How to Serve Caviar and Roe

But the caviar and roe farmers, restaurateurs, and aquaculture specialists we talked to all agreed that the best way to enjoy caviar or roe is the most basic: Just eat it plain, directly from the tin or jar, using a spoon made from a neutral material.

This is certainly the purest and most intense way to experience this delicacy. 

If you do want to serve your caviar or roe with other foods, keep it simple. As we learned from Éric Ripert, chef at Le Bernardin, the best accompaniments are fairly mild-flavored, allowing the subtle flavors of the caviar or roe to shine.

A piece of buttered toast would be fine—for a nice contrast with the brine of the caviar or roe, choose something with a little sweetness, such as brioche or potato bread. Blini (small yeasted Russian pancakes) are also a good option. 

Ripert has mixed feelings about using crème fraîche with caviar; while it’s traditional, its richness can overwhelm or blunt the nuances of the fish eggs.

Another great, simple option? Serve it on a potato chip. The chip is a relatively neutral vehicle, and its crispness provides a nice contrast to the softer caviar or roe. Just be sure to get unsalted chips, as the caviar is already salty enough.