Mastering Umami: How Wakame Perfects the Fifth Taste in Japanese Cuisine

Flavour is more than just sweet, salty, sour, or bitter. Enter umami, the elusive fifth taste that brings balance, depth, and an irresistible savoury richness to food. At Wakame, we don’t just serve Japanese cuisine – we master the art of umami, ensuring every dish offers that deep, satisfying experience that lingers on your palate.

What is Umami?

Originally identified by Japanese scientist Kikunae Ikeda in 1908, umami (which translates to “pleasant savoury taste”) is the rich, meaty, broth-like flavour that elevates dishes beyond the ordinary. It’s why a bowl of miso soup feels so comforting, why sushi melts in your mouth, and why you find yourself craving just one more bite of perfectly grilled teriyaki.

At Wakame, we carefully balance natural umami-rich ingredients to ensure every dish offers the kind of deep, satisfying flavour that defines the best Japanese cuisine.

The Umami Powerhouses on Wakame’s Menu

1. Miso Soup – The Heart of Japanese Umami

A staple in Japanese dining, our miso soup is more than just a warm, comforting start to your meal. Made from fermented miso paste, this broth is naturally rich in glutamates, the compound responsible for umami. With the addition of tofu, seaweed, and spring onions, it offers a layered depth of flavour in every sip.

2. Wagyu Carpaccio – A Perfect Balance of Umami & Texture

Few things capture umami like Wagyu beef. With its delicate marbling and buttery texture, our Wagyu Carpaccio is thinly sliced and enhanced with black tobiko, yuzu jam, and a truffle ponzu drizzle – all umami-packed elements that create a bold yet balanced flavour profile.

3. Unagi Nigiri – The Smoky-Sweet Depth of Japanese Eel

Unagi (grilled freshwater eel) is a Japanese delicacy known for its smoky richness and delicate sweetness. At Wakame, we lightly brush our Unagi Nigiri with a special teriyaki glaze, adding layers of umami that blend perfectly with the sushi rice.

4. Spicy Kani Salad – A Fusion of Freshness & Savoury Goodness

A crab lover’s dream, our Spicy Kani Salad combines shredded crab, crisp cucumber, and creamy spicy mayo. The natural sweetness of the crab, balanced with the umami-packed dressing, makes this a dish that keeps you coming back for more.

5. Gindara – The Richness of Miso-Glazed Black Cod

A standout in Japanese cuisine, our Gindara (miso-marinated black cod) is grilled to perfection, allowing the fermented miso glaze to caramelise and deepen the umami intensity. The result? A silky, melt-in-your-mouth experience that embodies everything umami should be.

How Wakame Perfects the Art of Umami

At Wakame, we go beyond using umami-rich ingredients. We carefully balance sweetness, saltiness, and acidity to enhance natural umami without overpowering it. Our chefs meticulously layer fermented sauces, slow-cooked broths, and premium seafood to create depth in every bite.

Why Wakame is One of the Best Japanese Restaurants in Riyadh for Umami Lovers

• Authenticity with Innovation – We honour Japanese tradition while adding creative twists that amplify umami.
• Premium Ingredients – From hand-selected seafood to perfectly aged miso and Wagyu, we never compromise on quality.
• Masterful Techniques – Our Sushi Masters and chefs use time-honoured Japanese cooking methods to bring out the natural richness in every dish.

Experience the Depth of Flavour at Wakame

From the first sip of miso soup to the last bite of Gindara, Wakame is dedicated to bringing the best of umami to Riyadh. If you’re craving the deep, savoury, and unforgettable flavours of authentic Japanese cuisine, book a table at one of the best Japanese restaurants in Riyadh today.

Ready to taste the magic of umami? Visit Wakame and discover why umami is the secret behind Japan’s most iconic dishes.