Annie & Mia Design Japanese Matcha Whisk Set

Absolutely! This is one of the better beginner sets out there. It includes detailed instructions that walk you through the entire process, plus you get everything you need except the matcha powder itself. The bowl is generously sized, which gives you plenty of room to practice your whisking technique without making a mess. Several first-time matcha makers specifically mentioned how the included quick start guide made the whole process less intimidating.

No, it doesn't—and a couple of users mentioned this caused minor spills when transferring their matcha to another cup. The bowl is designed in the traditional style, which prioritizes aesthetics and the ceremonial experience. If you plan to drink directly from the bowl (which is authentic to the tea ceremony), this won't be an issue. If you prefer pouring into a separate cup, just be mindful when tilting.

Reviewers consistently say the quality exceeds expectations for the price point. The ceramic bowl is notably thick and heavy with a beautiful glaze, and the bamboo tools are well-crafted. Multiple people mentioned this set feels more professional than they anticipated. The materials are traditional (pottery and bamboo), and enthusiasts appreciated the authentic wabi-sabi aesthetic—that Japanese appreciation for imperfect, handcrafted beauty.

This is a complete 9-piece set. You get the ceramic matcha bowl, bamboo whisk (chasen), ceramic whisk holder, bamboo scoop (chashaku), plus some thoughtful extras: a sifter to break up clumps in your matcha powder, a bamboo mat, and a cloth napkin. The packaging is also beautiful—several people mentioned giving this as a gift because of how nicely everything is presented.

The bamboo whisk and scoop are well-constructed, but one reviewer noted the set doesn't include care instructions for the bamboo pieces. With bamboo tools, you'll want to rinse them gently with cool water after each use and let them air dry completely—never soak them or put them in the dishwasher. The ceramic whisk holder is included specifically to help your whisk keep its shape between uses, which is a nice touch for longevity.

The packaging is generally excellent, but a couple of people mentioned items occasionally shift during shipping, which can cause damage. Inspect everything carefully when it arrives. Also, the metal sifter doesn't have a hook or angled handle, so it can slip into the bowl if you're not careful—just something to keep in mind while you're preparing your matcha. One person did report their bowl breaking during washing, though this seems to be an isolated production defect rather than a widespread issue.