How to Prepare Matcha Tea: Every Method Explained from Traditional to Modern

Preparing matcha properly is simpler than most people think. This guide covers every method from the traditional Japanese whisking technique to modern no-equipment alternatives, so you can start enjoying matcha at home in Bangladesh today regardless of what tools you have available.

 

INFO:  Recommended grade for drinking straight: 5A Premium or 6A Ceremonial. For lattes: 5A Premium or 3A Organic. See our grade guide for details.

 

The Most Important Rule: Water Temperature

Before covering any specific method, this rule applies to all matcha preparation: never use boiling water. Water above 85 degrees Celsius breaks down the delicate amino acids in matcha, particularly L-Theanine, and makes the drink taste bitter and flat.

*      Ideal temperature for drinking matcha straight: 70 to 75 degrees Celsius

*      Ideal temperature for matcha lattes: 75 to 80 degrees Celsius

*      Easy way to achieve 80 degrees: bring water to a full boil, then allow to cool for 3 to 4 minutes

 

Method 1: Traditional Japanese Preparation (Koicha and Usucha)

The traditional Japanese method produces the purest matcha experience. You will need a chasen (bamboo whisk), a chawan (matcha bowl), and a chashaku (bamboo scoop).

Usucha (Thin Tea) — The Standard Method

1.    Warm your bowl by filling it with hot water and discarding. This keeps the matcha at the right temperature.

2.    Sift 1.5 to 2 teaspoons of matcha powder into the dry, warmed bowl.

3.    Add 60 to 80ml of hot water at 70 to 75 degrees Celsius.

4.    Whisk with the chasen in a brisk W or M motion, keeping the whisk near the bottom of the bowl. The motion should be quick, about 20 to 30 seconds.

5.    Lift the whisk slowly from the centre to create a light froth on the surface. A good usucha has a layer of fine bubbles on top.

6.    Drink immediately, holding the bowl with both hands in the traditional manner.

 

You will need a bamboo chasen whisk (Tk 750) for this method. Our 5-piece Japanese matcha tea set (Tk 2,190) includes the bowl, whisk, stand, spoon, and caddy.

 

Method 2: Matcha Latte Preparation

The matcha latte is the most popular preparation method in Bangladesh. See our complete How to Make Matcha Latte guide for full details and variations.

7.    Sift 1 teaspoon of matcha into a cup. Add 2 to 3 tablespoons of hot water at 80 degrees and whisk into a smooth paste.

8.    Heat 200ml of milk to your preferred temperature.

9.    Pour the warm milk over the matcha paste. Sweeten to taste.

For an iced version: prepare the matcha paste, then pour over cold milk and ice.

 

Method 3: No-Whisk Preparation

No chasen? These alternatives work well for lattes and everyday matcha.

Handheld Milk Frother

The most effective non-traditional tool. Combine matcha with hot water in a tall cup and froth for 15 to 20 seconds. Produces a smooth, lightly frothy result very close to a chasen preparation.

Sealed Shaker Bottle

Add matcha and hot water to a clean, sealable bottle. Seal tightly and shake vigorously for 20 to 30 seconds. Effective for lattes but does not produce the fine froth of a chasen.

Regular Fork

Use a dinner fork to whisk matcha with hot water, pressing the fork against the cup base and whisking rapidly for 30 to 40 seconds. Functional but produces a less smooth result.

 

Method 4: Cold Brew Matcha

Cold brew matcha produces a smoother, less bitter, more subtly flavoured drink than hot preparation. It requires no heat and minimal equipment.

10.  Add 1 teaspoon of matcha to a bottle or jug.

11.  Add 300ml of cold water.

12.  Stir or shake vigorously until the matcha is fully dissolved.

13.  Refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours.

14.  Pour over ice and enjoy.

Cold brew matcha is excellent for making iced matcha drinks in large quantities without needing to prepare hot water. The flavour is gentler and particularly refreshing on hot days in Bangladesh.

 

How to Drink Matcha Tea — Timing and Amount

*      Best time: morning or mid-morning for focus and energy. Avoid late evening due to caffeine content

*      Standard daily amount: 1 to 2 cups per day for most people

*      On an empty stomach: some people experience mild nausea. Have a light snack first if this affects you

*      During Ramadan: matcha at Sehri provides sustained energy through the fasting day

 

Frequently Asked Questions:

 

Do I need a whisk to make matcha?

No. A handheld milk frother or a shaker bottle both work well for matcha lattes. However, for the traditional preparation and the best froth texture, a bamboo chasen whisk is significantly better.

 

How long does it take to make matcha?

The entire process takes 3 to 5 minutes from start to first sip, including heating the water, sifting, whisking, and adding milk.

 

Can I prepare matcha in advance?

You can make the matcha paste (powder whisked with hot water) up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Add milk and ice just before drinking.

 

 

Explore Matcha at Matcha.bd

Get everything you need to prepare matcha at home.

 

Browse our complete matcha range. All orders include Cash on Delivery across Bangladesh.

 

New to matcha? Our 4 in 1 Starter Combo with 5A Premium Matcha (Tk 1,750) includes powder, whisk, spoon, and storage jar in one box.