Matcha vs. Sencha: The Japanese Tea People Drink Every Day

Matcha has become incredibly popular around the world. From matcha lattes in trendy cafés to matcha-flavored desserts, this vibrant green tea has captured the attention of young people everywhere.

But did you know that matcha is not the tea most Japanese people drink with their everyday meals?

In Japan, sencha is a familiar part of daily life, often enjoyed with lunch or dinner. While matcha is associated with traditional tea culture and Japanese sweets, sencha is the tea many people reach for every day.

Let’s explore the difference between matcha and sencha and discover how Japanese people really enjoy their tea.

Matcha: A Special Tea to Enjoy with Japanese Sweets

When people think of Japanese tea, matcha is often the first thing that comes to mind.

Matcha is a finely ground green tea powder traditionally prepared by whisking it with hot water. It has a rich flavor, a beautiful green color, and a distinctive balance of bitterness and umami.

In Japan, matcha is often enjoyed with traditional Japanese sweets, known as wagashi. The sweetness of the confectionery pairs beautifully with matcha’s slightly bitter taste.

Today, matcha lattes and matcha desserts are also popular in cafés around the world. These modern creations have introduced Japanese tea culture to a much wider audience.

However, although matcha is loved in Japan, it is not necessarily the tea people drink every day with their meals.

Sencha: The Everyday Green Tea in Japan

So, what do Japanese people usually drink at home?

One common answer is sencha.

Sencha is a type of Japanese green tea made by steeping tea leaves in hot water. It has a refreshing aroma and a clean, balanced taste that goes well with many kinds of food.

In Japanese households, sencha is often served with lunch or dinner. It pairs well with rice, fish, vegetables, and other Japanese dishes.

For many people, drinking sencha is simply part of their daily routine. It is not reserved for special occasions. It is an everyday drink that people enjoy with family meals, after eating, or whenever they want a refreshing cup of tea.

While matcha may be the star of trendy cafés, sencha remains an important part of everyday Japanese life.

What Is the Difference Between Matcha and Sencha?

Although both matcha and sencha are Japanese green teas, they differ in how they are prepared and enjoyed.

Matcha

• Made from finely ground green tea powder.
• Prepared by whisking the powder with hot water.
• Often enjoyed with Japanese sweets or used in lattes and desserts.
• Known for its vibrant green color and rich flavor.

Sencha

• Made by steeping whole tea leaves in hot water.
• Commonly served with everyday meals.
• Has a refreshing taste that complements a wide variety of foods.
• Frequently enjoyed at home as part of daily life.

Both teas are important to Japanese tea culture, but they play different roles in how people enjoy tea.

Discover the Everyday Side of Japanese Tea Culture

The growing popularity of matcha has encouraged people around the world to discover Japanese tea culture. And that is wonderful!

But if you want to understand the everyday lives of Japanese people, sencha is just as interesting to explore.

Imagine sitting down to a home-cooked Japanese meal, with a bowl of rice, a few side dishes, and a warm cup of green tea. For many Japanese families, this is a familiar and comforting part of everyday life.

Japanese tea culture is not only about traditional tea ceremonies or beautifully prepared matcha. It is also about the simple pleasure of sharing a meal and enjoying a cup of tea together.

So, the next time you explore Japanese tea, why not try sencha as well as matcha?

You might discover a different side of Japan’s rich tea culture.

Author/ HITOMI LI