A meal consisting of sushi rarely ends with just sushi. Tea is a natural complement – both in its simple, everyday version and in the full matcha brewing ritual. This article is a separate development of the beverage topic from our guide How to make sushi at home.
Matcha – how it differs from regular green tea
Matcha is powdered green tea, consumed entirely (not steeped and strained like tea leaves). This means it provides more antioxidants and has a more intense, creamy flavor than traditional leaf-brewed tea. Good matcha has a vibrant, green color – if the powder is yellowish or grayish, it’s a sign of lower quality or staleness.
How to brew matcha – step by step
- Sift 1-2 grams of matcha through a sieve into a bowl – this removes lumps that would otherwise remain in the drink
- Add about 60 ml of water at 70-80°C (never boiling water – too high a temperature destroys the delicate flavor and causes bitterness)
- Whisk with a bamboo whisk (chasen) in a W-shaped motion, not circular, for about 15-20 seconds, until a delicate foam forms
- Drink immediately – matcha loses its flavor qualities if left standing too long
Why a bamboo whisk and not a regular spoon
A chasen has dozens of thin, flexible prongs that aerate matcha much more effectively than any other tool – they are responsible for the characteristic, delicate foam on the surface. A regular spoon will leave lumps and won't aerate the drink in the same way.
Green and flavored teas – for everyday drinking
Not every day requires a full ritual. Sencha, genmaicha, or flavored teas with added flowers or fruits are a great option for everyday use – traditionally brewed in an infuser or a teapot with a strainer. See the full selection in the Green and flavored teas collection.
Teapots and brewing sets
A good Japanese teapot (kyusu) usually has a side handle and a built-in strainer – this is no coincidence, such a design facilitates brewing at lower temperatures characteristic of green tea. Check out Teapots and complete Tea Ceremony Sets.
Tea caddies – a detail that matters
Tea (especially matcha) loses its properties when exposed to light, air, and moisture. An airtight tin is not a matter of aesthetics, but of truly extending the freshness of the product you have already invested in. See Tea caddies.
Tea as a gift
A matcha brewing set – whisk, bowl, scoop, and tin – is one of the most frequently chosen gifts among our customers, especially for those interested in Japanese culture. If you're looking for a gift idea, it's also worth checking out the article Kimmidoll – the history of Japanese lucky dolls, where we write about another equally popular category of gifts.
What's next
Return to the main guide to making sushi at home or check how to choose ceramics and dinnerware that matches your table's style.
