Matcha has gone from a traditional Japanese tea to one of the most popular drinks in cafés around the world. If you have seen its bright green colour on Instagram and wondered what it actually is, this guide explains it simply – and shows how we serve it at Hooba Boba, opposite VIT 3rd Gate in Vellore.
📖 Want the story behind the drink itself? Read The History of Bubble Tea: From Taiwan to Vellore
Key takeaways
- Matcha is a fine powder made by grinding shade-grown green tea leaves called tencha.
- Unlike regular green tea, you drink the whole leaf, which gives matcha its rich colour and flavour.
- Matcha tastes smooth, earthy and slightly sweet, with a gentle bitterness.
- At Hooba Boba, matcha is one of our three famous drinks, along with Taro and Hazelnut.
What is matcha made of?
Matcha is made from tencha, a type of green tea leaf from Japan. A few weeks before harvest, the tea plants are shaded from direct sunlight. This makes the leaves greener and gives them a smoother, less bitter taste. After picking, the leaves are steamed, dried, and the stems and veins are removed. The remaining leaf is then ground into a very fine powder – that powder is matcha.
How do you pronounce matcha?
Say it “MAH-cha”. The “t” is almost silent.
Matcha vs green tea: what’s the difference?
- Whole leaf vs infusion: with green tea, you steep the leaves and throw them away. With matcha, the leaf is ground and whisked into the drink, so you consume all of it.
- Colour: matcha is a vivid green; brewed green tea is pale yellow-green.
- Flavour: matcha is richer, creamier and more intense.
- Caffeine: because you drink the whole leaf, matcha usually contains more caffeine than a cup of green tea.
What does matcha taste like?
Good matcha tastes smooth, grassy and slightly sweet, with a light bitterness at the end. Many people describe it as “earthy”. With milk, it becomes creamy and mellow – which is why matcha lattes and matcha bubble tea are so popular.
Matcha grades, in simple words
You will often see matcha sold as ceremonial grade or culinary grade. Ceremonial grade is meant to be whisked with just water and is usually the smoothest. Culinary grade has a stronger flavour that holds up well in milk drinks and desserts. The best grade depends on how the matcha will be used.
How to make matcha tea at home
- Sift about 1–2 g (half a teaspoon) of matcha into a bowl.
- Add a little hot water – around 70–80°C, not boiling.
- Whisk in a quick “M” or “W” motion until smooth and frothy.
- Top up with more water, or with milk for a matcha latte.
Matcha at Hooba Boba
Matcha is one of the three drinks we are most famous for, along with Taro and Hazelnut. Our premium materials are selected and imported from Taiwan, China and Japan, and every drink is shaken fresh to order.
- Matcha Bubble Tea – creamy matcha milk tea with chewy tapioca pearls.
- Matcha Banana – matcha blended with banana for a thicker, smoothie-style drink.
Not sure which to choose? Read Matcha Bubble Tea in Vellore: Which One Should You Try?
Visit Hooba Boba – opposite VIT 3rd Gate, Chennai Salai, Katpadi, Vellore. Open every day, 11 AM – 10 PM. See the full menu or order on WhatsApp.
Frequently asked questions
Is matcha the same as green tea?
Both come from the same tea plant, but matcha is made from shade-grown tencha leaves ground into powder, so you drink the whole leaf. Green tea is made by steeping leaves and removing them.
Does matcha have caffeine?
Yes. Matcha contains caffeine, usually more than a cup of regular green tea.
What does matcha taste like?
Matcha tastes smooth, earthy and slightly sweet, with a light bitterness. With milk it becomes creamy and mellow.
Where can I try matcha bubble tea in Vellore?
Hooba Boba, opposite VIT 3rd Gate in Katpadi, serves Matcha Bubble Tea and Matcha Banana every day from 11 AM to 10 PM.
Keep reading
- Matcha Bubble Tea in Vellore: Which One Should You Try?
- Taro Bubble Tea: What It Tastes Like & Why It’s Purple
- Best Bubble Tea in Vellore: Hooba Boba’s Famous Taro, Hazelnut & Matcha
- Our full menu
📸 See our latest drinks and reels on Instagram: @hoobaboba.official · hoobaboba.com