As far as covetable drinks go, matcha probably ranks up there—with its popularity surging beyond Japan and Asia. Contrary to what coffee is to most of us, matcha is a want and not a need. And for good reason too, the Japanese green tea is cleansing, detoxifying and often a match made in heaven with a good dose of dairy, strawberries and actually most ingredients under the sun. From yuzu concoctions to coconut iterations, the options are limitless. While the tea contains caffeine, it also boasts the relaxing amino acid L-theanine, meaning it has the ability to boost energy without causing jitters or spiking cortisol. Along with it, there’s also polyphenols (powerful antioxidants) and Vitamin C and chlorophyll. So whether or not the allure lies in its health benefits or how delectable a cup of matcha tastes, it’s a beverage for anyone. Outside of procuring your daily fix at one of Singapore’s cafes or coffee shops, there is, ultimately, the simple grounding practice of making matcha in the comforts of your own home.
The good news is, you don’t need a fancy clunky machine to make a good cup of matcha. All you need are the right tools to get your sorted. And here’s where the real fun begins: building your own matcha kit, based off your personal preferences and interior know-how. Starting from a good grade of green tea powder, there’s the fun in choosing your preferred chawan—matcha bowl—that can differ in many materials from glass to ceramic and many shapes, finishes and colours. Next to it, you’ll need a bamboo whisk as well as a chashaku spoon.
Below, see Vogue Singapore’s guide to making your own matcha at home.
