Quali-tea: A Journey into the World of Matcha

Quali-tea is a charming store located on Ground Floor of the Strand Arcade that transports visitors into the serene world of tea culture. As you enter, you are immediately immersed in a tranquil atmosphere, surrounded by carefully curated tea products and a focus on quality! The store’s selection of matcha offers a unique opportunity to explore this vibrant tea, not only as a beverage but as a ritual steeped in tradition.

The Art of Crafting Matcha Tea

At Quali-tea, the Matcha is a product of careful craftsmanship. The process begins with leaves grown under shaded conditions, similar to Gyokuro, a premium Japanese green tea. This shading enhances the leaves' chlorophyll content, resulting in a rich green color and umami flavor. The leaves are then steamed, fluffed, cut, dried, and refrigerated to lock in their freshness. Upon demand, they are ground into a fine powder using a traditional stone mill. The result is a vibrant, frothy cup of tea that’s both visually stunning and delicious.

Matcha in Japanese Culture

Matcha is central to Japanese culture, often linked to the tea ceremony. Its flavor—balanced between sweetness and bitterness—is a cornerstone of Japanese daily life, providing not only a refreshing drink but numerous health benefits, such as promoting mental clarity and digestion.

Brewing the Perfect Cup of Matcha

To brew Matcha, place ½ teaspoon (1 gram) of Matcha powder into a bowl and add a small amount of water (around 60°C). Whisk gently until a fine froth appears. The water temperature is crucial for extracting the best flavor—lower temperatures bring out the tea’s umami, while higher ones increase bitterness.

Quali-tea has everything you need to make the perfect cup of Matcha:

Matcha Standard 50g:

This tea is best made in a Matcha bowl and whisked with a bamboo whisk to produce a delicious froth over the tea, comparable to a Cappuccino. A very healthy and tasty green tea similar to that of Gyokuro.

Matcha Scoop:

Traditional matcha bamboo scoop to mearure and place the matcha powder to the matcha. 

Matcha Whisk:

With 120 prongs you will make a beautiful thick, even layer of froth over the top of your bowl. High Quality.

Visiting Quali-tea is more than a shopping trip; it’s an immersion into the art of tea. Whether you’re a seasoned tea drinker or a newcomer, the store’s passion for Matcha will deepen your appreciation for this exquisite beverage. If you’re in the Strand Arcade, don’t miss the chance to discover not just a wide selection of teas but also how to brew the perfect cup of this ancient, healthful drink. Quali-tea offers a slice of tranquility in the heart of the city, where every sip connects you to the spirit of Matcha.