Buying a matcha starter set: Everything you need

Reading time: approx. 6 minutes | Last updated: June 2026

To get started with matcha, you really only need two things: ceremonial matcha powder and a way to whisk it. The rest is optional. This article helps you make exactly the right choices for your budget and lifestyle, without buying unnecessary items.

More and more people in the Netherlands are switching from coffee to matcha. Whether you live in Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Utrecht, Almere, or Zaandam: interest in ceremonial matcha is growing strongly. Also, read why in our extensive article on matcha vs coffee: the biochemical revolution.

Quick answer: For a minimal starter set, you need ceremonial matcha powder and an electric milk frother. For the full ritual, add a chasen (bamboo whisk) and a chawan (matcha bowl). That’s all.

What Do You Really Need?

Quick answer: Two items are essential: quality matcha and a whisk. A chasen gives the best result, but an electric milk frother works well, too. Everything that comes after is an addition to the ritual.

Step 1: Choosing the Right Matcha

Quick answer: Always choose ceremonial grade, first harvest matcha from Kagoshima. Culinary grade is intended for baking and contains too little L-theanine for a good flavor experience as a drink. The matcha is the most important part of your starter set.

The matcha is by far the most important component. A cheap chasen with quality matcha yields a better result than an expensive chasen with poor matcha. Unmatched Matcha comes from the Kagoshima region in Japan: first harvest, shaded for at least 20 days, stone-ground, without additives. Read more about why Kagoshima matters in our article on Kagoshima vs Uji matcha.

Step 2: Chasen or Electric Whisk?

Quick answer: A chasen provides the finest foam, the best flavor extraction, and turns the preparation into a ritual. An electric milk frother also works well and is more convenient for daily use. For a premium starter set: start with a chasen.

The chasen: 800-year-old design

A chasen is a bamboo whisk with 80-120 fine tines. The W-movement pattern creates micro-bubbles, which provide matcha with a chemically neutral solvent for optimal flavor. A good chasen lasts 3-6 months with daily use. After use, always rinse with water and let it dry upright.

The electric whisk: modern alternative

An electric milk frother works well as an alternative. The foam is slightly coarser than with a chasen, but the flavor is comparable. Ideal if you want to prepare matcha quickly on busy mornings.

At Unmatched Matcha, we recommend the chasen for primary preparation and the electric whisk as a supplement for busy moments, not as a replacement.

Step 3: A Bowl or Mug

A chawan (matcha bowl) is traditionally wide and shallow, providing space for the whisking motion of the chasen. However, a regular small bowl or wide mug also works just fine. Use a bowl with a diameter of at least 10-12 cm so you can move the chasen properly. A glass or tall mug makes whisking difficult.

The two best starter sets for beginners

Minimal starter set: as simple as possible

• 30 grams of Unmatched Matcha ceremonial powder

• Chasen (bamboo whisk, 100 tines, €15-20 online)

• Small wide bowl or mug you already have at home

• Total cost: approx. €20-30

Complete starter set: the full ritual

• 30 grams or 50 grams of Unmatched Matcha ceremonial powder

• Chasen (bamboo whisk, 100 tines, €15-20 online)

• Chawan (matcha bowl, €15-25 at Japanese kitchenware stores or online)

• Chashaku (bamboo scoop, optional, €5-8)

• Total cost: approx. €50-70

Do you want to give or receive the full starter set as a gift? Read our article on matcha as a gift for more ideas and budget options.

Your First Cup of Matcha: How to Do It

• Preheat the bowl with a splash of hot water, then discard

• Sift 2 grams of Unmatched Matcha into the bowl (prevents clumps)

• Add 60-80 ml of water at 70-80 degrees (not boiling)

• Whisk in a W-motion for 30-60 seconds until foamy

• Serve immediately and drink while the foam is still present

Do you want more variations? Try an iced matcha latte or matcha with oat milk. And for athletes: matcha works excellently as a pre-workout. Read more about it in our article on matcha and sports: better performance.

Buying a Matcha Starter Set in the Netherlands

Unmatched Matcha delivers ceremonial matcha from Kagoshima directly to your home throughout the Netherlands and Belgium. Residents of Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Utrecht, The Hague, Haarlem, Almere, Zaandam, Hoofddorp, Purmerend, Laren, Soest, Venlo, and Alphen aan den Rijn usually receive their order the next working day. You can buy the chasen, chawan, and chashaku at a Japanese kitchenware store or specialized webshop. Order your matcha at Unmatched Matcha. Free shipping from €50.

Frequently Asked Questions about a Matcha Starter Set

What do you need to make matcha?

Minimal: ceremonial matcha powder and a whisk (chasen or electric). Optional: a chawan (bowl), chashaku (scoop), and kusenaoshi (whisk holder). The matcha is the most important component.

What is the difference between a chasen and an electric whisk?

A chasen provides finer foam, better flavor extraction, and turns preparation into a ritual. An electric whisk also works well and is faster. For the best experience: use a chasen. For daily convenience: use an electric whisk as a supplement.

How much matcha do I need as a beginner?

A 30-gram pack provides 15 cups and is ideal for getting started. This way, you can discover if and how you like to drink matcha before investing more. Order via Unmatched Matcha 30 grams.

Where can I buy a chasen in the Netherlands?

Japanese kitchenware stores in Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and Utrecht keep chasen in stock. Online, they are widely available through Japanese tea specialists. Price: €12-20 for a good quality chasen with 100 tines.

Can I make matcha without a chasen?

Yes. An electric milk frother works well as an alternative. The foam is slightly coarser, but the flavor is comparable. However, for a premium flavor experience, the chasen is the better choice.

Starting with matcha is easier than it seems. The minimal starter set consists of two items: quality matcha and a whisk. Everything after that is an enrichment of the ritual. Start with the 30-gram introductory pack from Unmatched Matcha and discover how ceremonial matcha from Kagoshima changes your morning. Free shipping from €50.