Matcha cups come in a much wider range of sizes than most coffee cups, and choosing the right one depends on how you actually prepare and enjoy your matcha. Whether you're drinking traditional usucha, rich koicha, or a modern matcha latte, the size of the cup directly influences whisking, temperature retention, and the overall experience.
For additional background on the drink itself, the Wikipedia article on Matcha provides an overview of its history, preparation, and ceremonial traditions.
Why Matcha Cups Come in Different Sizes
Unlike coffee, which generally follows standardized cup sizes, matcha is prepared in several distinct styles. Each style requires a different amount of liquid and a different type of vessel.
Rather than asking, "What's the best matcha cup?" it's more useful to ask, "What kind of matcha do I drink most often?"
30ml Matcha Cup — Best for Koicha & Tea Tasting
A 30ml cup is designed for concentrated matcha experiences rather than everyday drinking.
It's commonly used for:
- Traditional koicha (thick matcha).
- Matcha tasting flights.
- Comparing different cultivars or harvests.
- Concentrated ceremonial servings.
Because the volume is intentionally small, every sip encourages close attention to aroma, texture, and flavor.
Best for: Tea enthusiasts, collectors, and formal matcha tasting.
70ml Matcha Cup — Best for Traditional Usucha
A cup around 70ml closely matches the serving size used for traditional usucha.
It provides enough room for whisking while allowing the matcha to remain warm throughout the entire serving.
For many tea drinkers, this represents the classic everyday matcha experience.
Best for:
- Traditional Japanese matcha.
- Daily usucha.
- Single servings prepared with water only.
220ml Matcha Latte Cup — The Most Versatile Size
A 220ml cup is the standard choice for modern matcha lattes.
Its capacity comfortably accommodates:
- 30–40ml whisked matcha concentrate.
- 180–200ml steamed milk.
- Enough room for latte art.
Because this capacity closely matches many café latte cups, it also works beautifully for cappuccinos, flat whites, and other milk-based coffee drinks.
GLAZARA's handcrafted Matcha Latte Cup collection is built around this highly versatile size, combining contemporary proportions with traditional Jingdezhen porcelain craftsmanship.
Best for:
- Matcha lattes.
- Home baristas.
- Coffee and matcha drinkers.
- Everyday use.
Quick Size Comparison
| Drink Style | Recommended Capacity |
|---|---|
| Koicha / Matcha Tasting | 30ml |
| Traditional Usucha | Approximately 70ml |
| Matcha Latte | Approximately 220ml |
| Milk-Based Coffee Drinks | 180–250ml |
Other Features Matter Too
Rim Design
Capacity isn't the only thing worth considering.
A gently inward-curled rim helps reduce splashing during whisking while providing better control when pouring steamed milk.
Learn more in our guide to Why Matcha Latte Cups Have Inward-Curl Rims.
Material
High-fired porcelain offers several practical advantages:
- Excellent flavor neutrality.
- Even heat distribution.
- Smooth whisking surface.
- Easy cleaning.
Our comparison of Porcelain vs. Stoneware Mugs explains these differences in greater detail.
Craftsmanship
GLAZARA's porcelain is handcrafted in Jingdezhen and fired at approximately 1,300°C, creating a dense porcelain body with naturally expressive reduction-fired glazes.
The same craftsmanship can also be found throughout the Elemental Teacup, Urushi Bloom, and handcrafted Porcelain Gaiwans collections.
Which Size Should You Buy First?
If you only drink traditional matcha, a 70ml cup is the most authentic everyday choice.
If your routine revolves around matcha lattes—or alternates between coffee and matcha—a 220ml cup is by far the most versatile option.
Many experienced tea drinkers eventually own both: a smaller cup for traditional preparation and a larger porcelain cup for modern daily rituals.
Explore More
If you're still choosing your first cup, continue with our 7-Point Matcha Cup Buying Guide.
You can also browse GLAZARA's complete Shop All collection, including handcrafted Chinese Teacups, Tea Gift Sets, and Tea Ritual Accessories to build a complete tea ritual.
The Short Version
Different matcha styles call for different cup sizes. A 30ml cup highlights concentrated tasting, a 70ml cup is ideal for traditional usucha, and a 220ml porcelain cup offers the greatest versatility for modern matcha lattes and coffee drinks. If you're buying just one handcrafted cup, the 220ml size provides the broadest range of everyday use.