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Matcha and tea

Plain explainers on matcha, hojicha, pandan and taro drinks: what they taste like, how they are made and the tools used to whisk them.

Checked November 14, 2026Independent guide

All guides in Matcha and tea

A frothy green matcha latte in a ceramic bowl cup beside a bamboo whisk, a scoop of matcha powder and a purple iced ube latte

Matcha and tea

Ceremonial grade matcha: what the label means

Ceremonial grade matcha is the top label for powder meant to be whisked with water. See how it differs from culinary grade, what to check and how to use each.

· 5 min read

A frothy green matcha latte in a ceramic bowl cup beside a bamboo whisk, a scoop of matcha powder and a purple iced ube latte

Matcha and tea

Matcha powder: how to choose, store and use it

Matcha powder is ground green tea leaf. Learn how to judge colour, smell and grade, how to store a tin so it stays fresh and how to whisk or blend it.

· 5 min read

Independent guide. Not the official website of Café 2nd Gen.