Umami is often called the “fifth taste” — a rich, savory depth that instantly satisfies. Found in broths, slow-cooked meats, aged cheeses, and fermented delicacies, umami is at the heart of many of the world’s most beloved dishes.
This curated journey through 10 must-try umami-heavy dishes will take you around the world, offering cultural context and practical tips on where to find each meal. Best of all, you can experience many of these flavors while earning cashback with Fluz.
How Fluz Elevates Your Flavor Journey
Before you explore these umami-packed meals, get set up for savings:
- Open the Fluz app and search for your destination restaurant.
- Purchase a gift card directly in the app.
- Use it at checkout, either in-store or online.
- Earn instant cashback, which you can reinvest in your next culinary adventure.
Download Fluz and make your global umami tour rewarding in more ways than one.
10 Umami-Heavy Dishes to Add to Your Must-Try List
- Vietnamese Pho
Cultural Background: Pho is Vietnam’s national treasure, a beef bone broth simmered for hours with star anise, cloves, and fish sauce for deep umami richness.
Where to Find It: Local Vietnamese eateries or Daily Bite for fast-casual options.
- Japanese Miso Soup
Cultural Background: Made from fermented soybean paste, miso soup is a staple in Japanese cuisine, offering a comforting balance of saltiness and savoriness.
Where to Find It: Japanese restaurants and sushi bars, or paired with meals at P.F. Chang’s (via Fluz).
- Mexican Birria Tacos
Cultural Background: Hailing from Jalisco, birria is a slow-cooked meat stew, traditionally goat or beef, rich in spices and umami depth.
Where to Find It: Taco trucks and modern taquerias. Use Fluz at supporting spots or check Daily Bite.
- Moroccan Tagine
Cultural Background: A North African slow-cooked stew, tagine layers meats, preserved lemons, olives, and spices for a deeply savory experience.
Where to Find It: Mediterranean restaurants or Moroccan pop-ups in your city.
- Oaxacan Mole
Cultural Background: A complex sauce made with chilies, chocolate, nuts, and spices, mole is central to Mexican culinary heritage.
Where to Find It: Authentic Mexican restaurants, or order mole enchiladas at Chipotle-inspired local chains.
- Italian Parmigiano-Reggiano Pasta
Cultural Background: Aged Parmigiano-Reggiano brings a deep umami punch to classic Italian pasta dishes.
Where to Find It: Italian trattorias, or create your own dish with takeaway and groceries purchased using cashback from Fluz gift cards.
- Korean Kimchi Jjigae
Cultural Background: A spicy stew made with aged kimchi, tofu, and pork, kimchi jjigae is beloved for its bold flavor and depth.
Where to Find It: Korean BBQ restaurants and comfort food spots, with delivery orders stacked with Rakuten cashback.
- French Onion Soup
Cultural Background: Caramelized onions, beef broth, and melted Gruyère create a powerful umami trifecta in this French classic.
Where to Find It: French bistros or Panera Bread’s take on the classic soup (Panera gift cards available on Fluz).
- Thai Tom Yum Soup
Cultural Background: A fragrant, spicy, and sour soup with umami from fish sauce and shrimp stock.
Where to Find It: Local Thai restaurants or casual spots found on Daily Bite.
- Japanese Ramen
Cultural Background: Rich pork or chicken broth, soy sauce, and fermented toppings create one of the ultimate umami experiences.
Where to Find It: Ramen shops or fast-casual Japanese eateries that accept Fluz gift cards.
Maximize Your Culinary Adventure with Fluz
By using Fluz, you make these flavorful explorations more sustainable and budget-friendly:
- Pre-load gift cards for your week of umami dining.
- Stack cashback apps: Combine Fluz with Rakuten for delivery or Ibotta for groceries.
- Discover new local spots: Check Daily Bite for fast-casual restaurants celebrating international flavors.
Savor Umami and Save Along the Way
Umami is the universal language of delicious food, found in every corner of the world. With Fluz, you can savor these rich, savory experiences and earn cashback to fuel your next culinary journey.
Ready to dive into a world of umami? Download Fluz and start your global flavor adventure today.
