A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of attending a Matcha Masterclass by Jameel Lalani, founder of Lalani & Co.
Not long before, I wrote an article about matcha for which I spoke to several retailers of high grade Matcha, Lalani & Co included. (Look out for the article in the March issue of Good Things magazine). During those conversations, Jameel recommended his recipe for a matcha and fruit smoothie, which sounded rather delicious. I was later invited to the masterclass to taste his tempting smoothie recipe and to learn how to make a matcha latte.
Hosted by Curators Coffee near Oxford Circus, the evening class lasted one and a half hours, during which time Jameel not only introduced the class to matcha – what it is, how it’s made, how one assesses quality, how best to use high grade and regular matcha powders – but also took us through how to make matcha (both usucha thin and koicha thick style), matcha latte (with lessons on latte art from a member of the Curators Coffee team) and a matcha breakfast smoothie. Each of us made our own matcha and matcha latte, the smoothie was made in one batch, while we crowded around the blender.
Little sweet treats were provided by Curators Coffee, very much in the matcha tradition; matcha is usually served with wagashi – Japanese confectionary. It was a lovely evening, and everyone really enjoyed it, none more so than the giggling gang of students celebrating a birthday and the latte addict who’d attended another class with Curators just the evening before.
This is an ideal class for anyone looking to learn a little more about matcha and, more specifically, how to drink it. Book via Curators Coffee. The class is priced at £40 per person, and includes a jar of Lalani & Co Matcha Gold to take home; this is a top grade stone milled Matcha that retails for £29.
Kavey Eats attended a Matcha masterclass as a guest of Lalani & Co.
Please leave a comment - I love hearing from you!12 Comments to "Lalani & Co Matcha Masterclass"
I STILL haven’t got round to baking with matcha- but this is why I read blogs, for lots of lovely inspiration! Look forward to reading your article Kavey
Kate, I know what you mean. For at least 6 years I’ve been reading matcha recipes on blogs and yet I’ve not really followed that path, yet!
Looks like a great evening class, I’d like to learn more about matcha and how to prepare it properly as even though I drink it sometimes, I’m probably not doing it right!
Jen, it’s not too complicated so am sure you’re doing fine but if you’d like more guidance on how much matcha to use with how much water, and ideal water temperatures, Lalani & Co do have a tutorial on their website you could check.
Looks like a very interesting workshop Kavey! I have tried matcha only couple of times but really liked it…
It was a great balance of teaching and hands on!
I must look out for your article in Good Things magazine! I looked locally for matcha powder recently when trying to make a Japanese – style cake but with no luck, even in Asian sops. I realised then that there are so many different kinds and grades and was wondering how to find out more. Kavey to the rescue again!
The class you have written about sounds very interesting.
Hi EM, remind me on WF and I can recommend good online options. X
I love matcha – this post has inspired me to make some matcha pancakes for lunch.
Oh that DOES sound good!
I’m matcha mad and have been enjoying it for at least five years. I have a variety of grades, depending on what I am using it for. But I do love the Emperor’s type ones for drinking cold, whisked up with my special looped metal hand frother. I covet a proper wooden whisk for hot drink (too wide to use in a glass) as well as the specialist knowledge that you have acquired at this intriguing class. This sounds like the perfect way to spend an afternoon to me! Between the tofu making, chocolate judging and matcha testing, you have the life I want! 😉
I totally know you are! I am thinking about buying myself a nice chasen and proper bowl for my matcha as it’s hard to whisk well within a mug!!