What is 'umami' and why is it important in ramen?

Umami is one of the five basic tastes, along with sweet, sour, salty, and bitter. It's often described as a savory or 'meaty' flavor. Umami is a key component of ramen, and it's what makes the broth so satisfying and delicious. Ingredients like kombu, katsuobushi, miso, and soy sauce are all rich in umami. A good bowl of ramen will have a perfect balance of all five tastes, with umami playing a central role.