Hello from ICHIZEN. If you are thinking about making matcha at home, you may be wondering what you actually need to begin.
The short answer is simple: a good matcha starter kit includes matcha, a chasen whisk, a matcha bowl or wide bowl, a chashaku scoop or measuring spoon, and a small sifter. With these basics, you can prepare a calm, satisfying bowl without overcomplicating the ritual.
What should be in a matcha starter kit?
You do not need to collect many tools at the beginning. It helps to ask yourself one question first: do you want matcha for a quiet morning habit, or for slower weekend moments?
- Matcha: choose a drinking-grade matcha with pleasant aroma and color
- Chasen: a bamboo whisk that helps create fine foam
- Matcha bowl or wide bowl: enough space for the whisk to move
- Chashaku or measuring spoon: useful for consistent portions
- Sifter: helps prevent clumps and gives a smoother texture
Your first bowl does not have to be a formal tea bowl. A wide bowl with a gently rounded base can work well, as long as the whisk can move comfortably.
How do you choose matcha for your first kit?
If you plan to drink matcha on its own, choose a grade made for drinking rather than one intended mainly for cooking. Very bitter matcha can make the first bowl feel harder than it needs to be.
ICHIZEN offers single-origin matcha from Wakimoto Jokoen, a Uji tea producer in Kyoto. If you would like to compare options for your own use, you can browse the matcha collection and choose by how you plan to drink it.
A simple first recipe to start with
For usucha, or thin matcha, start with about 1.5 to 2 g of matcha and 60 to 70 ml of hot water. Water around 70 to 80°C is often easier to work with than boiling water, as it can bring out aroma and umami more gently.
Sift the matcha before adding water. Then whisk lightly from the wrist, moving in an “M” or “W” motion rather than pressing hard into the bottom of the bowl.
What to check before buying a set
When choosing a matcha starter kit, look beyond appearance. A beautiful set is lovely, but daily ease matters too.
Check whether the whisk is easy to replace, whether the bowl is simple to wash, and whether the amount of matcha is small enough to finish while fresh. Matcha is sensitive to light, moisture, and heat, so good storage habits make a noticeable difference.
Start with what you will actually use
Your first kit does not need to be perfect. It only needs to help you make one bowl comfortably, and then another when you feel like it.
Begin with the essential tools and a matcha you enjoy drinking. Over time, you can adjust the bowl, water, and amount of matcha until the preparation feels quietly your own.
FAQ
How many items do I need in a matcha starter kit?
The basics are five items: matcha, a chasen whisk, a matcha bowl or wide bowl, a chashaku scoop or measuring spoon, and a sifter. Some tools can be substituted at first, so begin with a setup that feels easy to continue.
Can I make matcha without a bamboo whisk?
You can use a shaker or a small kitchen whisk, but a chasen makes it easier to create fine foam and a smoother texture. If you want to enjoy matcha as a drink, it is one of the most useful tools to add early.
How much matcha should I buy for the first time?
A 20 to 30 g tin is a practical first size. Since one bowl usually uses about 1.5 to 2 g, this amount is easier to finish while fresh and lets you learn your taste without committing to too much.
How should I store matcha after opening?
Keep matcha away from light, moisture, and heat, and close the container tightly. If storing it in the refrigerator, avoid condensation and let the container sit briefly at room temperature before opening.
