Umami - La Cinquième Saveur

Umami - La Cinquième Saveur is a Korean-focused bistrot and restaurant in Montpellier that operates two nearby venues: a convivial bistrot and a restaurant currently paused for a change of address. The cuisine is built around the idea of umami and blends Korean and Japanese culinary culture and techniques with high-quality products from French terroirs. The atmosphere is convivial and bistro-style, focused on sharing; the bistrot offers coffee and pastries by day and wine by night, sits for informal moments in Montpellier's Écusson, and adjoins a dedicated wine and saké cellar. The kitchen marries Korean and Japanese influences with local French produce, reinterpreting authentic Korean dishes with Japanese technique; menu formats include lunch formulas and tapas-style plates in the evening alongside classic Korean main plates. Chef Amélie Young Min Deguine brings competition recognition — second prize, professional category, La Cuillère d'Or 2011 — and was a 2016 Master Chef finalist in Seoul; her cooking aims to awaken the palate through cross-cultural fusion. Specialties include bibimbap (multiple variations); Tartare Umami (Korean-style beef tartare); Kongguksu (chilled soybean noodle bowl); Yeoneo (salmon cooked sous-vide with ssambay sauce); kimbap and umami baos (tapas style); and Perle et Passion (coconut & passion dessert).