How to Make a Good Matcha Latte

I recently went to Kyoto, Japan and had the best warm matcha latte I have ever had (pictured above). I am not sure what America is drinking, but it certainly is NOT matcha. And ever since that day, I have just been craving matcha and I want to drink it at home. It’s good for you and it can be done! So, I researched and found out the following.

Step 1. Pick and buy a good ceremonial matcha.

I researched and these were recommended on social media. You may want to look for coupons.

Japanese

  • Itoen: Japanese brand. Oi Ocha Uji Matcha. Organic. Japanese Taste‘s Japanese version is $7.95 for 30g. Amazon‘s American version is $10 for 30g. $0.33 per g. I bought this one off Amazon for $10. Looks like the Amazon reviews say it’s not a very pretty color. I got free shipping because I reached the free shipping threshold. I have a feeling the American version probably isn’t good?
  • Ippodo: Japanese brand. I saw that the Ummon or Sayaka is good. It’s $32 for 20g. $1.60 per g.
  • Marukyu Koyamaen: Japanese brand.
  • Yamamasa Koyamaen: Japanese brand. Buy from various resellers.
  • Kanbayashi shunsho: Japanese brand. Biwa no shiro. Buy from various resellers.

American

  • Matcha Kari: American brand. Tenchi Ceremonial Organic is $50 for 30g. $1.66 per g. I bought their starter pack (which came with Organic Superior matcha, whisk, whisk holder, spoon, sieve, bowl) for $55 after tax and shipping off an Instagram ad. 10% off coupon when you sign up on list-serve.
  • Astrid Tea: American brand (NYC). Okita Matcha is $35 for 30g. $1.16 per g. Shipping in the US was $5.
  • Nekohama: American brand. Ceremonial matcha for $60 for 40g. $1.50 per g. 15% off coupon when you sign up on list-serve. Shipping in the US was $5.
  • Rocky’s matcha: American brand. Ceremonial matcha for $28 for 20g. $1.40 per g. 15% off coupon when you sign up on list-serve. Shipping in the US was $10.

Other Countries

Source: melbmatchagirlies, hajarsmatcha, matchadiary.jc, matchabaella.

How much matcha powder to buy? 

Once opened, matcha powder should be consumed within 30-60 days. Store matcha in an airtight container and a place that is cold and dark; storing in the refrigerator or freezer is good.

Step 2. Gather the necessary matcha equipment.

  • matcha bowl or cup
  • matcha spoon
  • sieve/sifter/strainer
  • matcha whisk or electric frother

Optional: whisk holder

Step 3. Soak the bamboo whisk in warm water to soften the bristles and avoid bristle breakage. 

Dispose of the water used to warm and soften the whisk. If you’re using an electric frother, you don’t need to soak your frother.

Step 4. Sift 2g of matcha powder into the bowl or cup. Use 2g per 80g of water.

  • 1g of matcha is 1/2 teaspoon of matcha. 40g of water is 1/6 cup of water.
  • 2g of matcha is 1 teaspoon of matcha. 80g of water is 1/3 cup of water.
  • 4g of matcha is 2 teaspoons of matcha. 160g of water is 2/3 cup of water.

One scoop with a matcha spoon is typically 1g of matcha.

If you use 4g of matcha per cup, 30g of matcha lets you make roughly 8 cups of matcha. So, you should be drinking matcha once or twice a week to use it up within 60 days.

Step 5. Add 70-80 degrees Celsius water to the matcha (which is 158 to 176 degrees Fahrenheit).

I’ve seen most people suggest 80 degrees C online.

Step 6. Whisk or froth until tiny bubbles appear.

Start with stamping the powder into the liquid to avoid getting powder flying everywhere. Then, whisk in a “W” manner (up and down). Then, end with little soft whisks to get little bubbles.

Step 7. Add sweetener or milk.

  • For sweetener, try condensed milk, agave, honey, simple sugar, brown sugar, or maple syrup.
  • For milk, try cow milk, almond milk, oat milk, or soy milk. Maybe throw some cream or whipped cream if you want.

Step 8. Mix and enjoy

I want to explore hojicha next!

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