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Matcha has been everywhere lately, popping up at every café and all over TikTok and Instagram. If you’ve been getting curious, our tea classes in London might be the chance you need to learn all about how to use matcha! This bright, versatile green powder is used for so many different things, from tea rituals to creative recipes.
Whether you’re already a matcha lover or you’re simply curious, we’ve rounded up a handy guide for you on all things matcha! You’ll soon be mastering the best matcha latte and experimenting with new recipes at home. And if you have yet to give it a try, we’ve got some ideas to inspire you.
What is matcha (and why is everyone obsessed?)
Let’s get started with the basics. Matcha is a finely ground, bright powder made from specially grown green tea leaves. Unlike the tea you’ve got in your cupboard which is steeped and discarded, matcha is whisked directly into water or milk. It has a rich, umami flavour and lots of nutrients.
A Japanese tradition, matcha is also rooted in traditional tea ceremonies, where the preparation is just as important as the taste. And now in 2026, matcha has become a global trend and everyone is loving it!
How to use matcha in everyday life
If you’re new to it, figuring out how to use matcha can feel a little bit overwhelming but it’s actually super simple once you get started. And once you do, you’ll discover so many possibilities!
1. Let’s start with the basics: matcha tea
The most traditional (and arguably purest) way to enjoy matcha is as tea.
- Easy way to make matcha tea: Sift 1–2 teaspoons of matcha into a bowl, add hot (not boiling) water and whisk in a zig-zag motion until frothy.
- Best for: A calm morning ritual or afternoon reset. This way, you’ll get the full flavour profile – earthy and umami rich.
- Top tip: Use a bamboo whisk – they are specifically designed for matcha and used in tea ceremonies.
This is the foundation for everything else, and it only gets more fun from here on out!
2. Make the best matcha latte at home
If you’ve only ever had matcha in cafés, now’s your chance to recreate the best matcha latte yourself. It’s not as hard as you’d think.
- How to make your own matcha latte: Whisk matcha with a small amount of hot water, then top with steamed milk (dairy or plant-based). Or cool down and add cold milk and ice for an iced matcha latte – yum!
- Pro tip: Add a touch of honey, vanilla or maple syrup for sweetness as matcha can be quite strong, especially if you’re not already a lover of green tea or anything else earthy.
If you’ve spotted gorgeous looking matcha on your Insta feed, this is what it’ll be – and you can flavour it with whatever takes your fancy! Think strawberry, banana and even white chocolate.
3. Add matcha to smoothies
One of the easiest ways to incorporate matcha into your routine is by adding matcha to smoothies, a lovely choice as it's packed with antioxidants!
- Healthy matcha smoothie idea: Blend banana, spinach, your milk of choice, a teaspoon of matcha and a drizzle of honey.
- Why it works: It balances the earthy flavour with natural sweetness! A great option for breakfast or a post-workout drink.
If you’re looking for a quick, nutritious option, this is the one for you. Plus, you’ll get a gentle caffeine boost from the matcha too.
4. Get creative with baking
It doesn’t stop there. Matcha is also a fun ingredient for desserts! It’s a lovely choice for anyone who likes to mix sweet flavours with more earthy ones.
- Best matcha baking recipes include: cheesecakes, cookies, brownies and even ice cream!
- Top tip: opt for a recipe that mixes something sweet with the matcha – white chocolate and Oreo for a cheesecake, strawberry and chocolate for cookies or brownies and vanilla for ice cream.
If you’ve found yourself wondering how to cook with matcha, baking is a great way to give it a try, even if you’re not much of a baker just yet.
The benefits of matcha (beyond the trend)
Trends come and go, but there’s a reason matcha has stuck around. As well as being versatile and a refreshing drink, it’s now also a wellness staple!
- Rich in antioxidants: Helps support overall health.
- Calm energy boost: Contains L-theanine, an amino acid, which helps you focus without the classic caffeine jitters!
- Mindful ritual: Preparing matcha encourages you to slow down instead of rushing.
Whether you try it for the health benefits or simply for the purpose of getting together with your best friends and all trying a different flavour, it’s absolutely worth it!
Try matcha in London: hands-on brew-tiful experiences
If you fancy delving into the matcha world a bit more, we’ve got some London-based workshops that might just make you fall in love with this superfood.
Matcha tasting and creative workshops:
- Clay and matcha experience in Hackney Wick. Enjoy a calming matcha ritual and welcome brew with the team at Trace Ceramics, and then get stuck into making either a traditional drinking bowl (Chawan) or a specialised whisking bowl with a pouring spout (Katakuchi).
- Matcha tasting experience and matcha bowl pottery class in Islington. Learn about matcha while crafting your own bowl – a gorgeous outing to try with your besties!
- Chinese tea and matcha masterclass in Archway. Enjoy a deeper dive into tea culture and preparation techniques.
- Matcha tasting experience in Islington. Ideal for understanding flavour profiles and quality differences.
Creative matcha-inspired experiences:
- Matcha inspired candle making workshop in Upper Edmonton. Turn your love of matcha into a handmade candle to take home!
- Ikebana flower and matcha tasting workshop in Islington. A mindful experience that blends floral design with a calming tea experience.
- Kintsugi and matcha experience in Wandsworth. Learn about the Japanese art of kintsugi while enjoying a matcha while you craft.
These are perfect if you want to go beyond recipes and fully explore how to use matcha in a creative, social setting.
Common mistakes when using matcha
Matcha isn’t for everyone – but if you’ve tried it and not quite understood the hype, maybe you got given a bad batch or didn’t personalise it to your liking. If you’re feeling brave and want to give it another go, keep these common mistakes in mind:
- Using boiling water: Avoid at all costs! This can make matcha taste very bitter.
- Not sifting the powder: Leads to clumps in your drink, and no one wants that.
- Over-sweetening: Masks the natural flavour (we all like a bit of sweetness though – no judgement here).
A matcha made in heaven: how to choose the right kind
Not all matcha is created equal. Generally, ceremonial grade is considered the best and most recommended – perfect for drinking as it’s very smooth and vibrant. Culinary grade is ideal for baking and booking, grab this one for your next batch of cookies!
As a rule of thumb, the brighter the powder, the better the quality. Taste matters too – it should taste fresh with a tiny hint of sweetness, not completely bitter. Once you know these tips, you’ve got a whole world of matcha loveliness at your fingertips!
Make matcha your own!
This incredible Japanese tradition has become a staple all around the world, and for good reason. It reminds us to be calm, mindful and take everything a step at a time. In a world where we’re all in a big rush to get things done, matcha can be a way for us to slow down.
Whether you’re perfecting the best matcha latte, experimenting with best matcha baking recipes or simply discovering new ways to use your favourite superfood, there’s no right or wrong way to enjoy it.
So if you’ve been curious about how to use matcha, start simple, have fun with it and don’t be afraid to get creative. From your morning drink to your next baking project, matcha has a way of turning everyday moments into something a little more special! Grab your friends and try one of our experiences today.
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