Matcha bowl guide: size, shape and tools
A matcha bowl (chawan) is more than a tea cup: it is where the tea is whisked with a bamboo whisk. Its shape and size decide whether your matcha turns out smooth and frothy. Here are the key points at a glance.
What size should a matcha bowl be?
A good matcha bowl is about 11–13 cm wide and 7–8 cm tall. That gives the bamboo whisk (chasen) enough room for the typical zigzag motion without splashing tea over the rim. The matcha bowls in the shop are 11.5–13 cm wide and hold 400–600 ml – but you only fill a small part of it: about 70–80 ml of water per serving.
What matters about the shape?
- Wide, flat base: the whisk can move freely, which creates the fine foam.
- Straight or slightly flared sides: easy to whisk in and to drink from.
- Weight: a slightly heavier bowl stays steady while you whisk.
Porcelain or stoneware?
Porcelain is smooth, easy to clean and makes the green of the matcha stand out. Stoneware has a more handmade look thanks to matte or reactive glazes and feels warm in the hand. Whether a bowl is dishwasher safe is stated on every product page.
The right tools
- Matcha whisk (chasen): a bamboo whisk for frothing. Rinse with warm water only, never in the dishwasher, and let it dry standing upright.
- Matcha spoon (chashaku): a bamboo scoop for measuring – 1–2 scoops (about 2 g) per bowl.
- Matcha sets: many bowls come as a 4-piece set in a gift box – a popular gift for tea lovers.
In short: how to prepare matcha
- Warm the bowl with hot water, then pour it out.
- Sift about 2 g of matcha (1–2 chashaku scoops) into the bowl.
- Add 70–80 ml of water at about 70–80 °C – not boiling.
- Whisk briskly in a zigzag motion with the chasen until a fine foam forms.
Matcha bowls by Tokyo Design Studio
The shop carries matcha bowls and 4-piece matcha sets in porcelain and stoneware, plus bamboo whisks and scoops. Tokyo Design Studio products are mostly made in Japan.