What temperature should water be for matcha?

70°C (158°F) is optimal. Water above 80°C scorches the catechins and amino acids that produce matcha's characteristic flavor, resulting in excessive bitterness. If you don't have a thermometer, boil water then let it sit for 4–5 minutes.

How much matcha per cup?

For usucha (thin matcha), use 1.5–2g per 60–70ml of water. For koicha (thick matcha), use 3–4g per 30–40ml. Most beginners prefer usucha — lighter, more approachable, faster to prepare.

Do I need a bamboo whisk (chasen)?

A chasen produces the best foam and fully incorporates the matcha without leaving clumps. A small electric milk frother works as a substitute. A regular whisk or spoon does not produce sufficient aeration for a good texture.

Why does my matcha taste bitter?

The three main causes of bitter matcha: water too hot (>80°C), too much matcha (>2.5g per 60ml), or low-quality matcha with insufficient shading. Start with 70°C water and 1.5g per 60ml and adjust from there.

Can I make matcha without a bowl?

Yes. A wide mug works well. The key is enough room to move the whisk freely — at least 10cm diameter. A narrow glass or cup makes it difficult to build foam without splashing.

How to Brew Perfect Matcha: Temperature, Ratio & Technique

The three variables that matter most in matcha preparation: 70°C water temperature, 1.5g per 60ml ratio, and W-motion whisking. Get these right and you will have excellent matcha regardless of equipment.

Equipment

You need a matcha bowl (chawan), bamboo whisk (chasen), and a fine-mesh sieve. Optionally: a bamboo scoop (chashaku) and small bowl for pre-warming.

A wide, shallow bowl is easier to whisk than a narrow cup. The chasen should have at least 80 tines for a fine foam.

The Preparation Steps

Step 1: Sift the Matcha

Add 1.5–2g of matcha to a fine sieve over your bowl. Press through gently. Skipping this step is the most common cause of clumped matcha.

Step 2: Water Temperature

70°C is the target. Above 80°C, heat denatures the L-theanine and chlorophyll that give matcha its sweetness and color.

Use a thermometer for precision, or boil and wait 4–5 minutes.

Step 3: The Ratio

Preparation style	Matcha	Water
Usucha (thin)	1.5–2g	60–70ml
Koicha (thick)	3–4g	30–40ml
Matcha latte	2g	30ml + 150ml milk

Most home preparation uses usucha — light, frothy, approachable.

Step 4: Whisking Technique

Hold the chasen perpendicular to the bowl surface. Move in a W or M motion — rapid, shallow strokes across the bottom. The goal is aeration, not stirring.

20–30 seconds of active whisking produces a fine-bubble foam. Bubbles should be small and uniform — large bubbles indicate circular motion or insufficient speed.

Step 5: Drink Immediately

Matcha begins settling within 2–3 minutes. The foam softens and the flavor becomes more concentrated at the bottom. Drinking immediately after whisking gives the most balanced experience.

Matcha Latte Variation

Use 2g matcha with 30ml of 70°C water. Whisk to a paste using the same W-motion technique, then add 150ml of steamed or frothed milk (oat milk works especially well). Do not add milk to the powder directly — the paste base produces a smoother integration.

Satsuki's Everyday Matcha is designed for exactly this preparation — the flavor holds up in milk without disappearing.