Unagi has a deep, savory, and almost meaty flavor that's often described as "umami." This umami quality contributes to its overall richness and satisfying taste. The eel is typically glazed with a sweet soy-based sauce (tare) during grilling, which imparts a subtle sweetness to the dish. This sweet-savory combination is a hallmark of unagi's flavor. The grilling process gives unagi a slightly smoky aroma and taste, adding another layer of complexity to its flavor profile. When properly cooked, unagi has a tender and slightly firm texture.