Who’s really spending $7 on a matcha latte nowadays…
If you’re a matcha girlie like we are, consider buying your own matcha powder instead. You can choose from the more affordable barista-grade matcha powder to the more premium ceremonial grade ones. Either way, you’ll still save a ton compared to going out to a cafe.
Here’s our ultimate guide to the nine best matcha powder that you can find in Singapore.
Which brand sells the best matcha powder?
1. Naoki Matcha — best overall
2. Yggdrasil Leaf Company — halal-certified
3. Green Tea SG — largest variety
4. Get Crafti — most affordable
5. Marukyu Koyamaen
6. Hvala
7. Matchaya
8. Tea Cottage
9. Supermarket brands
But first, what’s the difference between culinary and ceremonial grade matcha?
Before making a purchase, it’s best to learn the basic knowledge of different types of matcha powder on the market, in order to get the most appropriate matcha powder for your needs.
Matcha is mainly split into two grades, culinary and ceremonial grade.
Culinary grade is the more affordable version, which is slightly dull in colour and flat in flavour. Meanwhile, ceremonial grade is characterised by its vibrant green colour, and even offers delicate nuances like grassy, smokey and even floral notes.
Ceremonial grade matcha is best consumed straight with hot water only, also known as koicha. A matcha latte works too. However, adding sweeteners or other flavourings may tarnish the innate fragrances.
Additionally, the place of origin matters as well. Factors like temperature and soil humidity can affect the growth of the plants. For example, Uji, Japan is the revered birthplace of matcha powder, where the highest grade of matcha was farmed for only the royals of Japan.
Where to buy the best matcha powder in Singapore?
1. Naoki Matcha
Prices:
1. Superior Ceremonial Matcha (30g) – $19.99
2. Chiran Harvest Matcha (30g) – $32.99
3. Fragrant Yame Ceremonial Matcha (30g) -$25.99
In my opinion, Naoki Matcha has the best ceremonial grade matcha in Singapore when you factor in variety, quality and price.
Most brands would carry ceremonial grade. But, Naoki Matcha takes it a step further with specific types of ceremonial grades.
For example, the Chiran Harvest Matcha ($32.99) has an extra punch of with natural umami and nutty undertones. Meanwhile, for a lighter profile, the Fragrant Yame Ceremonial Matcha ($25.99) emanates floral nuances. The body is also a lot lighter.
Of course, if you don’t want to pay that much for matcha, the Superior Ceremonial Matcha ($19.99) works just fine. For the quality, this is surprisingly the most affordable on the market as well.
2. Yggdrasil Leaf Company
Prices:
1. Ceremonial Grade (30g) – $26
2. Barista Grade (80g) – $24
One of the newest brands in Singapore, Yggdrasil Leaf Company offers halal matcha powder.
Not that other matcha powders are processed with pork or lard. But, Yggdrasil is officially halal-certified, for those who want a peace of mind.
The Ceremonial Grade ($26) is a little more expensive than the others on the lis.
3. Green Tea SG
Prices:
1. Fuji Japanese Green Tea Powder (30g) – $12
2. Tenyu Premium Nishio Organic Ceremonial Matcha (30g) – $37
3. Samidori Premium Ceremonial Matcha (30g) – $43
Green Tea SG is perhaps the most underrated brand.
No one talks about them, but they actually offer 11 types of ceremonial grade matcha, and one culinary grade.
Of which, I highly recommend the Tenyu Premium Nishio Organic Ceremonial Matcha ($37). It’s so robust and umami, and even has that coffee-like aftertaste.
Meanwhile, if you want the best of the best, the Samidori Premium Ceremonial Matcha ($43) is historically the highest grade of Uji matcha. It’s known for its crisp flavours, with just enough astringency and just enough umami, without overpowering your senses. Poetically, I would describe it to be as clear as a drop of morning dew.
But, if you want something more affordable, opt for the Fuji Japanese Green Tea Powder ($12), which is a higher grade of culinary matcha.
4. Get Crafti
Price
1. Barista Uji Matcha Powder (100g) – $49.9
Formerly known as Craft Tea Fox, Get Crafti has one of the most affordable (but decent quality) matcha powders on the list. They offer barista grade matcha, which is better than culinary grade as seen from the vibrant colour in the photo, but not quite at ceremonial grade.
If you’re not that discerning, this would be the perfect daily use matcha powder for you.
5. Marukyu Koyamaen
Prices:
1. Aoarashi (40g) – $21.3
2. Aoarashi (100g) – $39
Marukyu Koyamaen has been gaining traction over the years ever since it won the #1 award in the 2020 National Tea Competition.
They have numerous types of matcha powders, but Aoarashi is the most cost-effective, making it a good daily use option.
You can either get the 40g can for $21.3 on Lazada, or save cost by getting a 100g pack for $39 on Japanese Tea.
6. Hvala
Prices:
1. Kaze Matcha Powder No. 1 (30g) – $41.42
2. Hana Matcha Powder No 2 (30g) – $47.96
Hvala is one of the few places where you can taste their matcha before committing to a whole can.
Hvala’s Kaze Matcha Powder No. 1 ($41.42) boasts robust vegetal notes that linger on the palate while Hana Matcha Powder No 2 ($47.96) embodies a pleasant astringency.
If you’re in a rush and you don’t mind flat and sugared matcha lattes, you can also opt for the Instant Latte Powders ($18).
Hvala’s matcha powders are available in-store and online.
7. Matchaya
Prices:
1. Uji Matcha Powder ($16.9 for 30g)
2. Okumidori Ceremonial Grade Matcha (30g) – $59.9
Matchaya is famous for its velvety Matcha Cold Whisked Matcha Milk, one of the best bottled matcha drinks in Singapore. So if you want to recreate it at home, simply get the Uji Matcha Powder ($16.9). It promises bittersweet, umami and notes of white flower, just like their bottled matcha does.
While it is barista grade, it remains a solid choice for matcha latte recipes.
Meanwhile, for a more robust and umami profile, opt for their Okumidori Ceremonial Grade Matcha ($59.9)
Matchaya’s matcha powder is available online and in store.
8. Tea Cottage
Price:
1. Ceremonial Grade Matcha Powder (20g) – $18.9
If you value convenient, consider Tea Cottage’s Ceremonial Grade Matcha Powder ($18.9 for 20g).
You’ll save a minute or so in the morning, as the matcha powder comes in individual packets with 2g in each. All you have to do is pour it out and whisk. No need for accurate measurements.
Flavours-wise, it stands out with a nutty aroma.
Additionally, Tea Cottage houses and an impressive ensemble of tea leaves. Just for Japanese tea, there is Sencha, Genmaicha, Yuzu Uji and Ginger Uji. They also have an array of Chinese tea, featuring a 1990 Pu Er that is famed for its weight loss properties, and an extension to floral teas, speciality teas and detox teas.
9. Supermarket Brands
Ok, but let’s be real. Not everyone can afford ceremonial or barista grade matcha everyday.
If you do have get culinary grade matcha from the supermarkets, here’s how you can salvage it. For starters, store them in a dark and cooling environment. I just chuck mine in the fridge. You can also add a little bit of sugar, honey or condensed milk to cover the impurities of the matcha powder.
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