01 · The foundation
What is matcha?
Matcha is Japanese green tea made by grinding tencha tea into a fine powder.
Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries describes matcha as powdered tencha and notes its long connection with Japanese tea culture. Unlike steeped leaf tea, matcha is whisked into the water, so the tea powder remains in the cup.
Source: Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries of Japan ↗
02 · Preparation
What is usucha?
Usucha means “thin tea”: matcha whisked with water into a light, smooth and tea-forward cup.
A widely used reference preparation is 2 grams of sifted matcha with 60 millilitres of water at about 80°C, whisked for around 15 seconds. Individual tea makers and cafés may adjust the ratio, temperature and whisking to suit the matcha and serving style.
Reference method: Ippodo Tea’s basic usucha guide ↗
03 · Appearance
Does brighter green always mean better matcha?
A fresh, vivid green can be encouraging, but colour alone does not prove quality.
Tencha is grown under shade before harvest, a technique associated with green colour, fragrance, mellow flavour and sweetness. However, lighting, photography, cultivar, particle size and storage also affect appearance. A sound judgement should include aroma, taste, texture, freshness and provenance—not colour by itself.
Background: Japan MAFF on shaded tencha cultivation ↗
04 · Taste
Why does matcha taste different?
Matcha can range from fresh and floral to creamy, nutty, smoky or deeply umami.
Origin, cultivar, growing conditions, shading, harvest, processing, storage and preparation can all influence the cup. That is why URIMATCHA lists tasting notes for each selection rather than treating every matcha as identical.
05 · Your cup
How should I choose at URIMATCHA?
Tea-forward
Choose Clear Matcha or usucha to experience the matcha with water and no milk.
Soft and creamy
Choose a Classic Latte or Cold Milk Whisk, then select a creamy, nutty or rounded profile.
Bright and refreshing
Look for fresh, fragrant, floral or clean-finish tasting notes.
Deep and savoury
Look for pronounced umami, fuller body, smoky notes or a structured finish.
06 · Bangkok
Where is URIMATCHA?
URIMATCHA is a takeaway matcha shop inside Sand Haus Mengjai in Wang Thonglang, Bangkok.
Visit us at 512/1, Sand Haus Mengjai, Soi Ramkhamhaeng 39 (Thepleela 1), Wang Thonglang, Bangkok 10310. We are open daily from 08:30 to 19:30, with delivery ordering available online.