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A cornerstone of traditional Japanese tea ceremonies since the 16th century with earlier origins dating back to the Tang Dynasty in China, matcha is also the drink en vogue in western 21st century specialty haunts and roastery circles.
“There’s always been an element of Japanese cuisine taken up and becoming a trend,” says Taku Kimura, General Manager at Haymarket Japanese coffee roastery Edition Roasters about the rise of matcha in the Australian scene, “I think a couple of years ago, it was miso then it became yuzu and I feel like matcha is just getting the spotlight at the moment”.
Boasting a unique flavour profile and distinctive green hue, matcha is made from finely powdered dry green tea leaves. The highest quality grade is widely considered to hail from Uji Kyoto, a region in Japan where matcha is prepared with the youngest tea leaves – and where the powder Edition Roasters uses in their lattes and Japanese soufflé pancakes is from.
“We’ve tried a whole bunch of different matchas from different regions and this one from Kyoto Uji seems to have the most pungent aroma and colour…” says Kimura, “it’s not jarringly bitter – it has a balance bitterness between the aroma and sweetness”.
Taste and aesthetic aside, matcha is also rich in L-theanine, antioxidants and vitamins – seeing many swap their morning cup of joe for something more green. If the yearning for homemade matcha has long been brewing within you, below we’ve rounded up some of the best matcha powders.
2024’s TOP MATCHA POWDERS
- Ippodo ceremonial grade matcha tea Sayaka (here’s why)
- Yamasan Kyoto Uji Japanese ceremonial grade matcha (here’s why)
- Matchamade pure matcha powder (here’s why)
The best matcha powders in 2024
01
Ippodo ceremonial grade matcha tea Sayaka
$79.99 at Ebay
Grown in iconic matcha region Kyoto since 1717, the same family has been producing tea as Ippodo Tea for over three centuries. Smooth and rich with a balance of umami, sweetness and a mild earthiness, this Sayaka blend is great for seasoned and new drinkers of matcha alike.
Key features:
- Ceremonial grade
- Grown, processed, blended and packaged in Japan
- Packaged in an airtight tin for freshness
- Great for usucha (regular matcha) and koicha (thick matcha)
02
Yamasan Kyoto Uji Japanese ceremonial grade matcha
$23.99 at Amazon
Grown without pesticides under the sun in Uji, Kyoto, the tea leaves of this Yamasan matcha are steamed, dried then grinded in a mortar. Full-bodied and elegantly sweet.
Key features:
- Blend of Saemidori and Okumidori tea leaves
- Ceremonial grade
- Carefully selected by tea experts
03
Pure matcha powder
$54 at Matchamade
Made from handpicked green tea leaves of the finest quality, this matcha powder is sourced exclusively from Uji, Japan and boasts a vibrant green hue.
Key features:
- Ceremonial grade
- Certified organic and pesticide-free
- From family-owned farm
How do you prepare matcha?
Due to its agile flavour and texture, matcha can be sipped on hot or cold, and pairs well with flavour notes like cinnamon, vanilla and chocolate. The signature Uji matcha latte at Edition Roasters, for instance, is mixed with a signature matcha paste and the milk of your choice – served either hot or over ice.
While cafes and roasteries differ in how they mix their matcha, whisking by hand with a bamboo whisk in a matcha bowl is the most straightforward and traditional way of preparation – with matcha being prepared like so in Japanese tea ceremonies for centuries.
01
Tang Pin 4pc matcha set
$55.99 at Amazon
Complete with a porcelain bowl with a spout, a chasen holder, refined bamboo whisk and scoop, you’re all set for matcha mornings at home.
02
T2 Everyday matcha whisk
$36 at T2
This whisk is handcrafted from a single piece of bamboo that is split around 80 times to produce smooth and foamy matcha.
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