Buzz
Caviar has been trending recently, partly due to a NYT article discussing the “caviar bumps,” or the odd rich person ritual of tasting caviar off the back of your hand. It’s a strange habit I wrote about over a year ago, although I didn’t refer to them as “bumps” because, well, I’m not someone who’s never seen real drugs.
Tasting caviar off your hand is one way to appreciate its flavor, allowing the fish eggs’ nuances to shine. Personally, though, I usually end up scooping caviar into my mouth with potato chips (and often a dollop of cultured dairy). Unlike blini, which either need to be made or sourced from specialty stores, potato chips are everywhere, and you can indulge the moment you open the bag.
Oddly enough, I’m only now dedicating a whole blog to this snack, mainly because I assumed everyone already knew about it. But one evening, I introduced it to a friend, and she called it life-changing (those were her words, not mine). She went on to eat caviar and potato chips for days. It may sound pricey, but it really isn’t. A $10 jar of fish roe lasts through an entire bag of chips. Now, roe and sour cream are staples in her fridge. “What blows my mind is how much joy a $10 jar of fish eggs can bring,” she texted me. “Cheap thrills.”
If you’re in the mood for a more luxurious snack, you could go all out: choose hearty kettle-cooked chips, velvety crème fraîche, and the finest caviar. But, if you prefer something more affordable, you can grab a bag of Lay’s, a tub of Daisy, and that same $10 jar of caviar. Personally, I opt for the budget-friendly version, since thick chips and rich dairy can overpower the delicate caviar flavors. The cheaper options give you the perfect combination: salty, crispy, creamy, and just a hint of fishiness. It’s a great way to introduce yourself to the world of caviar.
For a fun twist, try swapping potato chips with Bugles and create little caviar cones, like in the blurry photo above. (If you choose the Bugle route, make sure you stick with the inexpensive fish eggs. Bugles are pretty salty, and you wouldn’t want to hide the subtle flavors of expensive roe with too much salt.)
Can you incorporate other traditional caviar accompaniments? Absolutely. You could whip up a plate of Russian nachos and top it with sieved hard-boiled egg, chives, and pickled beets, but that takes away from the snack’s easy, grab-and-go appeal. Caviar on chips with sour cream is pure everyday luxury; add too many ingredients, and it becomes less of a simple indulgence.
