Complete Matcha Set: What You Need

Reading time: ±7 minutes | Last updated: April 2026

A matcha set is a collection of Japanese tea accessories that allows you to prepare ceremonial matcha at home the traditional way. A complete set consists of five basic items: a bamboo whisk (chasen), a matcha bowl (chawan), a bamboo scoop (chashaku), a sifter, and, of course, ceremonial matcha itself. With these five items, you can make matcha at home that tastes just as good as it does in a specialty bar.

In this article, we explain what each part is, why you need it, what to look for when buying, and what it costs. Whether you are just starting with matcha or want to upgrade your existing gear: after this article, you will know exactly what you need. Do you want to know what matcha exactly is first? Start there.

The 5 parts of a complete matcha set

Quick answer: A complete matcha set consists of: a chasen (bamboo whisk), a chawan (matcha bowl), a chashaku (bamboo scoop), a sifter, and ceremonial matcha. Total cost: approximately €50 to €120 for a high-quality set.

1. Bamboo matcha whisk (Chasen)

The chasen is a whisk hand-carved from a single piece of bamboo. Traditional chasens have 80 or 100 tines (fine prongs) that whisk the matcha into a frothy, smooth drink. It is the most characteristic part of matcha preparation and the item that makes the biggest difference in the end result.

Why it's needed: A chasen whisks matcha faster and more evenly than any alternative. The fine bamboo tines break up clumps and create a light layer of foam (crema) that you cannot achieve with a fork or a regular whisk. Furthermore, bamboo does not damage the bowl, unlike metal whisks.

What to look for: Choose a chasen with at least 80 tines (80-prong) for daily use. A 100-prong chasen provides an even finer foam and is ideal for ceremonial preparation. Ensure the chasen is made of real bamboo (not plastic). After use, store it on a chasen holder to maintain its shape.

Price indication: €10 to €25 for a high-quality bamboo chasen

2. Matcha bowl (Chawan)

The chawan is a wide, round bowl specifically designed for whisking matcha. The wide opening and low walls give you enough room to move the chasen in a rapid W or M motion. Traditional chawans are handmade from ceramics and vary in color, texture, and shape.

Why it's needed: A regular mug is too narrow and too deep to whisk properly. In a wide chawan, you have control over your movements and can whisk the matcha evenly without spilling. The result is a smoother, frothier cup of matcha.

What to look for: Choose a chawan with a diameter of about 12 to 15 cm and a height of 7 to 9 cm. That provides enough room for 70 ml of water plus whisking space. Ceramics or earthenware are the best materials. Double-walled chawans keep the matcha warm for longer.

Price indication: €15 to €40 depending on material and craftsmanship

3. Bamboo scoop (Chashaku)

The chashaku is a narrow, curved bamboo spoon used to measure matcha. One full chashaku scoop corresponds to approximately 1 gram of matcha, which makes dosing easy and consistent. In the Japanese tea ceremony, the chashaku is an essential ritual component.

Why it's needed: Consistent dosing makes the difference between a matcha that is too strong or too weak. With a chashaku, you measure the same amount every time without a scale. It is also a beautiful ritual element that makes the matcha moment special.

What to look for: Choose a bamboo chashaku (not metal or plastic). The curved shape should be deep enough to hold the powder. A good chashaku feels light and has a smooth finish. Alternative: a digital kitchen scale for exact dosing (1 to 2 grams per serving).

Price indication: €5 to €12

4. Matcha sifter (Furui)

A matcha sifter (or fine-mesh tea strainer) is used to sift the matcha powder before adding water. Matcha clumps naturally due to moisture and air, even in well-sealed tins. By sifting, you remove those clumps and achieve a smooth, even texture.

Why it's needed: Not sifting is the most common mistake in matcha preparation. Without sifting, small clumps will remain in your drink that will not dissolve, no matter how hard you whisk. This makes the texture rough and uneven. Sifting takes 10 seconds and makes a world of difference.

What to look for: A fine-mesh tea strainer (mesh size 100 to 200 microns) works best. Some matcha sets include a special matcha sifter with a holder. Alternative: a fine-mesh kitchen strainer or tea filter. Tip: sift the matcha directly into your chawan for minimal mess.

Price indication: €5 to €10 (often included in sets)

5. Ceremonial matcha (Matcha)

The most important part of your set is, of course, the matcha itself. Ceremonial matcha is the highest quality level, made from the youngest tea leaves of the first harvest, shaded for 20 to 30 days, and ground in granite stone mills. The result is a bright green, ultra-fine powder with a soft umami taste and minimal bitterness.

Why it's needed: The quality of your matcha determines 80% of the taste of the end result. Even with the best accessories, poor-quality matcha will taste bitter and flat. Ceremonial matcha is specifically intended to be drunk pure (as a shot or latte), while culinary grade is intended for baking and cooking.

What to look for: Pay attention to the color (bright green, not yellowish-brown), the origin (Japan, preferably Uji, Kagoshima, or Nishio), the grade (ceremonial, not culinary), and the packaging (airtight, light-shielding). After opening, store matcha in the refrigerator and use it within 4 to 6 weeks.

Price indication: €25 to €40 per 30 grams for ceremonial quality

At Unmatched Matcha, you will find ceremonial matcha from Kagoshima in 30g, 50g, and 100g packages. Also read the difference between ceremonial and culinary matcha if you are unsure which grade you need.

Do you really need all these items?

Quick answer: Strictly speaking, you only need matcha, hot water, and something to whisk with. But a chasen and sifter make the difference between a mediocre and an excellent cup of matcha.

Let's be honest: you can make matcha with a teaspoon, a mug, and a fork. It is not mandatory to buy a complete Japanese set. But the difference in the result is noticeable.

The chasen is the item you should scrimp on the least. A bamboo whisk creates a texture and foam that you cannot match with any fork or standard whisk. If you only buy one thing besides the matcha itself, let it be the chasen.

The sifter is the second most important item. It costs almost nothing, takes 10 seconds of extra time, and prevents clumps that ruin your matcha.

The chawan is nice but not essential. A wide soup bowl or breakfast bowl about 12 cm in diameter also works. The chashaku can be replaced by half a teaspoon or a kitchen scale.

Never made matcha before? Read how to make matcha: step-by-step the perfect preparation for full instructions.

Minimal set vs. complete set: which one to choose?

Quick answer: As a beginner, start with a minimal set (matcha + chasen + sifter, approx. €40 to €60). Upgrade later to a complete set if you notice that matcha is becoming a daily ritual.

Our advice: if you have never made matcha, start with the minimal set. After two weeks, you will know if matcha is for you. If the answer is yes (and it usually is), then upgrade to a complete set. That way, you invest consciously and build your ritual step by step.

How to maintain your matcha set

Quick answer: Rinse the chasen with warm water after each use (no soap). Store it on a holder. Clean the chawan and chashaku with water and let them air dry.

Chasen (whisk): Rinse immediately after use with warm water. Never use soap or a dishwasher, as this damages the bamboo. Shake off excess water and place the chasen on a chasen holder (kusenaoshi) to keep the tines in shape. Replace the chasen every 3 to 6 months with daily use.

Chawan (bowl): Hand wash with warm water and optionally a drop of mild dish soap. Do not put in the dishwasher. Let it air dry with the opening facing up. Ceramics can develop a beautiful patina over time; this is normal and desirable.

Chashaku (spoon) and sifter: Rinse with water after use. The chashaku is made of bamboo and may discolor over time. This is cosmetic and does not affect the function.

No Japanese set? These alternatives also work

Quick answer: An electric milk frother, a shaker bottle, or even a small whisk can replace the chasen in an emergency, although the result is less fine.

Not everyone wants to invest in a Japanese set immediately. These alternatives work as an intermediate step:

Electric milk frother (battery-powered, approx. €8 to €15): a popular alternative that is quick and easy. The foam is less fine than with a chasen, but it works fine for a matcha latte.

Shaker bottle with a spring ball (approx. €10): add matcha, hot water, and milk, shake for 20 seconds, and you have a reasonably smooth matcha. Ideal for on the go or at the office.

Small whisk or fork: works in an emergency, but do not expect a layer of foam. You will get the matcha dissolved, but not the creamy texture that a chasen provides.

More about making matcha without a whisk? We cover that extensively in a future article. Read 5 matcha recipes you can make in 5 minutes for inspiration with your set.

Frequently asked questions about matcha sets

What do you need to make matcha?

To make good matcha at home, you need at least three things: ceremonial matcha, a bamboo whisk (chasen), and a sifter. With these three items, you make a matcha that is 90% as good as with a full set. A matcha bowl (chawan) and a bamboo scoop (chashaku) complete the ritual but are not strictly necessary.

What does a good matcha set cost?

A minimal set (matcha + chasen + sifter) costs approximately €40 to €60. A complete set with chawan, chashaku, and holder costs €70 to €120. The matcha itself (30 grams of ceremonial quality) is generally the most expensive part, with prices between €25 and €40.

Do you really need a bamboo whisk for matcha?

Technically not, but it makes a big difference in the result. A chasen creates a fine, creamy layer of foam that you cannot match with any other method. Alternatives such as a milk frother or shaker bottle work but deliver a coarser result.

What is the difference between a chasen and a milk frother?

A chasen is a hand-carved bamboo whisk with 80 to 100 tines that whisks the matcha in the traditional way. An electric milk frother works faster but produces a coarser foam and cannot distribute the matcha as evenly. For purist use, the chasen is superior. For a quick daily matcha latte, a milk frother may suffice.

Which matcha set is best for beginners?

For beginners, we recommend a minimal set: good ceremonial matcha, an 80-prong bamboo chasen, and a fine-mesh sifter. As a bowl, use a wide breakfast bowl you already have. This keeps the investment low while maintaining quality. Upgrade to a full set when matcha becomes a fixed part of your routine.

Your first matcha set: the start of a ritual

There is something special about the moment you whisk your own matcha for the first time. The soft sound of bamboo against ceramic, the vibrant green color that appears, the aroma of freshly ground tea. It immediately feels like something you want to repeat.

You don't need much for it. A good matcha, a chasen, and a sieve. That is the starting point. The rest follows naturally if you enjoy the ritual. And believe me: you will.

Start with ceremonial matcha from Unmatched Matcha from Kagoshima. Smooth, without bitterness, and perfect for your first cup. Not sure yet if matcha is for you? Then read our guide for matcha beginners.