In Short
If you immediately think of the harbor, Speicherstadt, and Elbphilharmonie when you think of Hamburg, this experience might surprise you: for the matcha seminar at Tee Speicher, you’ll head out to Meiendorf – right into an industrial area. It may sound a bit unremarkable at first, but that’s exactly part of its charm. Instead of a touristy backdrop, you’re in for an immersive journey into the world of Japanese green tea.
Arriving Between Warehouses and the Scent of Tea
As soon as you step into the warehouse, the scent of tea hits you right away – a surprisingly beautiful contrast to the rather industrial surroundings. Upstairs, a lovingly prepared table is already waiting – everything is set to discover the world of matcha.
The group size is pleasantly small – there were eight people in our session. Perfect for asking questions and really diving deep into the topic.
Understanding Matcha: More Than Just a Trend Drink
The seminar is led by Aina Scheuring, whose passion for tea is truly contagious. With plenty of experience and a relaxed, engaging style, she guides you through the history of matcha, explains the differences in quality, and shows why matcha is not just matcha. You won’t just get dry theory, but real insights: how matcha is produced, what makes a good matcha, and what you should look out for when buying it.
Tasting: From Latte to Traditional Preparation
It starts with a matcha latte made from so-called culinary grade matcha – a simpler quality that’s commonly used in cafés. Flavor-wise, it wasn’t exactly my highlight, especially since it’s prepared together with milk in a milk frother – a bit unusual.
After that, things get much more exciting. Two higher-quality matchas are served – one for usucha (the lighter, frothy version) and one for koicha (the intense, almost syrupy preparation). Here, you immediately notice: this is a completely different league.
Getting Hands-on: How to Whisk Matcha Properly
The best part? You get to try it yourself. With your own setup, you’ll learn step by step how to whisk matcha the traditional way using a bamboo whisk – the so-called chasen. It almost feels meditative. At the end, you even get to take your chasen home, so you can easily bring the ritual into your everyday life.
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Why the Seminar is Especially Worth it
Especially if you’ve had little to no experience with matcha so far, this is a really great introduction. You’ll gain solid knowledge, get to taste different qualities, and develop a sense for what you actually like. But even if you already drink matcha, you’ll definitely come away with new insights.
Practical Tips for Your Visit at the Matcha Seminar
- Plan enough time for your trip to Meiendorf, as the seminar doesn’t take place in central Hamburg.
- It’s best to eat something beforehand, but skip the coffee – you’ll be getting plenty of caffeine during the seminar.
- If you’re sensitive to caffeine, take it slow when trying the different varieties.
- Make the most of the small group size and ask lots of questions – that’s exactly what the seminar is perfect for.
- If you particularly like one of the matchas, ask about purchasing options on-site.
Conclusion: Unexpected, Insightful, and Worth it
Even if the location may seem a bit unassuming at first, this seminar offers a great experience. You won’t just learn something new – you’ll also take a piece of Japanese tea culture home with you.
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