Whisk Up Calm: A Beginner’s Guide to Matcha (Usucha Style)
Discover the art of matcha, one frothy bowl at a time
What You’ll Need (Serves 1)
2 matcha spoons (about 2 grams) of ceremonial-grade matcha
2–2.5 oz (1/3 cup) hot water (about 175°F / 80°C)
A matcha bowl (chawan) or a wide mug
A bamboo whisk (chasen)
A sifter (optional but highly recommended)
Step-by-Step: How to Whisk Matcha
1. Warm the tools and prepare your space
Pour a small amount of hot water into a bowl, place the tip of the chasen in and heat for about 30 seconds. Discard the hot water and wipe the bowl with a dry cloth. This not only warms your tools but sets the tone for a calming ritual.
2. Sift your matcha
Add 2 matcha spoons (2g) of matcha powder into the bowl through a fine sifter. This removes clumps and helps create a silky, lump-free tea.
3. Add hot water
Pour in 2–2.5 oz (1/3 cup) of hot water at around 175°F (80°C). Avoid boiling water—it can affect the delicate matcha, leading to bitterness.
4. Whisk like a pro
Hold the chasen vertically and whisk briskly in a “W” or “M” motion using only your wrist. Focus on creating a layer of fine, creamy foam with tiny bubbles.
5. Enjoy the moment
Once frothy and vibrant green, take a moment to appreciate the aroma. Sip slowly—it’s not just tea, it’s a ritual.
⭐There’s also a video at the bottom of the homepage that shows how it’s made.
💡 A note about tools
You don’t need traditional Japanese tools to start your matcha journey. A handheld milk frother can create a decent foam, and a large mug works fine as a tea bowl substitute.
But here’s the secret: using a bamboo whisk (chasen) and tea bowl (chawan) isn’t just about tradition—it transforms the experience. The chasen creates a silky, even froth that’s hard to achieve with a frother. And holding a chawan in both hands invites a sense of calm and ritual—a moment of connection with yourself.
🌱 A Taste of Tradition: Matcha Culture Notes
✔ Did you know?
In Japan, the act of preparing matcha tea is called "tateru (点てる)," not "brewing (淹れる)" or "mixing (混ぜる）." This simple yet deliberate process is the essence of sado (茶道；the way of tea/tea ceremony), where every movement reflects harmony (和Wa), respect (敬Kei), purity (清Sei), and equanimity (寂Jyaku）.
✔ The bamboo whisk (chasen) is a work of art
Each chasen is handcrafted from a single piece of bamboo, with up to 70,80,100, to 120 delicate prongs. While modern cafés often rely on frothers, this traditional tool connects you directly to centuries of Japanese tea culture.
✔ To froth or not to froth? It depends
In tea ceremony, schools (ryūha/流派) differ in their approach: Urasenke (裏千家) creates a fine, creamy foam, while Omotesenke (表千家) and Mushakouji-senke (武者小路千家) leave part of the surface calm and reflective. Not all matcha is meant to be frothy—sometimes the beauty lies in stillness. After all, whether frothy or serene, each bowl is a unique ichi-go ichi-e (一期一会)—a once-in-a-lifetime encounter.
🍵 Ready to take the next step?
Our Matcha Set includes everything you need—chasen, chawan, and more—to create a truly authentic matcha moment at home.
👉 Find your Matcha Set
