It depends on how much money you’ve got!
In my opinion, fresh Russian Beluga is one of the tastiest things you can put in your mouth. I would pay a lot of money for it (outside of the US, of course, as it’s banned there). But would I pay the current asking prices?
Not often.
There are a couple of other fine caviars that I like, but the vast majority of things sold under that name are best avoided. Farmed caviar has gotten much better, to the point that it’s edible. Some of it’s even tasty. But is it worth the price? I certainly don’t think so. It lacks the complex, nutty taste of the real thing; the firm, round shape that rolls around in your mouth; the rich, oily mouthfeel with just a hint of the sea; the explosion of flavors when you bite down.
Most of the substitutes taste like salty mush. I don’t want them on my plate, even if they’re free.
My friend in Moscow gets upset every time I say this — she insists the only way to eat caviar is with a spoon, straight from the can — but my favorite serving suggestion is as sushi. The vinegar in the rice cuts through the oil, and the nori (seaweed) wrap enhances the nuttiness.
Yeah, I agree, it can be hard to find quality food. Well, now there is food delivery, which makes my life easier. I also sometimes prefer to cook something tasty and healthy, for example, and when I am very tired, I can eat caviar. My wife has found a great online store where she buys products at a very low price, they offer premium black caviar from sturgeon fish. I also really like the great selection of products on their website.