What do you need to make matcha? A beginner's guide to the tools
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Short answer: to start, you need matcha, a bowl, a sieve and something to whisk with. A bamboo whisk (chasen) gives the best result. A scoop (chashaku) and a whisk holder (kusenaoshi) are useful extras, not essentials.
The Japanese names can make matcha look more complicated than it is. Here is what each tool does and which ones are worth buying.
The four traditional matcha tools
| Tool | What it is | Needed to start? |
|---|---|---|
| Chasen | Bamboo whisk | Strongly recommended |
| Chawan | Matcha bowl | Any wide bowl works |
| Chashaku | Bamboo scoop | Optional (a teaspoon works) |
| Kusenaoshi | Whisk holder | Optional, but extends the whisk's life |
Chasen: the bamboo whisk
A chasen is carved from a single piece of bamboo into dozens of fine tines. Those tines are what create the smooth, fine foam that a spoon or fork cannot. It is the one tool that makes the biggest difference to how your matcha tastes and looks.
Chawan: the matcha bowl
A chawan is wide and flat-bottomed, so the whisk can move freely. Any wide bowl will do at the start; a mug is too narrow to whisk properly. A bowl with a spout makes pouring into a latte glass easier.
Chashaku: the bamboo scoop
A chashaku measures out matcha without compacting it. One heaped scoop is roughly 1 g. A teaspoon works too: one level teaspoon is about 2 g.
Kusenaoshi: the whisk holder
A kusenaoshi keeps the whisk's tines in shape while it dries. Without one, the tines slowly bend inward and the whisk wears out faster.
What you need, by budget
- Bare minimum: matcha, a small sieve, a wide bowl and a milk frother or jar (see below).
- Recommended start: matcha, a bamboo whisk and a bowl.
- Complete set: matcha, chawan, chasen, chashaku and kusenaoshi. The Matcha Ritual Set has all five in one gift box.
No whisk? Three alternatives
- Electric milk frother: the best substitute. Hold it just below the surface for 15–20 seconds.
- A closed jar: add matcha and water, close the lid and shake hard for 30 seconds. Good for iced matcha.
- A small metal whisk: works, but gives coarser foam and more lumps. Sift the matcha first.
Avoid stirring with a spoon: matcha does not dissolve, it needs to be suspended in the water, so stirring leaves clumps.
Frequently asked questions
Do I really need a bamboo whisk?
Not to begin with, but it is the best investment if you drink matcha regularly. It gives a finer foam and a smoother taste than any alternative.
How long does a bamboo whisk last?
With daily use and good care, usually several months. Read how to use and care for a chasen.
Can I use the same tools for a matcha latte?
Yes. Whisk the matcha in the bowl as usual, then pour it into a cup with milk. See how to make a matcha latte.