Your Essential Matcha Starter Kit: How to Make the Perfect Cup at Home

Whether you got into matcha before (or even during!) the big shortage or because of the recent wave of TikTok routines, one thing’s certain: matcha isn’t going anywhere. Its earthy, creamy flavor has earned a permanent spot in our daily routines, whether as a morning pick-me-up or an afternoon comfort drink.

Maybe you’ve seen those calming videos of people whisking matcha in slow motion and thought, That looks relaxing. I should try that. But once you look up how to start, it suddenly feels a bit too complicated. Don’t worry—it’s easier than it looks.

I used to spend weekends café-hopping, chasing that perfect matcha latte. But constantly buying one adds up, and honestly, it’s not the most convenient when cravings hit late at night. Learning to make matcha at home changed everything. I can adjust the flavor, experiment with milk options, and add my own twist depending on my mood.

And if you live on caffeine like I do, matcha is a solid alternative. It gives you steady energy throughout the day without the jitters that come with coffee. You stay alert, not anxious.

So if you’ve been meaning to try making your own cup, this is your sign. Ahead, we’ll go through the essential tools, easy recipes, and fun ways to level up your at-home matcha routine.

Matcha Powder – The Heart of Every Cup

A great cup of matcha starts with one thing: the powder itself. It’s what gives your drink that signature green color, creamy texture, and earthy sweetness. But if you’ve ever scrolled through your online marketplace and wondered why some matcha powders cost twice as much as others, it’s all about grade.

Each matcha grade serves a different purpose, and knowing the difference helps you pick the right one for your daily drink or weekend ritual.

Differentiating Ceremonial, Premium, and Culinary Matcha for Beginners

Massey, Philemon. (2024). “Ceremonial, Premium or Culinary Matcha?” Yago Matcha.

Ceremonial Matcha

• Made from the youngest, finest tea leaves with a bright emerald green color

• Smooth, naturally sweet, and slightly grassy flavor

• Best for drinking plain with hot water or for a clean, tea-forward latte

• Ideal if you want the purest matcha experience, though it’s usually the most expensive

Premium Matcha

• Rich green hue, slightly darker than ceremonial

• Fuller taste with mild bitterness balanced by natural sweetness

• Works well for both plain drinking and creamy lattes

• A great middle ground for beginners—smooth enough to sip, bold enough to mix

Culinary Matcha

• Made from mature leaves, giving it a deeper olive green tone

• Strong, earthy, and slightly bitter flavor that holds up well with milk, sugar, or coffee

• Perfect for baking, smoothies, and everyday matcha lattes

• The most affordable option, great for experimenting or daily drinks

Quick Takeaway for Beginners

Photo from Pexels

If you want to taste matcha in its purest form, go for ceremonial grade. For something flexible you can enjoy in both hot and iced drinks, premium grade is your best bet.
And if you’re mixing, baking, or making café-style lattes every day, culinary grade is your budget-friendly go-to.

Benefits: Packed with antioxidants (especially catechins), boosts focus, and provides a calm energy without jitters.

Pro Tip: Keep your matcha fresh by storing it in an airtight container inside the fridge. A good matcha should stay bright green and smell grassy, not dull or dusty.

👉 Shopee Matcha Powder Recommendations

• MORIHAN Uji Matcha Powder Ceremonial Grade 30g
• Kataoka Tsujiri Matcha Milk Powder Double Rich 150g
• Superfood Grocer Ceremonial Grade Uji Matcha Green Tea Powder 30g
• Barista Premium Ceremonial Grade and Culinary Grade Matcha
• Otsuka Green Tea Co Organic Ceremonial Grade Matcha

Essential Matcha Making Tools – Whisk, Bowl, and Scale

Photo from Pexels, Ivan Samkov

To create the perfect cup of matcha, having the right tools is just as important as the powder itself. These essentials help you achieve the proper texture, flavor balance, and consistency every time.

• Bamboo Whisk (Chasen): This traditional tool creates the signature frothy layer by breaking up clumps and aerating the matcha. Look for sets that come with a whisk stand to keep its shape intact. Care Tip: Rinse immediately and air-dry after use to prevent mold.
• Matcha Bowl (Chawan): A wide ceramic bowl gives you space to whisk properly and achieve smooth results. It’s functional but also adds a traditional, calming ritual to your routine.
• Measuring Spoon & Weighing Scale: To avoid bitter or watered-down results, use a teaspoon or digital scale to measure 1–2 grams of matcha with 70–100 ml water. Precision makes a big difference in taste.

Pro Tip: Complete matcha tool sets are available, often bundling a bamboo whisk, bowl, spoon, and sifter, perfect for beginners who want everything in one go.

👉 Shopee Matcha Tools Recommendations

• TEANAGOO Premium Japanese Matcha Set
• Basic Traditional Matcha Tools Complete Set
• Mini Matcha Travel Kit
• Matcha Spoon Metal Stainless Steel
• OOKAS LCD Electronic Weighing Scale

Mug or Glass – For Everyday Matcha Lattes

Photo from Pexels, Anna Pou

Once your matcha is whisked to perfection, pour it into your favorite mug or glass. You don’t have to stick to anything fancy, use whatever you already have at home. Personally, I love using mugs that I also reach for during my morning coffee runs.

If you’re into visuals (and love posting your creations), a transparent double-walled glass instantly makes your drink look café-ready. It shows off those beautiful layers, especially if you’re making a matcha strawberry or matcha espresso latte.

You can go for classic, plain mugs if you like a minimalist setup or pick something cute that matches your aesthetic because it’s all part of making your matcha moment feel like you.

Pro Tip: Double-walled glasses don’t just look great—they also keep your matcha at the perfect temperature longer, whether you like it hot or iced.

👉 Shopee Mug or Glass Recommendations

• LOCAUPIN Double Wall Mug Glass Cute Bear Design
• Coquette Pink Bow Glass Cup
• Aesthetic Creative Tree Shaped Glass
• LOCAUPIN Ribbed Double Wall Glass
• LOCAUPIN Double Wall Insulated Coffee Mug with Handle

Milk of Choice – Oatmilk, Almond, or Dairy

Photo from Pexels, Charlotte May

For a creamy homemade matcha latte, pairing your whisked matcha with the right milk makes all the difference. Milk softens the natural bitterness of matcha, enhances its subtle sweetness, and adds that velvety texture that makes each sip feel indulgent.

Pro Tip: Look for barista-grade oatmilk or almond milk on Shopee for the best froth and creaminess. You can froth your milk with a simple handheld frother, or if you want something more versatile, a budget-friendly coffee machine with a milk steamer works perfectly too.

Editor’s Note: Personally, I love Oatside’s oatmilk because it’s rich and creamy while letting the matcha’s earthy notes shine through. When I’m in the mood for a nuttier, more tropical twist, I switch to coconut milk—it’s my little cheat for a different flavor every day.

👉 Shopee Milk Recommendations

• Oatside Oat Milk Barista Blend 1L
• Oatly Barista Oat Milk 1L
• Almond Koka Milk Original 1L
• Dehusk Original Coconut Milk 1L
• Arla Organic Full Cream Milk 1L

Optional Sweeteners – Honey, Syrup, or Flavored Options

Photo from Pexels, Roman Odintsov

Some matcha lovers enjoy it pure and earthy, but if you’re used to café-style drinks or just want a little extra indulgence, adding a touch of sweetness can elevate your cup. A drizzle of honey or a flavored syrup like vanilla or caramel can transform your homemade matcha into a dessert-worthy treat without masking its natural flavor.

Sweeteners also give you the freedom to experiment. Try pairing a fruity syrup with iced matcha for a refreshing twist, or a nutty syrup with oatmilk for a cozy, comforting latte. The key is to start small; you can always add more if needed.

Pro Tip: If you’re watching calories or sugar, there are sugar-free options that still give you the same café-style flavor you’re looking for without the extra guilt.

👉 Shopee Syrup Recommendations

• Starbucks Flavored Syrup (Caramel, Hazelnut, Vanilla)
• MONIN Macadamia Syrup 1L
• Langnese Golden Clear Honey 250g
• Sweet Serenity Vanilla Sugar Free Syrup
• TOP Creamery Top Series Strawberry Syrup 750ml

How to Make a Matcha Latte at Home (Step-by-Step Recipe)

Photo from Pexels, Anna Pou

Now that you’ve got your tools and ingredients, it’s time to make your first cup. Follow these steps and a few insider tips to get it just right:

1. Sift 1–2 grams of matcha into a bowl.
   Sifting removes clumps and ensures a smooth, lump-free latte. Skip this step and you might end up with bitter pockets of powder.

2. Add 70–100 ml of hot water.
   Make sure the water is hot but not boiling—around 80°C is ideal. Boiling water can scorch the matcha, making it bitter and dulling its vibrant green color.

3. Whisk in a zigzag motion until frothy.
   Use a bamboo whisk (chasen) or a handheld frother. Keep the motion brisk and light—this helps create the creamy froth that makes your latte café-quality.

4. Steam or heat 150–200 ml of your milk of choice.
   Avoid boiling the milk. If you’re frothing, aim for small bubbles for a silky texture. Tip: barista-grade oatmilk or almond milk works best for frothing.

5. Combine your matcha and milk.
   Pour the matcha into your mug first, then slowly add the milk. This helps maintain a smooth mix and lets you see the beautiful green color before it blends.

6. Sweeten to taste.
   Start with a small amount of honey, syrup, or flavored sweetener. You can always add more, but too much sugar can overpower the delicate matcha flavor.

Extra Notes for Beginners:

• Pre-warm your mug or bowl with hot water before pouring your matcha. This helps keep your latte warm longer and prevents the milk from cooling too quickly.
• Whisk in short, controlled bursts rather than long, lazy motions. This helps create a smooth froth without over-aerating or splashing your matcha.
• Taste as you go. Everyone has a personal balance between sweetness, milkiness, and matcha strength.

Photo from Pexels, Anna Pou

Congratulations—you’ve just made your first homemade matcha latte! Take a sip, savor the creamy, earthy flavor, and enjoy the pride of making it yourself. Don’t forget to take a snap at your masterful creation!

Creative Matcha Drinks to Try

Once you’ve mastered the basics, it’s time to channel your inner barista and have fun with matcha. These simple twists let you experiment like a pro, and there’s something special about serving your creations to family or friends, watching them enjoy your homemade latte makes the experience even more rewarding.

Matcha Strawberry Latte

Photo from Pexels

Start with a layer of fresh strawberry puree or a splash of strawberry syrup at the bottom, then pour in milk and top with your whisked matcha. The bright pink and green layers become snap-worthy, creating a sweet-and-earthy flavor contrast that’s perfect for a sunny afternoon. Personally, I love swirling the two together at the last moment so each sip surprises me with a mix of fruity and grassy notes.

Matcha Expresso Fusion

Photo from Pexels

Pour a shot of espresso over your latte for a matcha-meets-coffee kick. This one’s for those mornings when you need a little extra oomph but don’t want to give up the soothing, earthy vibes of matcha. The rich espresso flavor blends beautifully with the creamy froth, creating a drink that’s bold yet balanced. This is my favorite go-to drink when I need a pick-me-up that still feels comforting.

Iced Vanilla Matcha

Photo from Pexels

Add a splash of vanilla syrup and a handful of ice cubes for a refreshing, lightly sweet drink. It feels smooth, cooling, and perfectly balanced on hot afternoons. You can also experiment with sugar-free syrups if you want to keep it light without losing flavor.

Matcha Smoothie

Photo from Pexels

Blend matcha with banana, spinach, and oatmilk for a healthy, energizing breakfast. The banana adds natural sweetness, spinach gives a mild earthy undertone, and oatmilk keeps it creamy. I like to throw in a few ice cubes and a dash of cinnamon—it’s like a green latte you can sip on the go, with a nutrient boost to start your day right.

Pro Tip: Don’t be afraid to experiment. Try different milks, fruits, or sweeteners until you find your personal matcha style. Part of the fun is discovering which flavors make your cup feel uniquely yours.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Buy Your Matcha Starter Kit from Shopee Philippines for the Best Value

There’s something calming about building a daily matcha ritual at home, whether you prefer a classic latte, a refreshing iced strawberry blend, or even a bold matcha espresso. With the right starter kit, it becomes less of a treat and more of a mindful habit you can look forward to.

On Shopee Philippines, you’ll find everything from ceremonial-grade powders to whisk sets, mugs, and barista oatmilk, all from trusted sellers. Flexible checkout options are also available, including cash on delivery, e-wallets, bank transfers, and even Buy Now, Pay Later with SPayLater, so you can shop comfortably in a way that suits you.

Start small, explore your favorite flavors, and let matcha ease its way into your everyday routine, delivered straight to your doorstep with Shopee.