Usucha and koicha are two ways to prepare matcha with water. Usucha, often translated as thin tea, is the more fluid preparation. Koicha, or thick tea, uses a much more concentrated mixture and is worked slowly into a smooth consistency. The distinction is about preparation, not simply the name on a tin or how much foam appears on top.
Begin with the texture you want
If you are used to whisking a small bowl of matcha to drink on its own, usucha is a useful starting point. Koicha offers a much thicker, more concentrated experience. You do not need to progress to koicha to enjoy matcha properly. Choose it when you want to explore that particular texture and intensity.
Compare a pair of starting recipes
One tea producer's published recipes use 2 g of matcha with 60 ml of water for usucha and 4 g with 30 ml for koicha, both at 80 C. These are specific examples, not universal rules for every tea or school. They show that koicha changes both quantities: more powder and less water.
Change the movement as well as the ratio
For the usucha example, the producer recommends brisk whisking. For koicha, the mixture is combined slowly until smooth and glossy. Trying to create a large cap of foam is not the same task as working a concentrated mixture. Use a suitable bamboo whisk gently; pressure against the bowl is not a substitute for incorporating the powder.
Choose the tea with its intended use in mind
Concentration makes the tea's character more prominent. If you want to try koicha, look for a tea whose maker recommends that preparation and use its recipe first. A broad quality term on the package does not tell you how a particular tea will taste at that ratio. Keep the powder choice separate from the bowl purchase.
Set up the bowl before measuring
Use a clean bowl that lets you reach the small quantity of liquid comfortably with your whisk. Sift the powder, measure the water, and have both ready before you begin. A scale is useful when comparing the two styles because a loosely filled spoon and a heaped spoon are not equivalent measurements. Record the recipe you actually use.
Keep a tasting comparison simple
Prepare one style at a time and take a moment to notice its texture before changing anything. Write down the tea name, grams of powder, and milliliters of water. If you prefer usucha, that is a useful result rather than a failed attempt at koicha. There is no need to make the next bowl more concentrated merely to make it seem more advanced.
Keep latte preparation separate
A concentrated matcha base that will later be diluted with milk serves a different purpose from koicha enjoyed as the finished drink. Use a latte recipe when milk is the goal. The comparison here helps you understand two water-based preparations; it does not replace the site's separate latte, water temperature, or foam troubleshooting guides.
Where MUBAI tools fit
When choosing a MUBAI matcha bowl and whisk, consider access to the liquid, the bowl's interior, and the tool's care instructions. Equipment should make the intended movement comfortable. A particular glaze, color, or product photograph cannot guarantee the taste of the tea or make a powder suitable for every preparation.
Quick reference
| Published recipe example | Usucha | Koicha |
|---|---|---|
| Matcha powder | 2 g | 4 g |
| Water | 60 ml | 30 ml |
| Water temperature | 80 C | 80 C |
| Main movement | Brisk whisking | Slow mixing |
FAQ
Is koicha just usucha with more powder?
The example recipes change the water quantity and mixing method as well as the powder amount.
Should koicha have a large layer of foam?
The goal in this preparation is a smooth, thick mixture rather than a large foam cap.
Are these ratios compulsory?
No. They are published starting examples. Follow the instructions for your tea and intended preparation.
Do I need another bowl to try koicha?
Not automatically. Assess whether your existing bowl and whisk let you work the smaller amount of liquid comfortably.
Is a latte concentrate always koicha?
No. A base made to dilute with milk should be understood in the context of its latte recipe.
Related reading
How to Make Matcha at Home: A Beginner's Guide
How Much Matcha Should You Use? A Simple Scoop and Gram Guide for Beginners
The W Motion Matcha Whisking Method: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners