Tea & Matcha Guides

If you're just getting started with matcha, you might feel overwhelmed by the variety of tools available. The good news? You don't need a full tea ceremony setup to enjoy authentic Japanese matcha at home. In fact, a proper matcha starter kit is surprisingly simple. With just three essential tools, anyone can prepare smooth, delicious matcha—no experience required. In this guide, we'll walk through: The 3 must-have matcha tools How to choose beginner-friendly options And the best matcha sets worth buying right now What Is a Matcha Set? A matcha set (also called a matcha starter kit) includes the basic tools needed to prepare matcha the traditional way. While advanced tea ceremony sets can include many items, beginners only need a few essentials to get started. The 3 Essential Matcha Tools for Beginners 1. Matcha Bowl (Chawan) The matcha bowl, or chawan, is where you prepare and drink your matcha. For beginners, choosing the right shape makes a big difference. Recommended types: Flat bowl (Hirachawan) – Easy whisking, especially for beginners Rice bowl shape – More familiar, stable, and easy to handle Why it matters: A wide bowl gives you enough space to whisk properly, helping create a smooth and creamy texture. Matcha Tea Bowl -MS15 2. Bamboo Whisk (Chasen) The chasen is the most important tool in your matcha set. It's what creates the signature fine foam and smooth mouthfeel of matcha. Beginner recommendation: Go for a 100-prong chasen (standard type) Why 100 prongs? Creates better foam Easier to control Ideal balance between performance and durability Without a proper whisk, matcha can turn out clumpy and bitter—so this is not the place to cut corners. Bamboo matcha tea whisk (100 prongs) 3. Matcha Powder (Ceremonial Grade) Not all matcha is the same. For drinking, always choose ceremonial-grade matcha, not culinary grade. Why? Less bitterness Naturally smooth and slightly sweet Better for beginners Culinary matcha is designed for baking and cooking, so it tends to be more astringent when consumed as tea. Ceremonial Grade Matcha How to Choose the Best Matcha Starter Set When selecting a matcha set, keep these points in mind: ✔ Beginner-friendly design Look for tools that are easy to use and maintain. ✔ Consistent quality Avoid extremely cheap sets with poor whisk craftsmanship or low-grade matcha. ✔ Good value for money A well-balanced set doesn't have to be expensive—but it should last. Top 3 Matcha Sets for Beginners (Carefully Selected) Now that you know the basics, here are three highly recommended matcha starter kits. We've selected options that balance: Ease of use Quality Design Value 1. Traditional Matcha Starter Set Great for beginners who value aesthetics and ease. Includes chawan, chasen, and premium matcha Ideal for daily rituals Balanced flavor and texture Yuzu White Matcha Bowl Set 2. Stylish Matcha Set Great for beginners who value aesthetics and ease. Beautiful design for Instagram-worthy moments Easy-to-use bowl and whisk Perfect as a gift Sakura Mini Matcha Set Why Start Making Matcha at Home? Making matcha at home is more than just a trend—it's a lifestyle upgrade. Benefits include: Rich in antioxidants Calm, focused energy (thanks to L-theanine) A relaxing daily ritual Plus, once you have your matcha tools, it's far more cost-effective than buying matcha drinks every day. Final Thoughts Starting your matcha journey doesn't have to be complicated. With just: A matcha bowl A bamboo whisk And quality matcha powder You're ready to enjoy authentic matcha anytime at home. If you're unsure where to begin, choosing a well-balanced matcha starter kit is the easiest and most reliable option.

Matcha has been enjoyed in Japan for centuries, from quiet tea ceremonies to bustling modern cafés. But there's more than one "correct" way to drink it — the right method depends on the occasion, the grade of matcha, and your own personal taste. Below, we walk through both the traditional whisking method and popular modern ways to enjoy matcha at home. The Traditional Way: Whisking a Bowl of Matcha The traditional method, practiced in the Japanese tea ceremony, involves whisking matcha powder directly with hot water using a bamboo whisk (chasen). This preparation highlights the pure, unfiltered flavor of the tea. What You'll Need Matcha bowl (chawan) Bamboo whisk (chasen) Matcha scoop (chashaku) or a teaspoon A fine sifter Ceremonial grade matcha powder Step-by-Step Sift the matcha. Sift about 2g of matcha into the bowl to remove clumps and ensure a smooth texture. Add a small amount of hot water. Pour in roughly 40ml of hot water (around 80°C / 176°F — never boiling, as it can scorch the tea) and gently work it into a paste. Add the remaining water. Pour in another 60ml of hot water. Whisk briskly. Using quick "M" or "W" motions with your wrist, whisk for 20–40 seconds until a fine layer of foam forms on the surface. Enjoy immediately. Sip slowly and savor the balance of umami, sweetness, and gentle bitterness. This method is called usucha (thin tea) and is the most common way matcha is prepared. A thicker, more concentrated style called koicha (thick tea) uses roughly double the matcha powder and less water, kneaded rather than whisked, for a richer and more intense flavor traditionally reserved for higher-grade matcha. Ceremonial Grade Matcha Bamboo Whisk (100 Prongs) No Bamboo Whisk? No Problem If you don't have a chasen on hand, you can still enjoy a smooth bowl of matcha using everyday tools: A small milk frother A shaker bottle (shake vigorously for 20–30 seconds) A regular whisk or even a fork in a pinch Mix the matcha with a small amount of water first to form a smooth paste before adding the rest of the liquid — this helps prevent clumping no matter what tool you use. Modern Ways to Enjoy Matcha While the traditional bowl of matcha remains beloved, matcha has also become a favorite ingredient in modern drinks and recipes around the world. 🍵 Matcha Latte (Hot or Iced) Whisk your matcha as usual, then top with steamed milk (hot latte) or pour over ice with cold milk (iced latte). Dairy, oat, soy, and almond milk all work beautifully — the creaminess balances matcha's natural bitterness. 🧊 Iced Matcha (Straight) Whisk matcha with a small amount of hot water until smooth, then pour over ice and top with cold water. Simple, refreshing, and perfect for warm days. 🥤 Matcha Smoothies Blend matcha powder with banana, spinach, yogurt, or plant-based milk for an antioxidant-rich, energizing smoothie. 🍰 Baking & Desserts Culinary-grade matcha holds up well to heat and pairs wonderfully with white chocolate, cream, and butter — perfect for cakes, cookies, and pound cakes. Premium Uji Matcha Latte Powder Pure Matcha Paste Explore All Matcha Choosing the Right Matcha for the Right Method Not all matcha is created equal, and the grade you choose can make a big difference depending on how you plan to enjoy it: Ceremonial grade — Best enjoyed traditionally, on its own with just hot water, to fully appreciate its smooth, low-bitterness flavor. Café / latte grade — A great everyday choice for lattes, smoothies, and iced drinks, where milk and sweeteners balance the flavor. Culinary grade — Ideal for baking, ice cream, and desserts, where a bolder tea flavor is needed to stand out against other ingredients. 🍵 There's No Single "Right" Way to Drink Matcha Whether you prefer the quiet ritual of a traditionally whisked bowl or a creamy iced matcha latte on a busy morning, what matters most is enjoying matcha in a way that fits your lifestyle. Explore our full matcha collection and find your perfect cup.