How to Whisk Matcha | ODAYA Matcha Guide
by ODAYA MATCHA on Sep 18 2026
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The secret is in the small details.
Whisking matcha may look simple, but water temperature, preparation and technique can completely change the final cup. If you’ve ever ended up with clumps, large bubbles or matcha that tastes more bitter than expected, a few small adjustments can make all the difference.
Here, we’ll guide you through the details behind a smooth, beautifully balanced bowl of matcha, and help you understand what to do when things don’t quite go to plan.
MATCHA PREPARATION
WHAT YOU’LL NEED
Chawan
Tea Bowl
Chasen
Bamboo Whisk
Matcha Sifter
Fine Mesh Sifter
Chashaku
Bamboo Scoop
Matcha
Your Choice of Matcha
Scale
Every Gram Counts
GETTING READY
WARM YOUR BOWL
& CHASEN
Soften the chasen and warm the bowl.
Warm the bowl and chasen. Pour hot water into your chawan and soak the chasen for about 30 seconds. Soak only the bamboo tines, not the whole chasen. This gently softens the tines and gets them ready for whisking.
ODAYA TIP
- Soak only the bamboo tines, keeping the handle dry.
- Around 30 seconds is enough to gently soften the chasen.
- Avoid over-soaking, as prolonged exposure to water can shorten the life of your whisk.
GETTING READY
EMPTY & DRY
Empty the water and dry the bowl.
Pour out the water and dry your chawan thoroughly before adding matcha. A dry bowl helps keep the matcha powder fine and loose, making it easier to sift and whisk smoothly.
ODAYA TIP
- Make sure there is no water left at the bottom of the bowl.
- A dry chawan helps prevent matcha powder from sticking and forming clumps.
- Use a clean, dry cloth to gently wipe the inside of the bowl.
PREPARE YOUR MATCHA
SIFT YOUR MATCHA
For a finer, smoother texture.
Turn on your scale, measure 5 grams of matcha. Then sift it into the bowl for a smooth, clump-free texture. Breaking up compacted powder before adding water makes it much easier to achieve a silky, even texture.
ODAYA TIP
- Gently sift the matcha rather than pressing it forcefully through the mesh.
- Sifting helps break up small clumps before they meet the water.
- Spread the sifted matcha evenly across the bottom of the chawan for easier mixing.
MATCHA PREPARATION
ADD WATER
& MIX
Start with a little water for a smoother mix.
For a matcha latte, use 50 ml of water in total. Start with just a little water and gently mix it with the matcha until smooth and fully combined. Once there are no dry clumps, add the remaining water.
ODAYA TIP
- Start with a small amount of water first.
- Gently mix until there are no dry clumps.
- Avoid pouring in all the water at once.
THE PERFECT WHISK
WHISK YOUR
MATCHA
Quick, light movements create a fine, even foam.
Whisk briskly in a quick M or W motion using your wrist. Keep the chasen light and just above the bottom of the bowl, and continue whisking until a fine, even foam forms.
ODAYA TIP
- Use quick, light movements from your wrist.
- Whisk in an M or W motion, not in circles.
- Avoid pressing or grinding the chasen against the bottom of the bowl.
THE PERFECT WHISK
REFINE
& FINISH
Finish with a fine, even layer of foam.
Once a fine foam forms, slow down and gently whisk near the surface to refine any larger bubbles. Finish by lifting the chasen smoothly from the centre of the bowl.
ODAYA TIP
- Slow down once the foam becomes fine and even.
- Keep the chasen light and whisk gently near the surface.
- Avoid over-whisking once your foam is ready.
CHASEN CARE
CLEAN & CARE
FOR YOUR CHASEN
Your matcha is ready, but we’re not quite done yet.
Rinse your chasen gently with clean water after each use. Shake off the excess water, then place it on a whisk stand to air-dry and help maintain its shape.
ODAYA TIP
- Rinse with clean water only. No soap or detergent.
- Avoid scrubbing, twisting or squeezing the bamboo tines.
- Let your chasen air-dry completely before storing.
MAKE IT YOURS
FIND YOUR MATCHA
NEED MATCHA TOOLS?
COMPLETE YOUR
MATCHA SET
Find chasen, chawan, sifters and more at our ODAYA Retail Store.
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