Bamboo Matcha Whisk (Chasen)

Our bamboo matcha whisk

The chasen is an essential accessory in the Japanese tradition of preparing matcha. It is made from carefully selected bamboo, with each fine prong shaped by hand and arranged into a tulip-like form. The prongs help incorporate air into the powdered tea and water, creating matcha's characteristic smooth, fine foam.

Matcha is not a loose leaf tea that you strain after steeping: the whole powdered leaf is whisked into the water. Our entry-level whisk has around 80 prongs and is made in China, offering a practical choice for regular use. Traditional handmade Japanese whisks typically cost considerably more.

How to prepare matcha

You will need a bamboo whisk, a bowl and a teaspoon.

1. Add one level teaspoon of matcha to a wide bowl. Sift the powder first if possible to prevent lumps.
2. Pour in around 10 cl of water heated to approximately 70°C.
3. Hold the bowl steady and whisk briskly in a zigzag or “W” movement until a fine layer of foam forms.

Your matcha is now ready. In Japanese tea ceremonies it is traditionally served with a small sweet. Visit our blog for more preparation advice.

Cleaning and caring for your matcha whisk

Rinse the bamboo whisk in cool water after use, without soap or detergent. Allow it to dry thoroughly with its prongs pointing upwards. Do not put it back in a closed case while damp, as this could encourage mould. With repeated use the fine prongs become more fragile, so you may eventually need a replacement; approximately 300 uses is a rough guide rather than a guarantee.

A little history

Bamboo tea whisks have a longstanding place in Japanese tea culture, which developed alongside Zen Buddhist practice and the refinement of powdered-tea preparation. Over centuries, the Japanese tea ceremony, known as chanoyu or sadō, evolved into a highly considered ritual. Even though modern mixing tools are available, the bamboo chasen remains an enduring symbol of the craftsmanship and aesthetics of Japanese tea preparation.

See our other tea-making accessories.