamy, Osetra has a little more bite and a rich, nutty flavour that changes slightly from one tin to the next. This guide explains what Osetra is, how it tastes, how the two Osetras at Samarkha differ, what they cost and how to serve them.

What Is Osetra Caviar?

Osetra (also spelled Ossetra or Oscietra) is the roe of the Russian sturgeon. It traditionally came from the Caspian Sea, and today it comes from sturgeon raised on farms. The name comes from osyotr, the Russian word for sturgeon.

Osetra pearls are medium-sized, smaller than Beluga, and firm enough to roll gently on the tongue. Their colour ranges from dark brown and olive to lighter amber and golden shades, and no two harvests look exactly alike.

What Does Osetra Taste Like?

The word you will hear most is "nutty". The taste opens with a light saltiness, then a rich flavour that recalls hazelnut or walnut, and finishes with a buttery note that lingers for a few seconds. The pearls pop gently against the roof of your mouth instead of melting the way Beluga does. Many people find the lighter, golden pearls a little softer and more buttery.

Osetra or Imperial Osetra?

Samarkha offers two Osetras. Here is the difference at a glance:

If this is your first tin of Osetra, start with the classic. If you already know Osetra and want something more delicate, choose Imperial.

Osetra or Beluga?

Beluga has larger, softer pearls and a creamy, delicate taste. Osetra is firmer, more pronounced in flavour and lower in price. Neither is better: it comes down to what you enjoy. The full comparison is in Beluga vs Osetra caviar: which one should you choose?

Osetra Caviar Prices in Dubai

Larger tins cost less per gram: Osetra works out at AED 7.50 per gram in a 50g tin and AED 6.25 per gram in a 1kg tin. Compare every type in our caviar prices in Dubai guide.

How to Serve Osetra

1. Take the tin out of the fridge just before serving and set it on crushed ice.
2. Use a mother-of-pearl spoon, because metal can leave a trace in the taste.
3. Taste it on its own first to notice the nutty flavour, then try it on blinis with crème fraîche.
4. It is also excellent with soft scrambled eggs or buttered new potatoes, which bring out its flavour without covering it.

You'll find more ideas in our guide on how to serve caviar.

How Much Osetra Do You Need?

Allow about 28g per person if caviar is the star, or 10–15g per person for canapés. A 50g tin serves 1–2 people, 125g serves 2–4 and 250g serves 4–8.

Storage and Delivery

Keep Osetra in the coldest part of the fridge, between −3°C and 0°C, and finish it within three days of opening. Our guide on how to store caviar covers the details. Samarkha delivers Osetra chilled, the same day, across all seven emirates. Fees and details are on our caviar delivery in Dubai page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Osetra the same as Oscietra?

Yes. Osetra, Ossetra and Oscietra are all names for the same caviar. The spelling changes with the language and the country.

What does Osetra caviar taste like?

Rich and nutty, with a light saltiness, a buttery finish and firm pearls.

Is Osetra cheaper than Beluga?

Yes. At Samarkha, Osetra starts at AED 375 for 50g, while Beluga starts at AED 495.

Which is better, Osetra or Imperial Osetra?

It depends on your taste. Classic Osetra has a more pronounced flavour, while Imperial Osetra is more buttery and delicate and suits special occasions.

Can I get Osetra delivered today in Dubai?

Yes. Order between 6 AM and 11 PM for same-day chilled delivery across all seven emirates.

Ready to taste it? Order Osetra caviar or Imperial Osetra, or compare both in our Osetra caviar collection.