Welcome to AMAYA, a premium dining destination inside Dubai Mall with a rare dual vantage point: elegant indoor seating overlooking the Dubai Mall waterfalls and a balcony with direct views of the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Fountain. If you’re planning to enjoy caviar at AMAYA, understanding proper etiquette—from serving temperature to tasting techniques—will elevate your experience. This refined guide blends etiquette essentials with practical tips, plus recommendations for non-alcoholic beverage pairings and premium shisha moments in our indoor lounge and outdoor balcony.
Key Takeaways
- Know your caviar: Beluga, Osetra, and Sevruga each offer distinct aromas, bead size, and textures.
- Use non-reactive tools: mother-of-pearl spoons, glass or ceramic bowls, and crushed ice to preserve delicate flavors.
- Serve caviar properly: keep it chilled (about 28–32°F / −2–0°C), offer classic accompaniments, and mind portion etiquette.
- Pair thoughtfully in a non-alcoholic setting: choose premium mocktails, sparkling water, or hot tea to complement caviar’s nuances.
- Make it an occasion: enjoy AMAYA’s premium shisha selection and iconic views for a luxurious, unhurried experience.
What Is Caviar and Why Is It Considered a Luxury?
Caviar—salted roe traditionally from sturgeon—has long symbolized luxury thanks to its rarity, meticulous handling, and elegant sensory profile. Quality caviar is judged by the integrity of its pearls (beads), their sheen, pop, aroma, and finish. At AMAYA, presentation and service are designed to help these subtleties shine, whether you’re dining beside the waterfalls indoors or savoring Dubai Fountain views outdoors.
Understanding Different Types of Caviar
Each variety offers a distinct character:
- Beluga (Huso huso): largest pearls with a creamy, delicate finish.
- Osetra (Acipenser gueldenstaedtii): medium pearls, firm pop, often nutty with a long, elegant finish.
- Sevruga (Acipenser stellatus): smaller beads with pronounced brininess and vibrant aroma.
Classic accompaniments such as blinis and crème fraîche allow the caviar’s texture and salinity to stand center stage without distraction.
Essential Tools for Caviar Service
- Mother-of-pearl spoons: non-reactive and gentle on the pearls.
- Non-reactive bowls: glass or ceramic help preserve flavor purity.
- Crushed ice service: a chilled tray or bowl keeps caviar at its ideal temperature and elevates presentation.
These tools protect the caviar’s delicate structure and maintain its pristine taste from the first spoonful to the last.
How to Properly Serve Caviar
1. Temperature & Presentation
Keep caviar cold—about 28–32°F (−2–0°C). Nest the caviar tin or bowl in a larger vessel filled with crushed ice. Offer small mother-of-pearl spoons and set out accompaniments such as warm blinis, finely chopped chives, sieved egg (yolk and white served separately), and crème fraîche. Allow guests to serve themselves in small portions to appreciate the texture and finish without overwhelming the palate.
2. Portion guide: 15–30 grams per person is customary for a focused tasting; adjust based on courses and appetite.
What Foods Go Well with Caviar?
Classic, Refined Pairings
Keep pairings simple and texturally supportive. Blinis (or plain toast points), softly whipped unsalted butter, tiny potato pancakes, and cool cucumber rounds provide neutral backdrops. Avoid heavy, strongly flavored toppings that can mask nuance. At AMAYA, you can complement your caviar course with refined global dishes—prepared in classic styles—across Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, Japanese, and seafood selections, ensuring authenticity over fusion.
Planning a broader meal? Explore our dinner experience for elegant courses that frame a caviar service beautifully. Discover the dinner experience.
How to Taste Caviar Like a Connoisseur
- Observe: Note color, luster, and bead size.
- Aromatics: A clean, fresh sea aroma indicates quality.
- Taste: Let the pearls warm slightly on the tongue; feel the gentle pop and evolving flavor—creamy, nutty, or briny.
- Cleanse: Use still or lightly sparkling water, unsalted crackers, or a plain blini between tastes.
Take your time. Savoring caviar is about delicacy and detail, not speed.
Dining Etiquette Rules for Caviar Service
Dos and Don’ts at the Table
- Do use mother-of-pearl or other non-reactive spoons.
- Do keep the serving vessel over ice.
- Do offer restrained garnishes that enhance, not overshadow.
- Don’t use metal spoons that can impart flavor.
- Don’t serve at room temperature or on a warm plate.
How AMAYA Elevates Caviar Service
AMAYA blends meticulous service with an unforgettable setting inside Dubai Mall. Indoors, plush seating and greenery look toward the Dubai Mall waterfalls; outdoors, couches and tables invite you to linger over the Dubai Fountain shows with a direct line to the Burj Khalifa skyline. Our culinary team presents caviar with classic accompaniments and attentive guidance, ensuring the experience remains authentic and refined.
Complete the moment with our premium shisha service (15+ flavors) in either the indoor lounge or on the balcony. For guests planning a relaxed evening or late-night gathering, AMAYA’s extended hours provide the perfect backdrop. Learn more about our shisha experience: premium shisha in Dubai.
Choosing the Best Non-Alcoholic Drinks with Caviar
AMAYA is a non-alcoholic restaurant, offering an extensive list of beverages designed to complement delicate flavors:
- Signature mocktails: balanced citrus or herb-forward profiles that refresh between bites.
- Fresh juices & smoothies: choose gentle, low-sweetness options to avoid overpowering the palate.
- Sparkling or still water: the purest way to reset taste buds.
- Hot drinks: delicate white or green tea can pair beautifully without masking nuance.
Explore our beverage craftsmanship here: signature mocktails in Dubai and non-alcoholic drinks at AMAYA.
The Importance of Setting in Luxury Dining
Environment shapes perception. Thoughtful lighting, comfortable seating, and uncluttered tabletops frame the experience so flavors stand out. At AMAYA, fine china and crystal-clear glassware enhance presentation, while soft, warm lighting adds intimacy to each course. Prefer a dramatic backdrop? Time your visit with the Dubai Fountain shows on the balcony; for serene calm, choose an indoor table with waterfall views.
Plan your visit with our view-focused guides: a restaurant with Burj Khalifa views and a Dubai Fountain view restaurant.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is “caviar service etiquette” at AMAYA?
It’s a refined approach to presenting and enjoying caviar—proper tools, ideal serving temperature, thoughtful accompaniments, and courteous table practices—within AMAYA’s elegant Dubai Mall setting.
2. How much caviar should I serve per person?
For a focused tasting, plan on 15–30 grams per guest. If caviar is part of a multi-course experience, portions may be on the lower end.
3. Which beverages pair well at a non-alcoholic venue?
Choose clean, palate-refreshing options: signature mocktails with bright citrus, sparkling water, or delicate hot teas. These enhance without overwhelming.
4. Can I enjoy shisha with my caviar course?
Yes. AMAYA offers premium shisha with multiple flavors in both the indoor lounge and outdoor balcony, creating a luxurious, social setting for extended conversations.
5. Where is AMAYA located, and what are the hours?
AMAYA is inside the Dubai Mall and is open daily from 10 AM to 1 AM.
Plan Your Caviar Experience
Whether you prefer the drama of the Fountain and Burj Khalifa or the tranquility of the Dubai Mall waterfalls, AMAYA provides an elegant, non-alcoholic setting for caviar done right—complete with premium shisha, global cuisines prepared to international standards, and warm, attentive service. For stories, news, and more dining inspiration, visit our blog or explore the AMAYA homepage.
Quick Info: Inside Dubai Mall • Non-alcoholic venue • Premium shisha lounge • Views of Dubai Fountain & Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall waterfalls • Open daily 10 AM – 1 AM
