What Is Matcha Tea?
When we talk about matcha tea, we’re simply referring to a category of drinks made with matcha and water—nothing else. Within that definition, there is far more variety than many people realize.
Traditionally, matcha tea refers to two classic preparations:
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Usucha (thin tea)
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Koicha (thick tea)
Beyond these, there are many modern and everyday ways people enjoy matcha tea today, such as:
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Cold brew matcha
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Matcha shots
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Lighter, diluted matcha teas designed for daily drinking
All of these fall under the same broad idea: matcha mixed with water.
Rather than treating these categories as rules, we see them as reference points. The best matcha tea is ultimately the one that suits your taste. Prefer something lighter? Use more water or less matcha. Enjoy a stronger cup? Adjust the ratio the other way. With good-quality matcha, there is no single “correct” approach.
Is There a Proper Way to Make Matcha Tea?
In short: no—except when it comes to traditional forms.
Usucha and koicha are part of Japan’s historical tea culture, and when preparing these styles, it’s respectful to follow established proportions and techniques. These methods have been refined over centuries and are closely tied to the Japanese tea ceremony.
Outside of those specific contexts, there is no universally proper way to make matcha tea.
For many people, especially those new to Japanese tea, traditional usucha or koicha can feel too intense or concentrated. That’s completely normal. Matcha doesn’t need to be approached through its most formal expressions first.
Do You Need to Learn the Tea Ceremony to Enjoy Matcha?
Not at all.
The Japanese tea ceremony (chanoyu) is a deeply cultural and highly structured practice that requires years of study. It involves precise tools, gestures, etiquette, and symbolism. Even many people in Japan are unfamiliar with its full depth.
No tea master would expect a beginner—or a visitor from abroad—to understand or follow these rituals in order to enjoy matcha.
If you’re genuinely interested in the art of the tea ceremony, learning it can be a meaningful experience. But it is not a prerequisite for enjoying matcha in everyday life.
Matcha is meant to be experienced gradually. Developing a palate for it takes time, and that’s part of the journey.
Traditional Matcha Tea: Usucha and Koicha
Usucha (Thin Tea)
Usucha is the more commonly served style of matcha in Japan. It uses less matcha and more water than koicha, resulting in a lighter texture with a layer of foam.
Even so, usucha can still feel quite concentrated for beginners. While it can be wonderfully balanced when made with high-quality matcha, it isn’t always the most approachable starting point.
Koicha (Thick Tea)
Koicha is thicker, richer, and far more intense. It uses significantly more matcha and less water, producing a texture closer to melted chocolate.
Because of this concentration, koicha should only be prepared with exceptional matcha. Lower-quality powders will taste overly bitter. For those new to matcha, koicha is best saved for later, once you’ve become familiar with matcha’s flavor range.
Other Ways to Enjoy Matcha Tea
Cold Brew Matcha
Cold brew matcha is light, refreshing, and easy to prepare. When made with the right matcha, it highlights clarity and gentle sweetness, making it especially enjoyable in warm weather.
Lighter Matcha Teas
Some matcha teas are intentionally diluted, offering a clean, refreshing experience closer to green tea than traditional matcha. These styles are often easier to enjoy daily and make a great introduction for beginners.
What This Means for You
If there’s one takeaway, it’s this:
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There is no single definition of matcha tea
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Only usucha and koicha have formal preparation guidelines
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Matcha tea is a broad category of drinks made with matcha and water
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You don’t need to understand or practice the tea ceremony to enjoy matcha
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Beginners don’t need to start with the most traditional methods
Instead of focusing on what matcha should be, focus on what makes it taste good to you. Preparation has a huge impact on flavor, and having a little guidance can make the experience far more enjoyable.
