Buying Caviar in Azerbaijan: Prices, Quality & Export Rules
How to buy authentic Caspian caviar in Baku. Learn about beluga, osetra, and sevruga prices, quality checks, and customs regulations.
Buying Caviar in Azerbaijan: Prices, Quality & Export Rules
Azerbaijan is one of the few places where you can still buy Caspian sturgeon caviar legally and affordably. But there are rules and risks.
Types of Caviar 🐟
1. Beluga (Nərə)
- Fish: Beluga sturgeon (largest, rarest).
- Eggs: Large, light gray to black.
- Taste: Buttery, delicate.
- Price: Most expensive (200 - 400 AZN per 50g).
2. Osetra (Osietr)
- Fish: Russian sturgeon.
- Eggs: Medium, golden to brown.
- Taste: Nutty, rich.
- Price: Mid-range (100 - 200 AZN per 50g).
3. Sevruga (Səvrüqə)
- Fish: Stellate sturgeon (smallest, most common).
- Eggs: Small, dark gray.
- Taste: Strong, briny.
- Price: Cheapest (50 - 100 AZN per 50g).
Where to Buy 🛒
1. Reputable Shops (Recommended)
- Caviar House (Port Baku Mall)
- Yasil Bazaar (Licensed Vendors)
- Duty-Free at Airport
Pros: Guaranteed quality, proper packaging, export certificates.
Cons: Higher prices.
2. Street Vendors / Bazaar Stalls
Pros: Cheaper.
Cons: High risk of fake caviar (dyed fish roe or even seaweed gel!).
Warning: If it's too cheap, it's fake.
How to Spot Fake Caviar ⚠️
- Price: Real caviar is expensive. If it's 20 AZN for 100g, it's fake.
- Eggs: Should be uniform in size and color. Fake caviar eggs often vary wildly.
- Smell: Fresh, slightly briny. Fake caviar smells fishy or chemical.
- Taste Test: Real caviar "pops" gently in your mouth. Fake caviar is mushy.
- Packaging: Reputable brands have sealed tins with batch numbers and expiry dates.
Prices (2025 Estimates) 💰
| Type | 50g | 100g | 250g |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beluga | 200-400 AZN | 400-800 AZN | 1,000-2,000 AZN |
| Osetra | 100-200 AZN | 200-400 AZN | 500-1,000 AZN |
| Sevruga | 50-100 AZN | 100-200 AZN | 250-500 AZN |
Note: Prices are significantly cheaper than in Europe/US (often 50-70% less).
Export & Customs Rules 📦
Can You Take It Home?
Yes, but with limits.
- EU: Max 125g per person (CITES regulations).
- US: Max 125g per person.
- Other Countries: Check your country's CITES rules.
What You Need:
- CITES Certificate: Required for export. Reputable shops provide this automatically.
- Proper Packaging: Must be in a sealed, labeled tin.
Tip: Buy from the airport duty-free to avoid hassle. They handle all paperwork.
How to Transport 🧊
- Keep Cold: Caviar must stay refrigerated (0-4°C).
- Ice Packs: Shops can provide insulated bags with ice packs for travel.
- Checked Luggage: Put it in checked baggage with ice packs, not carry-on (liquid rules).
How to Serve 🍽️
- Spoon: Use mother-of-pearl, bone, or plastic. Never metal (it oxidizes and ruins the taste).
- Serve: On blinis, toast points, or simply on its own.
- Pair: With champagne or vodka.
Summary
- Best Quality: Caviar House or airport duty-free.
- Best Value: Licensed vendors at Yasil Bazaar.
- Avoid: Street vendors with suspiciously cheap prices.
- Bring Home: Max 125g with CITES certificate.
Enjoy this luxury! 🐟