Everyone is obsessed with matcha lately, and for good reason. But buying matcha lattes in a coffee shop can get pricey, especially if you prefer plant-based milk. Plus, it’s often hard to tell what quality of matcha is being used when it’s already prepared.

In this article, we’ll break down exactly what you need to make great traditional Japanese matcha at home, as well as tips on how to master the perfect matcha latte using the right tools.

And if you’re aiming for the full matcha ceremony experience, or have friends who are matcha geeks, you might want to invest in a matcha whisk, bowl, or a full matcha tea set. It’ll help you create a high-quality, ceremonial-grade matcha that not only tastes amazing but also celebrates Japanese tradition.

Traditional Matcha Styles Explained

There are two kinds of traditional matcha:

Usucha (薄茶) or “ThinTea”

A most common style of matcha. Made with about 1–2g of matcha powder and ~70ml of hot water. Light, slightly frothy, and easy to drink.

Koicha (濃茶) or “Thick tea”

made with 2–4g of matcha and less water (~30–40ml). It’s dense, syrupy, and made with high-grade ceremonial matcha only. It is traditionally used in formal tea ceremonies.

However, in modern Japan, especially in large cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, matcha lattes are becoming more popular, especially among younger people. Same as in the West, they’re made with milk or plant-based milk alternatives and are served hot or iced.

What makes a traditional matcha tea set?

Chasen (茶筅) Bamboo Whisk

Delicately hand-carved tool used to froth matcha.

How to choose the best quality Matcha Whisk?

Look for organic, hand-crafted bamboo (often made from white or golden bamboo).
Avoid bleached or chemically treated whisks.
Choose tine count based on use: 80–100 tines: best for usucha (thin tea, foamy) , 48–60 tines: best for koicha (thick tea, minimal foam)
Handmade whisks from Nara, Japan are considered the best quality.

Chasen Tate (茶筅立て) Whisk Stand / Holder

A ceramic stand that helps maintain the shape of the bamboo whisk after use. It also helps in drying and prevents mold as well as prolongs the whisk’s lifespan.

How to choose the best quality Whisk Stand?

Choose ceramic over plastic for better stability and hygiene.

Chawan (茶碗) Matcha Bowl

A ceramic bowl is used to whisk and drink matcha. Wide and deep to allow proper whisking.

How to choose the best quality Matcha Bowl?

It should be wide enough to whisk without splashing.
Choose a bowl with a slightly textured inner surface to help break up clumps.

Chashaku (茶杓) Bamboo Scoop

It is used to measure matcha powder, typically 1 scoop is around 0.5g.

How to choose the best Bamboo Match Scoop?

Choose a bamboo, not plastic or metal.

Furui (ふるい) Matcha Sifter

A sifter is used to break up clumps in matcha powder.

How to choose the best Matcha Sifter?

Choose a fine mesh stainless steel sifter.

There are a few more matcha-making utensils that are used for authentic matcha-making ceremonies including

Fukusa (袱紗) Silk Cloth – used to clean the tea utensils ritually.

Hishaku (柄杓) Waste Water Bowl – a container to discard water used to rinse utensils.

Kama (釜) Iron Kettle– a pot used to boil water in a tea ceremony.

If you are just starting out on a matcha-making journey, you might want to buy only key utensils like a matcha whisk and matcha bowl.

Let’s start with the best matcha whisks. We will list a few good options for traditional bamboo whisks and will also include more modern options.

The Best Websites to buy matcha tea Sets from

RICHI TEA AND BOTANICALS

A small but very high-quality selection of matcha-making utensils.

Artcome

A great brand for beautifully packaged matcha tea sets that are affordable.

Tezumi

is a matcha lovers’ paradise where you can get everything for making matcha as well as helpful information on how to make it and how to look after your matcha-making utensils.

Hibiki-An

For Artisan, handcrafted one-of-a-kind matcha utensils like hand-painted matcha bowls. For those who want to invest and even p[ass their matcha tea sets to other generations.

JADE LEAF

Good for affordable modern matcha sets.

The Best Matcha Whisks

Tenzo Bamboo Whisk for Ceremonial Grade Matcha

Amazing quality hand crafted 100 Tines Bamboo Whisk.

ARTDOU

Golden Bamboo Matcha Green Tea Whisk Chasen

100% Natural Bamboo with no varnish or polish. Handcrafted with about 76 fine tines. The Tine count is on the lower side so the whisking process can be a bit slower.

Matcha Whisk

This bamboo whisk is made in Japan and is masterfully carved by hand from a single stock of bamboo.

The best Macha Bowls

Product of Gifu Japan

Handmade Matcha Tea Bowl in 4 different designs

This matcha bowl features the beautiful colors and patterns of Mino Ware. Mino Ware (Mino Yaki) is a famous pottery production area in Japan with a 1300 year history

Mino Ware Japanese Handcrafted Matcha Tea Bowl Beige

A beautiful handmade matcha bowl that will look amazing in any interior.

Weight: 430 g, height: 75 mm, diameter: 120 mm. Material: Porcelain. Microwave and dishwasher safe. Made in Japan

The best Macha tea sets

Jetcloudlive

4Pcs Matcha Whisk Set

If you are looking for a bit more minimalistic matcha tea set and only need the 4 essentials this set is perfect. It includes a Ceramic Matcha Bowl capacity of 500 ml (17 oz), a Ceramic Matcha Whisk Holder, a Bamboo Matcha Whisk, and a Bamboo Scoop.

Matcha bowl features a spout for easier pouring.

TEANAGOO

7 Pcs Matcha Whisk Set

Comes with a Ceramic Bowl 510 Ml/18 Oz, Bamboo Whisk, Bamboo Scoop, Ceramic Whisk Holder, Ceramic Scoop Stand, Cotton Tea Cloth, and a Matcha Powder Sifter.

A great set if you are looking for value for money. Matcha Bowl and Whisk holders have stunning designs. The Matcha Bowl is a perfect size to make sure that matcha doesn’t splash when whisking it.