The Chawan (Matcha Bowl) Buying Guide
So you want to get a new matcha bowl, but don't know where to start? In this guide, I will share some tips on what to look for in a chawan and the best places to buy them.
Size Matters
You may be tempted to get a chawan with a small footprint, but I would think again. While a narrow chawan may seem like a good idea, they are incredibly hard to whisk in. A wide opening will allow for greater range of motion when whisking and make getting a great micro-foam much easier. I suggest chawans with a minimum opening of 4.5-5 inches. I personally thing 5 inches is the sweet spot between size and functionality.
A typical bowl of matcha for one person will use 50-70ml of water. For a single serving, chawans 300ml or less work great. In my opinion, chawans 400ml and larger are best suited for multiple servings.
Pay Attention to the Shape
Matcha bowls can come in many shapes. Some chawans have straight sides, other are rounded, and some are tapered. When buying a chawan, think about how the shape will hold water and how it affects the ease of whisking. I find that bowls with straight sides require more water than tapered bowls to achieve the same whisk water coverage. Tapered bowls may also be easier to whisk in.
Shallow chawans with aggressively tapered sides are called "summer chawans". This is because they expose a larger surface area of the liquid allowing for faster cooling. On the other hand, chawans with tall straight sides are known as "winter chawans". Their narrower mouth helps retain heat which is ideal for chilly winter days.
Where to Buy Matcha Bowls
You can find a lot of great handmade bowls (remember any bowl can be used for matcha) on Esty and eBay, but if you're looking for an authentic Japanese chawan, below are some of my favorite places to shop.
1. Sazen Tea
Sazen sells a wide variety of chawans at a wide range of price points. All bowls are brand new and made in Japan. Sazen frequently adds new teaware, so be sure to check back from time to time for new designs! These chawans ship from Japan and shipping to the United States can run you about $20.
2. Tezumi Tea
Like Sazen, Tezumi also has a wide variety of chawans, however Tezumi's tend to be more affordable. A lot of Tezumi's tea bowls are vintage (previously used) and one of a kind. That means if you come across a chawan you like, scoop it up because once it sells, it's gone forever! Most of Tezumi's chawans ship from the United States.
Use code MYMATCHAADDICTION10 for 10% off
3. Kettl Tea
Kettl is a specialty matcha shop based in New York City. Not only do they carry great matcha, but they carry beautiful tea bowls. All their pieces come from skilled potters across Japan. I love the limited one-of-a-kind feel each bowl has and the artist bios shared next to each piece. Be prepared to spend a lot however because these pieces can be expensive.
4. Tea Dealers
One of my newer discoveries when it comes to matcha ware. Like Kettl Tea, Tea Dealers is also based in New York. They have a limited, although beautiful selection of skillfully crafted chawan. Many pieces have been commissioned specifically for their shop. At the time of writing this, they currently offer some very unique glass chawans I have not seen anywhere else.
5. Utsuwa Monosuki
Utsuwa Monosuki is a small shop in Kyoto run by one guy. Utsuwa has a wide selection of chawans and pottery all made by smaller, lesser known, artists around Japan. Here you can find traditional Wabi Sabi and other highly sought after styles of tea bowls for very fair prices. Unfortunately, the website is not kept well up to date. If you are ever in Kyoto, make sure to check this place out!
6. Social Media Artists
Don’t overlook independent artists you see on social media! There are a ton of incredibly talented people, each with their own unique style. Here is a very brief (non-exhaustive) list of some of my favorites:
I'm always on the hunt for new places to buy chawans. Let me know your favorite online stores!
Found a chawan you like? You'll need some fresh new matcha to go with your new bowl! Check out my recommendations for The Best Matcha on a Budget.
