Matcha starter guide

You don’t need much to start making matcha at home. Here’s what actually matters and what you can skip.

What You Need

The Essentials

  1. Matcha powder — Start with a culinary or “latte grade” from a reputable seller. Budget $15-25 for 30g. This is enough to learn whether you like matcha before investing in ceremonial grade.

  2. Something to whisk with — A bamboo whisk (chasen) is traditional and works best, but an electric milk frother or even a small regular whisk can work for lattes.

  3. Hot water — Not boiling. Around 175°F (80°C) is ideal. If you don’t have a thermometer, let boiled water cool for 2-3 minutes.

  4. A bowl or mug — Wide and shallow is easier for whisking. A regular mug works fine for lattes.

Nice to Have (But Not Required)

  • Bamboo whisk (chasen) — Makes the smoothest matcha. About $15-30.
  • Fine mesh sifter — Removes clumps before whisking. A regular small strainer works.
  • Thermometer — Helpful but not necessary once you develop a feel for it.
  • Matcha bowl (chawan) — Traditional, but any wide bowl works.

Your First Matcha

Traditional Style (Straight)

  1. Sift 1-2g of matcha (about ½ to 1 teaspoon) into a bowl
  2. Add 2oz (60ml) of hot water — not boiling
  3. Whisk vigorously in a W or M motion until frothy
  4. Drink immediately

Latte Style (Easier for Beginners)

  1. Sift 4-5g of matcha (about 2½ level teaspoons) into a mug
  2. Add 2oz of hot water and whisk until dissolved
  3. Add 8-12oz of your preferred milk (cold or steamed)
  4. Add sweetener if desired

The latte approach is more forgiving. Milk covers up small imperfections in technique or matcha quality — it also mutes the matcha, which is why a latte takes more powder than a bowl of tea. See how to make a matcha latte.

Common Beginner Mistakes

  • Water too hot — Boiling water makes matcha bitter. Let it cool first.
  • Skipping the sifting — Leads to clumpy matcha. Take 10 seconds to sift.
  • Too much matcha — Start with less. You can always add more.
  • Expecting it to taste like Starbucks — Real matcha tastes different than sweetened matcha drinks. It’s more vegetal and less sweet.

What to Buy First

If you’re unsure what to buy, here’s a simple shopping list:

  1. Culinary grade matcha from a reputable source (Ippodo, Kettl, Encha, or similar) — $15-25
  2. Bamboo whisk — $15-25 (or use an electric frother you already have)
  3. Small sifter — $5-10 (optional but helpful)

Total starting cost: $20-60 depending on your choices.

When to Upgrade

Once you’ve made 10-20 cups and know you enjoy matcha:

  • Try a ceremonial grade to taste the difference
  • Invest in a proper bamboo whisk if you haven’t
  • Experiment with different brands and origins