How to enjoy Matcha: A simple guide for beginners

Matcha is a finely ground Japanese green tea known for its vibrant green colour, rich umami flavour, and naturally creamy texture.

If you're new to matcha, it can be a little intimidating at first. How much should you use? How hot should the water be? Do you need a bamboo whisk? The good news: enjoying matcha at home is much simpler than it looks. Here are a few easy ways to get started.

 

How to make Traditional Matcha

For a simple bowl of matcha, you'll need:

• 1–2 g of matcha (about ½–1 teaspoon)
• 60–70 ml of hot water
• A matcha bowl or small cup
• A bamboo whisk (chasen) or electric frother

Step 1: Sift your matcha

Sift the matcha into your bowl to remove any small lumps. This will make the final drink smoother.

Step 2: Add water

Add about 60–70 ml of hot water.

Avoid boiling water. Around 70–80°C is a good starting point. Water that is too hot can make matcha taste noticeably more bitter.

Step 3: Whisk

Whisk quickly in a back-and-forth motion until the matcha becomes smooth and a light layer of foam forms on the surface.

And you're ready to drink.

Tip: Matcha settles quickly, so it's best enjoyed soon after whisking.

 

How to make a Matcha Latte

If you're just getting into matcha, a latte is often an easier introduction.

You'll need:

• 1–2 g matcha
• 30–50 ml hot water
• 150–200 ml milk

Whisk the matcha with the hot water first. Then add warm or cold milk.

For an iced version, simply pour the matcha mixture over ice and add cold milk.

You can enjoy it as it is, or add a little honey, maple syrup or your preferred sweetener.

 

How should Matcha taste?

Depending on the matcha, you may notice:

• Umami: savoury and rich
• Bitterness: usually more noticeable in lower-grade or poorly prepared matcha
• Sweetness: a subtle natural sweetness
• Creaminess: especially when whisked properly
• Vegetal or grassy notes: common in Japanese green tea

If your matcha tastes extremely bitter, try using slightly cooler water or reducing the amount of powder.

 

Matcha for beginners: 4 tips

1. Don't use boiling water.
   Start around 70-80°C and adjust according to your taste.
2. Sift your matcha.
   It makes a surprisingly big difference to the texture.
3. Use less powder if you're finding it too strong.
   You can always add more next time.
4. Drink it fresh.
   Matcha is sensitive to air, light and heat. Keep it tightly sealed and store it according to the product's recommendations.

 

Matcha beyond the traditional bowl

Once you've found the way you like your matcha, you can experiment. Try it as:

• As an iced matcha latte
• With oat, soy or almond milk
• With a little honey
• In smoothies
• In desserts and baking

Explore Eira Haul Japanese tea collection today!