Some gumbos use something called filet gumbo, which is dried and powdered sassafras leaf. It is not related to okra but does have have a thickening effect, kind of like okra.
On the question of what Okra tastes like, it is a fairly mild flavored veg. It has a unique texture that some describe as being a thickener and others just call slime.
Aside from gumbo, here are two good ways to make okra. One is diced, rolled in cornmeal, and fried. Another is to take one okra pod and chop it up and cook it in your spaghetti sauce. Another is pickled. I guess that makes three, not two doesn't it?
I was once served a dish by some folks in Florida that was a kind of meat loaf with chopped up pieces of tomato and okra in it. The dish was very good.