Teaware | January 26, 2023 | A. Broadway

How to Make Matcha With A Bamboo Whisk

From the quality of your matcha powder to the teaware you use, making matcha with a bamboo whisk ensures a smooth, clump-free experience. This traditional method, deeply rooted in the Japanese tea ceremony, continues to be the best way to achieve an authentic and flavorful cup of matcha.

In this guide, we’ll explore the role of the chasen matcha whisk, how to care for it, and how to master traditional matcha whisking for both Usucha (thin matcha) and Koicha (thick matcha).

chasen bamboo whisk next to a matcha latte

What is a Chasen Bamboo Whisk?

A chasen is a handcrafted bamboo whisk for matcha, designed to mix matcha powder with water for a perfectly blended and frothy consistency. Unlike regular whisks, the chasen matcha preparation technique relies on fine bamboo prongs to aerate and emulsify matcha properly.

Each prong on the whisk indicates as a "tip". For example, a 100-tip whisk has 100 prongs which are made to produce a rich and creamy froth for your bowl of matcha green tea. This essential tool is both functional and a beautiful piece of art that is very delicate. The bamboo whisk needs special care to prevent breaking and molding over time.

How to Take Care of a Bamboo Matcha Whisk

Since the matcha whisk is made out of delicate bamboo, it's crucial to make sure to prepare the whisk prior to use as the tips are prone to breaking. Here are our tips for caring for your matcha whisk:

Before Use:

Soak the prongs in hot water for a few minutes to soften them. This prevents breakage and makes making matcha with a bamboo whisk smoother.

After Use:

Rinse your matcha whisk thoroughly with water immediately after use and don’t use soap or a sponge to clean.
Air dry with the prongs facing downward to prevent mold.
To best preserve the shape and durability of your matcha whisk, we recommend using a whisk stand, a chasen kusenaoshi, or chasen tate. The whisk stand serves as both a beautiful way to display and ensure the longevity of your bamboo whisk by maintaining its shape and durability.

organic matcha powdered green tea whisked

How to Make Usucha and Koicha Matcha with a Bamboo Whisk

Although the name, bamboo whisk, suggests that you’re whisking, you’re not whisking the same way you would with a regular baking whisk. The different methods to use the matcha whisk depend on which kind of matcha you want to drink. Using a chasen for matcha preparation requires specific techniques depending on the matcha type:

Usucha (Thin Matcha):

For thinner matcha called Usucha, whisk in a quick W motion until a layer of delicate foam forms at the top surface. The trick to this fast motion is only using your wrist, not your arm. If you’re making a matcha latte, start by preparing the usucha matcha and then pour over your choice of milk.

Koicha (Thick Matcha):

For thicker matcha, Koicha, instead of whisking, use a slow kneading motion to mix the matcha into a thick, rich consistency. This method creates a bold and umami-packed experience. Refer to our matcha videoes for a visual step-by-step on how to make usucha matcha, koicha matcha, and also matcha lattes.

brewed matcha in a cup with matcha tea tin

Other Useful Matcha Tools

While a bamboo whisk for matcha is crucial, the following tools complete your matcha ritual:

Matcha Bamboo Scoop (Chashaku): used to scoop your fine matcha powder before whisking.

Matcha Bowl (Chawan): a bowl to prepare and whisk matcha green tea with your Chasen whisk, designed for a smooth whisking experience.

Matcha Whisk Stand (Chasen Kusenaoshi or Chasen Tate): a whisk stand used to preserve the shape and durability of your Chasen matcha whisk.

hand pouring brewed matcha from bottle in a cup with matcha tea tin on the side

How To Make Matcha Without a Whisk

Although using a bamboo whisk will ensure the best cup of matcha, you can still make matcha without one! Simple methods to make matcha without a whisk include shaking the matcha in a jar or bottle, or blending with an electric blender or milk frother. The goal is to reduce any clumps of matcha powder to blend smoothly for a delicious cup of matcha.

chasen bowl with matcha tea tin and tea scoop

All Your Matcha Tools in One Set

Finding the right tools can be overwhelming but we want to make that process as easy for you as possible. To simplify your matcha journey, our Ceremonial Matcha Set includes everything you need and was made to inspire more peaceful and mindful moments with matcha in your daily life. Not only is it perfect for those who are starting their matcha journey, but also for avid matcha lovers too.

The 6 piece matcha tea set makes a perfect gift for anyone who seeks an authentic matcha experience, which includes:

Our best-selling Ceremonial Matcha Otome
Bamboo Whisk (Chasen)
Whisk Holder (Kusenaoshi)
Glazed white clay Matcha Bowl (Chawan)
Matcha Bamboo Scoop (Chashaku)
Stainless steel mesh sifter

If you're ready to embrace a matcha ritual, explore our modern matcha tea ceremony guide to bring mindfulness and energy to your day—one delicious cup of matcha at a time.