Gourmet food is as amazing to look at as it is to eat. Many connoisseurs would tell you that gourmet food is edible art that deserves to be enjoyed from the moment it reaches the table, and until the last bite has been eaten.

Anyone can prepare gourmet dishes at home, as long as they have the skills and the patience to do so. However, for a truly gourmet experience, you should order a meal from a renowned Michelin star restaurant at least once in your life.

Five star gourmet food is usually prepared with rare and luxurious ingredients, although it can also be carefully prepared with common ingredients. The process of preparing and presenting the food is what truly makes the difference between an ordinary dish and a gourmet dish.

These five star gourmet foods can be enjoyed on their own, or become a part of different gourmet dishes.

1. Caviar

Traditionally, the term caviar refers to the salt-cured roe of beluga, ossetra and sevruga sturgeons coming from the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea. However, it can now be used to describe the roe of other types of fish.

Caviar is an expensive delicacy that can be eaten as a spread, or added to a variety of gourmet dishes. Connoisseurs who are eating caviar do it because they want to enjoy an incredible experience, not simply because they are hungry and need to eat. Most of the time, caviar is served in many small courses, to allow us to fully appreciate each of their delectable flavours.

2. Oysters

Oyster is the name given to many different families of salt-water bivalve molluscs. Some types of oysters produce pearls, and some can be eaten and are considered a gourmet delicacy.

Oysters are, most of the time, eaten raw and alive, although they can also be boiled, smoked, baked, roasted, or fried. This gourmet food is rich in protein, vitamins and minerals.

3. Escargots

Escargots are another gourmet delicacy made from edible land snails. The snails are usually removed from their shells before they are cooked with different ingredients, and they are returned to their shells with their sauce and butter.

Escargots are often associated with French cuisine, but they are being enjoyed all around the world. They are high in protein, and low in fat.

4. Smoked salmon

Smoked salmon can easily be found in any grocery store, but high quality smoked salmon is still an expensive delicacy. Slices of smoked salmon on bread can be served as appetizers, or they can be part of a variety of dishes.

Salmon can be cold smoked or hot smoked, but cold smoked salmon has the most delicate flavour and texture.

5. Foie gras

Foie gras is a luxury five star gourmet food that is very popular in French cuisine, but can be eaten around the world. It is made from the liver of a duck or goose that has been force fed. Foie gras has a rich flavour that can be enjoyed with different dishes.

However, force-feeding ducks or geese to produce foie gras is controversial, and many people prefer to know that the birds have been fed naturally.

6. Truffles

Truffles are a very expensive delicacy with a unique flavour. A truffle is part of the body of a fungus growing underground, near the roots of certain trees. They are often shaved over a simple gourmet dish, or sliced and inserted into meats.

Since truffles grow underground, people have been using hogs and trained dogs to locate them. When truffles are served in small portions, we can taste different ones without feeling overwhelmed, which is a much better experience than feeling full after eating only one of the many appetizing dishes presented on the menu.

7. Chanterelle mushrooms

Just like truffles, chanterelle mushrooms are gourmet fungi with a unique flavour and aroma. Some species of chanterelles are fruity, while others are earthy, or even spicy.

Chanterelle mushrooms can be added to different gourmet recipes, including sautés, cream sauces, and soups. They can be dried, or crushed and turned into flour.

8. Goat milk cheese

Goat milk cheese, which is made by several small dairy farmers around the world, is another example of expensive gourmet food. It can be eaten fresh, or slightly ripened.

Many countries have their own specialties and their own ways of producing goat cheese. It can be perfect in salads, or on warm bread and accompanied with fruit preserves.

9. Saffron

Finally, saffron is a spice that comes from the threads of crocus flowers. It used to be one of the most expensive spices in the world.

Saffron is used for its delicate aroma and its luminous golden colour, and you can find it in a variety of gourmet foods and traditional dishes from many parts of the world.