Ayurveda recognises six tastes: sweet, sour, salty, pungent, bitter and astringent. Each is more than flavour — it carries qualities that gently nudge the doshas one way or another.
A satisfying, balancing meal includes all six in some measure. Sweet, sour and salty tend to settle Vata; sweet, bitter and astringent tend to cool Pitta; pungent, bitter and astringent tend to lighten Kapha.
You don't need to calculate. Including a little of each taste naturally rounds out a meal and curbs cravings — a simple, culinary way to feel more satisfied.