From “Bitter Grass Water” to “Taste of Heaven”: My First Ceremonial Matcha Review
I’ll confess… I used to be someone who “Hated” green tea. My memory of it was those sugary bottled teas in convenience stores, or the free refill tea at Japanese restaurants that was so bitter it numbed by tongue. I never understood, “Why are people so crazy about this green powder?”
Until one day, a hardcore tea friend dragged me to a Tea House in Sukhumvit. And said, “You… try this. And forget everything you know about green tea.”
That First Cup was Named “Samidori” (Ceremonial Grade)
The brewing process looked magical. The bamboo whisk whipping until foam rose up. What was placed in front of me was a cup of emerald green tea. Shouting GREEN! (Not the dull swamp green I used to see). The aroma floated up to my nose… not a grassy smell, but a fragrance… like warm nuts? Like a dessert?
The First Sip: The World Stopped
As the tea touched my tongue, I braced myself for the bitterness… But… “Whoa! Sweet?” Not sugar sweet, but a throat-soothing sweetness that spread through my mouth. Followed by a “Salty/Savory” richness. Like drinking rich seaweed soup or pork bone broth (but without the meat).
My friend said, “This is Umami.”
There was zero bitterness. None. The texture was soft like velvet, gliding down my throat smoothly. And after swallowing, the aroma lingered in my mouth for almost a minute (Aftertaste).
Conclusion of a Former Hater
That day, I walked out of the shop like an enlightened monk. I finally understood what “Real Matcha” is like. What I had been drinking my whole life was Culinary Grade meant for baking!
For anyone hesitating, or having had bad experiences with matcha. I challenge you to open your mind. Find authentic Ceremonial Grade to try just once. (Start at a good Specialty shop, let them brew it for you).
Trust me… it will change your world like it changed mine. And you will regret… giving it a try so late (and regret that it’s expensive hahaha). But it’s worth every drop!