When people picture a Japanese tea ceremony, they almost always imagine bright green matcha whisked into a bowl. But is matcha the only tea served, or are loose-leaf teas like Sencha or Hojicha ever used? Here is the truth behind the teas of the tea room.

Worried that matcha will taste overly bitter? High-grade, first-harvest matcha is actually rich, creamy, and full of natural umami. Discover the true flavor profile of matcha, the myth of "ceremonial grade," and how traditional tea sweets elevate the experience.