Matcha is fresh, vibrant and rich in umami, while Houjicha is roasted, smooth and naturally mellow – two unique Japanese green tea powders, each with its own distinctive flavour and character.

What started in 2015 as a small tea bar in the heart of The Hague has grown into Hug the Tea as we know it today.

Claire and Lisa from HUG THE TEA visiting a traditional Japanese tea house in Shizuoka with Gyokuro tea and matcha

When we started with Hug the Tea in 2015 matcha wasn’t very known yet. In our tea store & bar we had to give a lot of text and explanation

Japan has the very distinct four seasons: Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter. Each season has specific sceneries and experience including food and tea.

Matcha is becoming increasingly popular in the Western market, mainly caused by the health benefits of matcha, but which of these claims are true?