Why Everyone in India is Talking About Matcha (Plus, 7 Delicious Recipes to Try)
If you’ve scrolled through social media lately, chances are you’ve seen that bright green drink everyone’s sipping. Yep, that’s matcha.. From lattes in Starbucks to desserts in Tokyo streets, and now even in India, matcha is everywhere!
But what exactly is matcha, and why is everyone talking about it? And more importantly—how can you actually use it in your kitchen today?
What Is Matcha, Really?
Matcha isn't just green tea. It’s a special Japanese green tea made from shade-grown tea leaves that are then stone-ground into a fine powder. Unlike regular tea, where you throw away the leaves after steeping, with matcha, you drink the entire leaf. This is why it’s so rich in antioxidants and has that deep, earthy flavor. If you're wondering, 'what is matcha made of?', it's simply pure green tea leaves, just processed differently.
If you’re wondering “matcha is made of what?”—it’s made purely of green tea leaves, just processed differently.
The good news is, you don’t need to fly to Japan to get your hands on this. In India, you can now find matcha in most premium supermarkets or order it online. Prices typically range from ₹600–₹1500 for a 50–100g pack, depending on the quality. It's a small investment for a big taste of calm energy.
Why People Love Matcha
Most of us first notice the vibrant green color before the taste. But matcha’s hype is about more than just pretty lattes.
Here’s why people are switching from their usual chai or coffee to this Japanese green tea: 🍵
🍵 Calm energy, not jitters- Matcha has caffeine, but also L-theanine, which gives you a calm focus.
🍵 Rich in antioxidants
🍵 Versatile: Beyond tea, you can use it in desserts, smoothies, and even in Indian food (yes, really!).
I first tried matcha at a café. It’s grassy, slightly bitter, but it grows on you.
How to Choose the Best Matcha
If you’re new to matcha, here’s a quick guide before you hit “buy”:
- Look for vibrant green color. Dull brownish-green means it’s low quality.
2. Check if it says ‘ceremonial grade’: Best for drinking. ‘Culinary grade’ is cheaper and great for baking or cooking.
Tip: Air and sunlight kill its freshness. Keep it in an airtight container in your fridge.
7 Easy Matcha Recipes
You don’t need a bamboo whisk or a Japanese tea ceremony to enjoy matcha. These are easy recipes you can make in your Indian kitchen.
1. Iced Matcha Latte (Starbucks Style)
Pro Tip: Add a shot of espresso for a "dirty matcha latte".
2. Matcha Smoothie
Start your day with a creamy, energizing matcha smoothie that gives you a clean boost without the jitters.
3. Matcha Coconut Ladoo
A vibrant, healthy twist on a classic Indian sweet. Perfect for festivals or a unique treat.
4. Matcha Cupcakes
Light, fluffy, and with a beautiful green swirl—these matcha cupcakes are a treat for both the eyes and the taste buds
5. Matcha Cookies
Crispy on the outside, chewy on the inside, with a hint of earthy matcha flavor. A perfect snack for your afternoon tea.
6. Matcha Roll
A Japanese-inspired roll with rich matcha cream filling. It's surprisingly easy to make at home.
7. Matcha Cheesecake
Last but not the least, a creamy, decadent cheesecake with a distinct matcha flavor that will impress your guests. Tastes like a dessert from a fancy café.
The first time you taste matcha, you might think, “Hmm… this is different.” That’s normal. Start small—maybe with a latte or a smoothie—before jumping into stronger teas.
Once you get the hang of it, you’ll love how versatile it is. Whether it’s a quick breakfast, a festive twist on ladoos, or a café-style drink at home.
So grab that green magic powder, try one of these recipes today, and see why the world can’t stop talking about matcha.
💡 Tried any of these recipes? Share a Cooksnap on Cookpad!
What's a Cooksnap? Its a photo of your finished dish—along with a short message for the recipe creator. It’s a great way to celebrate home cooking, connect with others, and inspire more food lovers to try new dishes. 💚
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