Umami is that indescribable, mouthwatering, savory mmmmm taste you get when you eat something oh-so-delicious. At the beginning of the 20th century, Japanese scientist Kikunae Ikeda names that amazing taste umami, うま味 in Japanese, which can be translated into “pleasant savory taste.” Also known as the 5th taste, umami is natural in many foods including shrimp, soy sauce, tomatoes, mushrooms, seaweed, and cheese.