Flavor Name Region Description Typical Dishes Common Ingredients Umami Japan Savory taste that enhances flavor Miso soup, Ramen Soy sauce, Miso, Seaweed Sour Global Sharp, tangy flavor often from acids Ceviche, Sour candies Lime, Vinegar, Yogurt Bitter Global A sharp, strong flavor often found in certain greens Coffee, Dark Chocolate Kale, Endive, Coffee Beans Sweet Global Pleasant taste often associated with sugars Desserts, Fruits Sugar, Honey, Maple Syrup Spicy India Heat-producing flavor from peppers and spices Curries, Salsas Chili Peppers, Ginger, Garlic Salty Global Flavor enhancing compound, usually from salt Ocean foods, Chips Salt, Seaweed, Olives Smoky South America Flavor resulting from smoking foods BBQ, Smoked Meats Smoked Paprika, Chipotle, Liquid Smoke Herbaceous Mediterranean Flavor from fresh and dried herbs Pesto, Garden Salads Basil, Oregano, Thyme Nutty Middle East Rich flavor from nuts, often roasted Baklava, Hummus Almonds, Pistachios, Sesame Fruity Tropical Flavor profile reminiscent of various fruits Salsas, Dressings Mango, Passionfruit, Apricot Umami Bomb Japan Intense savory flavor from concentrated sources Ton Katsu, Dashi Parmesan, Soy Sauce, Dried Fish Zesty Latin America Bright, lively flavor often from citrus Fish Tacos, Guacamole Lime, Lemon, Orange Rich Global A deep, luxurious flavor often in sauces Creamy Pasta, Chocolate Cake Butter, Cream, Cheese Earthy Africa Flavor that brings to mind soil and roots Root Vegetable Dishes, Lentils Mushrooms, Beets, Truffles Cheesy Global Flavor associated with cheese, thick and tangy Pizza, Cheeseburgers Cheddar, Gouda, Blue Cheese Spicy-Sweet Asia Combination of spice and sweetness Sweet & Sour Chicken, Teriyaki Brown Sugar, Honey, Hot Sauce Tangy Southeast Asia A sharp and slightly sweet flavor Thai Curry, Pickles Tamarind, Citrus, Vinegar Floral Asia Delicate flavor reminiscent of flowers Desserts, Herbal Teas Elderflower, Jasmine, Rose Salty-Sweet North America The combination of sweet and salty flavors Kettle Corn, Salted Caramel Popcorn, Caramel, Sea Salt Fermented Asia Sour flavor developed through fermentation Kimchi, Sauerkraut Kimchi, Miso, Sauerkraut Minty Mediterranean Refreshing flavor from mint leaves Mint Tea, Tabouli Mint, Spearmint, Peppermint Rich-Savory Global Deep savory flavor, often creamy Alfredo Sauce, Gratins Heavy Cream, Cheese, Garlic Crunchy Global Textural flavor from crunchy foods Granola, Toasted Nuts Nuts, Croutons, Seeds Grilled North America Flavor derived from grilling, smoky and charred Grilled Vegetables, Steaks Charcoal, Marinades, Herbs Pickled Global Sour flavor from preserved foods Pickles, Fermented Vegetables Cucumbers, Beets, Carrots Savory-Sweet Global Combination of savory and sweet notes Teriyaki, Glazed Chicken Brown Sugar, Soy Sauce, Garlic Greasy Global Flavor characterized by oiliness Fried Foods, Burgers Oils, Butter, Fatty Meats Spicy-Sour India Heat combined with a tangy taste Sambal, Hot Sauce Chili, Tamarind, Vinegar Chocolatey Global Rich flavor from cocoa or chocolate Brownies, Hot Chocolate Cocoa Powder, Dark Chocolate, Milk Oaky Europe Flavor from aging in wooden barrels Aged Wines, Whiskeys Wood, Vanilla, Toasted Oak Caramelized Global Sweet flavor produced by caramelizing sugars Onions, Desserts Sugar, Onions, Fruits Sweet-Savory Africa The harmonious balance of sweet and savory Tagines, Roasted Meats Dried Fruits, Spices, Honey Toasty Global Flavor from roasting or toasting ingredients Roasted Nuts, Toast Almonds, Bread, Spices Herbal Mediterranean Fresh and green flavor from herbs Herb-crusted Fish, Soups Cilantro, Parsley, Dill Gamey Game Meat Region Strong flavor typical in wild meats Venison, Rabbit Wild Game, Herbs, Gamey Cuts Creamy Global Smooth and fatty flavor often from dairy Ice Cream, Alfredo Pasta Cream, Cheese, Milk Grassy North Africa Herbal flavor profile resembling fresh grass Cilantro Rice, Dressings Cilantro, Grass-fed meats Chewy Global Textural component providing resistance during chewing Gummy Candies, Bagels Gluten, Gelatin, Chewy Vegetables Sweet-Spicy Asia Balance of heat and sweetness Spicy Mango Salad, Hot Honey Chili Powder, Sriracha, Mango Umami-Rich Japan Intense savory flavor from rich ingredients Sushi, Ramen Bowls Dashi, Katsuobushi, Soy Sauce Peppery Mediterranean Heat and pungency from black/white pepper Steaks, Salads Black Pepper, White Pepper Tart Global Flavor profile that is sour yet refreshing Fruit Tarts, Sour Candies Lemon, Cranberry, Tamarind Spicy-Sour Southeast Asia Heat combined with tangy notes Thai Papaya Salad Chili, Lime, Fish Sauce Savory-Sweet Middle East Combination of savory with sweet flavors Moroccan Tagines Dates, Apricots, Spices Flavorful Funk South East Asia Unique flavor from fermentation or spoilage Natto, Stinky tofu Fermented Beans, Tofu Bright Global Vivid flavor profile, usually with citrus or fresh herbs Salads, Dressings Lime, Lemon, Basil Creamy-Savory Global The richness of cream combined with savory aspects Creamy Risotto, Alfredo Heavy Cream, Cheese, Garlic Spicy-Sweet-Sour Latin America The trifecta of spicy, sweet, and tangy Sweet Chile Sauce, Glazed Fish Honey, Chilies, Lemons Subtle Japan Delicate flavor with muted intensity Sushi, Kaiseki White Fish, Some Vegetables Molasses Global Rich, dark flavor from sugarcane processing Gingerbread, Baked Beans Molasses, Sugar, Spices Nutty-Sweet Global Combination of nut flavors with sweetness Nut Bars, Nut Butters Almonds, Hazelnuts, Figs Savory-Fruity Caribbean Savory and sweet fruit profile Pineapple Salsa, Jamaican Jerk Pineapple, Mango, Spices Smooth Global Silky texture and flavor harmony Smoothies, Mousse Fruits, Cream, Sugar Ripe Tropical Flavor of fully matured fruits Ripe Bananas, Mango Fully Ripe Fruits Chalky Europe Flavors associated with minerals or chalk Mineral Waters, Cheeses Minerals, Cheeses Aromatic Mediterranean Strong, fragrant flavors from herbs and spices Greek Dishes, Infusions Rosemary, Lavender, Anise Umami Spices South America Spices with strong savory flavors Chili, BBQ Rubs Cumin, Paprika, Darkness Fudgy Global Rich chocolate flavor, often dense Brownies, Fudge Chocolate, Sugar, Butter Toquilla Latin America Flavors from traditional spirits Margaritas, Tequila Drinks Tequila, Lime, Agave Funky Fermentation Regions Strong, unique flavors from fermentation processes Kimchi, Fermented Beans Fermented Vegetables, Fish Sauce Charred Global Intense flavor from grilling or charring Grilled Meats, Vegetables Charcoal, Grilling Spices Warm-Spicy Mediterranean Heat with warming qualities Spiced Wine, Curries Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Allspice Vibrant Global Bright, lively flavors, often with a kick Spicy Mango Salad, Ceviche Fruits, Chilis, Vinegar Essential Oil Herb Regions Concentrated plant flavors from essential oils Herbal Infusions, Aromas Lavender, Peppermint Zingy Latin America Piquant, sharp flavors often with a kick Fresh Salsas, Pickled Foods Lime Zest, Fresh Chilis Gelato Italy Creamy, dense ice cream with strong flavors Gelato, Sorbetto Fruits, Cocoa, Nuts Zesty-Citrus Mediterranean Lively, tart flavor from citrus fruits Citrus Dressings, Lemonade Lemon, Lime, Oranges Snappy Global Crunchy texture with flavorful snacks Chips, Crackers Potatoes, Grain, Seasoning Earthy-Sweet Europe Root vegetable flavors associated with sweetness Roasted Beets, Sweet Potatoes Beets, Sweet Potatoes, Maple Umami-Sweet South America Rich, savory flavor combined with sweetness Teriyaki, BBQ Chicken Soy Sauce, Brown Sugar, Honey Bright-Spicy Southeast Asia Vibrant flavors with heat Thai Dishes, Spicy Noodles Chili, Lemongrass, Cilantro Rich-Sweet North America Dense, sweet flavors ideal for desserts Chocolate Cake, Pies Chocolate, Sugar, Fruits Complex Global Flavors with multiple layers and notes Gourmet Dishes Fusion of many components Nutty-Bitter Middle East Combination of bitterness and nuttiness Tahini, Nutty Dip Sesame, Nuts Fresh Global Clean, fresh flavors present in many cuisines Salads, Smoothies Leafy Greens, Fresh Herbs Sappy North America Resinous flavor from trees or plants Maple Syrup, Birch Beer Maple, Birch Sap Vegan-Friendly Global Plant-based flavors and textures Tofu Stir-fries, Plant-based Burgers Tofu, Legumes, Grains Coastal-Fresh Coastal Regions Fresh, briny flavors from seafood Fish Tacos, Clam Chowder Seafood, Sea Vegetables Tropical Tropical Regions Sweet, tangy flavors from tropical fruits Pina Colada, Fruit Salads Pineapple, Coconut, Mango Fermented-Salty Asia Bold flavors from fermented products Kimchi, Fermented Fish Salt, Fermented Vegetables Syrupy Global Thick, sweet flavors often used in desserts Pancakes, Desserts Syrups, Honey, Sugars Potent Global Strong, powerful flavors that dominate dishes Spicy Curries, Garlic Dishes Spices, Garlic, Vinegar Roasted Global Flavor sweetened and enhanced through roasting Roasted Chicken, Roasted Vegetables Vegetables, Meats Earthy-Savory Central America Deep, savory flavor often from roots Tacos Al Pastor, Mole Roots, Spices, Meats Toastiness Global Lightly scorched flavors associated with toasting Toasted Bread, Nuts Grains, Nuts Wet Global Moist flavors often found in sauces or salads Dresses, Creamy Pastas Dressings, Creams Syrupy-Sweet Global Thick, sugary flavors in sweet dishes Pancakes, Desserts Syrup, Honey, Confectioners Sugar Sugary Global Pure sweetness in food items Candies, Sweeter Foods Sugar, Syrups Sharp Europe Strong, pungent flavor usually of cheeses or pickles Aged Cheeses, Pickles Gouda, Emmental Classic Global Traditional flavors that signify regional cuisine Regional Dishes, Comfort Foods Regional Ingredients Traditional Various Regions Authentic flavors that represent cultural heritage Cultural Foods Cultural Ingredients Tantalizing Global Flavors that arouse the taste buds Gourmet Dishes, Fusion Foods Combination of sauces and spices Colorful Global Vibrant flavors primarily from colorful ingredients Salads, Dishes Vegetables, Spices, Herbs Zesty-Spicy Latin America Sharp and spicy flavor profile Salsas, Some Marinades Cilantro, Chilis Cooling Global Refreshing flavors often derived from mint and cucumber Yogurt Sauce, Salads Mint, Yogurt Filling Global Dense, satisfying flavors often found in comfort food Casseroles, Stews Grains, Proteins Summery Latin America Light, fresh flavors reminiscent of summer Ceviche, Salads Fresh Seafood, Vegetables Citrusy Global Bright, tangy flavors from citrus fruits Lemon Bars, Vinaigrettes Lemon, Lime, Orange Decadent Global Rich flavors that offer luxury Chocolate Fondue, Creamy Soups Chocolate, Cream, Egg Yolks Scentsational Various Aromatic flavors that are intense and memorable Perfumed Dishes, Infusions Herbs, Aromatic Spices Creamy-Smooth Global Dairy-based flavors that offer richness Ice Cream, Creamy Soups Cream, Milk, Cheese Bold Global Strong flavors that demand attention Spicy Curries, Bold Sauces Chili, Garlic, Soy Balanced Global A harmony of flavors that complement each other Balanced Dishes A mix of complementary components Subtle-Sweet Global Light sweetness that is not overpowering Fruit Salads, Subtle Pastries Fruits, Honey Soft Global Gentle flavors that are easy on the palate Soft Cheeses, Creamy Dishes Soft Cheese, Cream Earthy-Bitter South America Strong flavors often from wild plants or unsweetened greens Wild Green Salads, Bitter Chocolates Wild Greens, Bitter Herbs Intense Global High-impact flavors that are memorable Spicy Garlic Sauce, Intense Salsas Spices, Pastes Bold-Citrus Latin America Strong citrus flavors often with heat Ceviche, Citrus Dressings Lime, Orange, Chilis Honeyed Global Soft, sweet flavors often represented by honey Honey-glazed Meats, Bear Claws Honey, Syrups Cozy Global Comforting flavors that evoke warmth Stews, Hot Beverages Warm Spices, Root Vegetables Ferment-Driven Global Deep flavors arising from fermentation processes Fermented Dishes, Pickled Veggies Fermentation Products, Spices Warm-Spicy-Citrus Caribbean Comforting warmth combined with a zing from citrus Warm Citrus Desserts, Curry Citrus, Heat Smooth-Creamy Global Soft, luxurious textures with mild flavors Creamy Soups, Dips Cream, Dairy Light Global Delicate flavors that don't overpower Salads, Light Soups Fresh Vegetables, Light Dressings Cheesy-Savory Europe A mix of rich cheeses and earthy notes Cheese Platters, Fondue Cheese, Fatty Meats Generous Global Abundant flavors that create satisfaction Large Platter Meals, Buffets Rich Ingredients Exotic Global Unique flavors that are not commonly found Unique Dishes, Fusion Rare Fruits, Spices Tropical-Sweet Tropical Regions Sweet, lush flavors typical of tropical fruits Tropical Smoothies, Sorbets Papaya, Passionfruit, Banana Crispy Global Flavors with appealing crunchy textures Crispy Chicken, Fried Foods Fried Items, Crunchy Vegetables