{"id":2337,"date":"2026-05-01T17:41:43","date_gmt":"2026-05-01T08:41:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/vietnam-gift.com\/?p=2337"},"modified":"2026-09-29T02:04:33","modified_gmt":"2026-09-28T17:04:33","slug":"vietnam-matcha-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/vietnam-gift.com\/en\/column\/vietnam-matcha-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"Guide to Vietnamese-grown matcha | Major brands like Doi Dep and how to choose souvenirs"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Matcha-flavored lattes and sweets are increasingly common in Vietnam, but not every product labeled \"Vietnamese matcha\" is necessarily matcha in the Japanese sense \u2014 stone-ground tencha. Green tea powder, sweetened latte mixes, and colored confectionery ingredients also exist, so it is important not to judge quality by origin names or the word \"ceremonial\" alone.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" src=\"https:\/\/vietnam-gift.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/vietnam-matcha-guide-summary.webp\" alt=\"\u30d0\u30aa\u30ed\u30c3\u30af\u306e\u8336\u7551\u3067\u30d9\u30c8\u30ca\u30e0\u7523\u306e\u7dd1\u8336\u7c89\u672b\u3092\u78ba\u8a8d\u3059\u308b\u751f\u7523\u8005\" class=\"wp-image-5860\" srcset=\"https:\/\/vietnam-gift.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/vietnam-matcha-guide-summary.webp 1200w, https:\/\/vietnam-gift.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/vietnam-matcha-guide-summary-300x169.webp 300w, https:\/\/vietnam-gift.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/vietnam-matcha-guide-summary-1024x576.webp 1024w, https:\/\/vietnam-gift.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/vietnam-matcha-guide-summary-768x432.webp 768w, https:\/\/vietnam-gift.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/vietnam-matcha-guide-summary-18x10.webp 18w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure>\n<p>This article introduces the B\u1ea3o L\u1ed9c tea-growing region and producers such as Doi Dep, while distinguishing between facts verifiable through official sources and claims made by sellers. Before buying, check the ingredients, production method, harvest and manufacturing date, storage instructions, and whether sugar has been added.<\/p>\n<h2>The Bottom Line First: Choose Souvenirs by the Label<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>Whether it is \"100% tea\" or a mix containing sugar, flavorings, or dairy<\/li>\n<li>Whether the tea leaf origin and producer are clearly stated<\/li>\n<li>Whether there is an explanation of the matcha production method, or whether it is simply green tea powder<\/li>\n<li>Whether it comes in light-blocking, sealed packaging and can be stored in a cool, dark place or refrigerated after opening<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>The fast-growing Vietnamese matcha market and its background<\/h2>\n<p>Matcha drew sudden widespread attention in Vietnam from the 2020s onward. Private research firms forecast growth in the matcha market, but the market size figures vary greatly depending on how \"matcha\" is defined as a product category. The numbers are reference values reflecting a trend, not official statistics. Within Vietnam, sales of matcha latte powder on TikTok Shop and Shopee have surged, and the product is now widely distributed across caf\u00e9s, supermarkets, and convenience stores.<\/p>\n<p>Three elements are driving the boom. The first is the evolution of caf\u00e9 culture. Major chains such as Highlands Coffee and The Coffee House have added matcha drinks to their menus, and more than 10 matcha specialty caf\u00e9s have opened within Ho Chi Minh City. The second is rising health consciousness. The younger generation has taken note of catechins and theanine, creating a flow of choosing matcha as an alternative to coffee. The third is the Japanese-food boom. Following sushi and ramen, matcha is being chosen as a \u201cdistinctly Japanese experience.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Chances to encounter matcha while caf\u00e9-hopping or choosing souvenirs are rising sharply, making it a presence you can\u2019t ignore as a theme for a Vietnam trip.<\/p>\n<h2>Vietnam\u2019s main matcha production area: Bao Loc, Lam Dong Province<\/h2>\n<p>Indispensable to any discussion of Vietnamese-grown matcha is Bao Loc in Lam Dong Province. About four hours by car northeast of Ho Chi Minh City, this town sits in highland terrain at around 800 meters elevation and has long been called \u201cVietnam\u2019s tea capital.\u201d Tea cultivation began in the French colonial era, and some of the country\u2019s largest tea fields still spread out here.<\/p>\n<h3>Tea leaves nurtured by 800-meter highlands and mist<\/h3>\n<p>Three conditions make B\u1ea3o L\u1ed9c well suited to tea cultivation: a cool climate with an average annual temperature of around 22\u00b0C, mist that occurs throughout the year, and fine-grained basaltic soil. While mist and a cool climate are characteristics of tea cultivation, mist and the Japanese shading technique used for tencha are not the same thing. Claims about theanine content or similarity to Uji or Nishio teas cannot be stated definitively without cultivation and analysis data specific to each product.<\/p>\n<h3>Adoption of Japanese-style shade cultivation<\/h3>\n<p>From the latter half of the 2010s, Japanese-style shade-cultivation (shading) techniques were adopted in earnest in Bao Loc\u2019s tea gardens. Covering the tea leaves with black shade nets for about 20 days raises theanine content and suppresses catechins, the bitter component\u2014this technique is the core of high-grade Japanese matcha. In Bao Loc, several factories operate that, in addition to this method, carry out the process all the way to grinding the leaves with a dedicated stone mill.<\/p>\n<h3>VietGAP and organic certification<\/h3>\n<p>Tea gardens with an eye on exports to Europe and North America are increasingly obtaining international certifications such as Organic JAS and USDA Organic, on top of VietGAP, Vietnam\u2019s own good agricultural practices. Meeting the demands of advanced markets with strict residual-pesticide standards has led to a quality lift across the whole production area.<\/p>\n<h2>Doi Dep\u2014a premium matcha brand from Bao Loc<\/h2>\n<p>The name that comes up as the front-runner of Vietnamese matcha is Doi Dep, based in Bao Loc. By combining vast in-house tea gardens with Japanese-style equipment, it has pioneered Vietnam\u2019s domestic premium matcha market, and among matcha lovers it has become an object of surprise: \u201ccan Vietnamese-grown matcha really be finished to this level?\u201d<\/p>\n<h3>The origin of the brand name: \u201ca pair of sandals\u201d<\/h3>\n<p>\u201cDoi Dep\u201d is a Vietnamese phrase meaning \u201ca pair of sandals.\u201d Because sandals only function once they form a pair, the name is held up as a brand concept symbolizing \u201cthe inseverable relationship between people, between land and people, and between nature and people.\u201d The philosophy of valuing the ties among tea garden, artisan, and consumer also has something in common with the Japanese culture of hospitality.<\/p>\n<h3>Adoption of Japanese-style techniques and inviting experts<\/h3>\n<p>The official Doi Dep website confirms their B\u1ea3o L\u1ed9c tea, gift, and resort businesses. However, claims about inviting Japanese specialists, stone-grinding, and theanine levels approaching those of Japanese-grown tea could not be verified on the official pages reviewed for this article. When purchasing, prioritize the label on the back of the product and any explanation of the production method.<\/p>\n<h3>Running a Tea Resort<\/h3>\n<p>What sets Doi Dep apart from other brands is that it runs a luxury \u201cTea Resort\u201d integrated with the tea gardens. With villas overlooking the tea fields, a matcha-whisking experience program, and even meals in a tea-kaiseki style, visitors can not just \u201cdrink tea\u201d but \u201cstay in tea culture.\u201d It is increasingly introduced as a highlight of Bao Loc tourism and is taking root as a weekend getaway from Ho Chi Minh City and Da Lat.<\/p>\n<h3>Product lineup<\/h3>\n<p>Doi Dep\u2019s matcha products fall broadly into three grades: a ceremonial grade for the tea ceremony, a premium grade for caf\u00e9s and lattes, and a cooking grade for sweets and cooking. Besides specialty shops, they have come to be seen at some upscale supermarkets in Ho Chi Minh City and at airport souvenir shops.<\/p>\n<h2>Differences between Japanese-grown and Vietnamese-grown matcha<\/h2>\n<p>What surprises many Japanese people drinking Vietnamese-grown matcha for the first time is that the flavor is lighter than they imagined. Organizing the differences from Japanese-grown matcha from a resident\u2019s point of view looks like this.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\">\n<table>\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th>Item<\/th>\n<th>Japanese-grown matcha (Uji, Nishio)<\/th>\n<th>Vietnamese-grown matcha (Bao Loc)<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>Color<\/td>\n<td>Deep, rich green<\/td>\n<td>Bright yellow-green<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Aroma<\/td>\n<td>Umami-driven, like nori seaweed<\/td>\n<td>Grassy, like fresh greenery<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Flavor<\/td>\n<td>Rich umami and sweetness<\/td>\n<td>Light and refreshing, with a faint acidity<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Price range (30g)<\/td>\n<td>1,500\u20135,000 yen<\/td>\n<td>500\u20131,500 yen<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Best ways to drink<\/td>\n<td>Koicha and usucha (straight)<\/td>\n<td>Lattes, sweets, and cooking<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/figure>\n<p>Japanese-grown is designed with an emphasis on umami, on the premise of \u201cwhisking and drinking.\u201d Vietnamese-grown, by contrast, has restrained umami due to the difference in climate, and shows its true worth in latte and sweet uses paired with milk or sweetness. The right way to see it is not as a substitute for Japanese-grown, but as an option in a different category.<\/p>\n<h3>A recommendation to try a taste comparison<\/h3>\n<p>If you have a chance to compare the two during your Vietnam trip, we recommend giving it a try. For instance, a \u201ctwo-cup\u201d approach\u2014whisking and drinking Japanese-grown matcha in the morning and enjoying a Vietnamese-grown latte in the evening\u2014lets you feel each one\u2019s character clearly.<\/p>\n<h2>Local caf\u00e9s where you can experience Vietnamese matcha<\/h2>\n<p>The matcha specialty caf\u00e9s increasing in each city let you try Vietnamese matcha easily, one cup at a time. We have carefully selected recommended shops from a resident\u2019s perspective.<\/p>\n<h3>MIYAEN (Da Lat, Bao Loc)<\/h3>\n<p>A specialty caf\u00e9 that puts Bao Loc\u2013grown Vietnamese matcha center stage. A rare place where you can enjoy locally grown matcha in a Japanese-style space, with the appeal of freshness shipped straight from the source. For details, see<a href=\"https:\/\/vietnam-gift.com\/en\/cafe-shop\/miyaen\/\">the complete MIYAEN guide<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h3>Atelier Matcha (Ho Chi Minh City)<\/h3>\n<p>A matcha brand from Uji, Kyoto, opened its first overseas store in 2025. You can experience the quality of Japanese-grown matcha in Vietnam. Local-only items like the coconut-milk MATCHA latte are also worth checking. For details, see<a href=\"https:\/\/vietnam-gift.com\/en\/cafe-shop\/atelier-matcha\/\">the complete Atelier Matcha guide<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h3>Nagocha Matcha (central Ho Chi Minh City)<\/h3>\n<p>Vietnam\u2019s first Japanese-style matcha specialty chain. It uses ceremonial-grade matcha from across Japan\u2014Kyoto, Uji, Kagoshima, Fukuoka, Shizuoka, and more. For details, head to<a href=\"https:\/\/vietnam-gift.com\/en\/cafe-shop\/nagocha-matcha\/\">the Nagocha Matcha guide<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h3>Yakishime (Can Tho)<\/h3>\n<p>A Japanese-style matcha caf\u00e9 in Can Tho, the central city of the Mekong Delta, that embodies the Japanese aesthetic of wabi-sabi. For details, see<a href=\"https:\/\/vietnam-gift.com\/en\/cafe-shop\/yakishime\/\">the complete Yakishime guide<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2>How to buy Vietnamese matcha as a souvenir<\/h2>\n<p>Once you think you\u2019d like to \u201ctake home\u201d a flavor you liked at a caf\u00e9 or \u201cgive it to family or friends,\u201d it pays to know where you can buy it as a souvenir. Being able to get a premium grade at a more reasonable price than Japanese-grown is an appeal unique to Vietnam.<\/p>\n<h3>Upscale supermarkets<\/h3>\n<p>Retail-packaged Vietnamese matcha is available at Annam Gourmet Market in Ho Chi Minh City, Intimex in Hanoi, and nationwide chains such as Co.opMart and WinMart. Prices vary by store, ingredients, and volume, so check the VND price and net weight. Products from major brands including Doi Dep are becoming available at a growing number of stockists.<\/p>\n<h3>Brand-direct and tea specialty shops<\/h3>\n<p>You can buy authentic Vietnamese matcha mainly at Doi Dep\u2019s direct shop inside the Tea Resort, as well as at tea specialty shops such as Tr\u00e0 Vi\u1ec7t (a Vietnamese-tea specialty store). The price is a little higher, but the appeal is the reassurance of having the origin and even the production date clearly stated.<\/p>\n<h3>Airport duty-free shops<\/h3>\n<p>Souvenir shops in the departure areas of Tan Son Nhat International Airport (Ho Chi Minh City) and Noi Bai International Airport (Hanoi) also carry Vietnamese-grown matcha. Keep it in mind as a last chance if you forget to buy any right before flying home.<\/p>\n<h3>Online (before and after your trip)<\/h3>\n<p>You can also buy matcha from major brands like Doi Dep on platforms such as Shopee Vietnam, TikTok Shop, and Lazada. It is handy if you want to try before your trip or place a reorder after returning home. More shops now support international shipping to Japan as well.<\/p>\n<h2>Recommended Vietnamese matcha souvenirs by recipient<\/h2>\n<p>The best way to choose changes depending on \u201cwho you\u2019re giving it to.\u201d Here are recommendations organized into four patterns from a resident\u2019s point of view.<\/p>\n<h3>For a matcha-loving friend<\/h3>\n<p>\"Ceremonial\" is not an internationally standardized official grade. It works well as a \"comparison gift\" that lets the recipient enjoy tasting it alongside Japanese matcha. Choosing a product with a clear origin and brand, such as Doi Dep, gives you more to talk about.<\/p>\n<h3>For tea lovers and the parents\u2019 generation<\/h3>\n<p>A set with Vietnamese green tea or lotus tea is recommended. It lets them experience the whole world of Vietnamese tea.<a href=\"https:\/\/vietnam-gift.com\/en\/travel-guide\/vietnam-tea-souvenir\/\">A roundup of Vietnamese tea souvenirs<\/a>and<a href=\"https:\/\/vietnam-gift.com\/en\/souvenir\/lotus-tea\/\">A feature on lotus tea<\/a>is also worth referring to.<\/p>\n<h3>For the health-conscious or as office handouts<\/h3>\n<p>Caf\u00e9-use powder or tea-bag types (10\u201320 bags, 500\u2013800 yen) are convenient. They make a highly practical souvenir that people can enjoy by making lattes at the office.<\/p>\n<h3>For yourself or a cooking lover<\/h3>\n<p>Cooking grade (100g, 700\u20131,200 yen) is a good deal since you can use plenty in sweets and dishes. With wide uses\u2014Japanese and Western confections, matcha lattes, matcha salt\u2014it\u2019s easy to work into everyday cooking.<\/p>\n<h2>Frequently asked questions<\/h2>\n<p>Here is a roundup of questions frequently asked before buying Vietnamese matcha souvenirs.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Q. Can I bring Vietnamese-grown matcha back to Japan?<\/strong><br \/>A. For processed powdered matcha, there are no special restrictions on bringing it into Japan. However, since separate rules apply to bringing in large quantities for commercial use, please enjoy it within the scope of personal souvenirs.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Q. How long does it keep?<\/strong><br \/>A. As a guide, about 1 to 1.5 years from production while unopened. After opening, refrigerating it and finishing it within a month is recommended.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Q. Can I whisk it the same way as Japanese matcha?<\/strong><br \/>A. You can whisk it with the same chasen, but since Vietnamese-grown has a lighter flavor, it is better suited to lattes and sweets. If you do whisk it, the trick is to adjust it on the thin side, with more hot water for a small amount.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Q. Can I visit Doi Dep\u2019s Tea Resort as a tourist?<\/strong><br \/>A. Yes, you can. Bao Loc is about four hours by car from Ho Chi Minh City and about two hours from Da Lat. It accommodates everything from a day trip combining a tea-garden tour and a matcha experience to an overnight stay.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Q. Is there Vietnamese matcha with organic certification?<\/strong><br \/>A. Some premium brands have products certified by Organic JAS or USDA. Check the certification mark on the package when choosing.<\/p>\n<h2>A summary of choosing Vietnamese matcha souvenirs<\/h2>\n<p>Vietnamese-grown matcha is growing fast as \u201canother Vietnamese-grown indulgence\u201d next to coffee. Led by Doi Dep from Bao Loc, a distinctive matcha culture fusing Japanese-style techniques with the local climate has blossomed all at once over the past few years. Not as a substitute for Japanese-grown matcha but as a new option for lattes, sweets, and cooking, it offers a worthwhile choice for both souvenirs and yourself.<\/p>\n<p>For related local caf\u00e9 information and Vietnamese tea souvenirs in general, please also refer to the articles below.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/vietnam-gift.com\/en\/travel-guide\/vietnam-tea-souvenir\/\">[Latest] Crowd-pleasing Vietnamese tea souvenirs | A roundup of recommended brands and where to buy<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/vietnam-gift.com\/en\/cafe-shop\/miyaen\/\">The complete MIYAEN guide<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/vietnam-gift.com\/en\/cafe-shop\/atelier-matcha\/\">The complete Atelier Matcha guide<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/vietnam-gift.com\/en\/cafe-shop\/nagocha-matcha\/\">The complete Nagocha Matcha guide<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/vietnam-gift.com\/en\/souvenir\/lotus-tea\/\">The complete lotus tea guide<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>In Summary: Look at the Ingredients and Production Method, Not Just the Word \"Matcha\"<\/h2>\n<p>B\u1ea3o L\u1ed9c is known as a tea-growing region, and Doi Dep can be confirmed as a local tea brand through official sources. However, green tea powder, Japanese-style matcha, and latte mixes are different products. Before being drawn in by health claims or grade names, compare the ingredients, origin, production method, sugar content, and packaging.<\/p>\n<p>If you plan to drink it straight, try a small amount first; if you intend to use it for lattes or baking, choose a powder suited to that purpose. In Vietnam's hot and humid climate, keeping it in a light-blocking, sealed container after purchase and consuming it promptly after returning home also affects quality.<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>A resident gives a thorough rundown of Vietnam's fast-growing matcha market and Bao Loc-born Doi Dep. Covers differences from Japanese matcha, local caf\u00e9s, and choosing souvenirs.<\/p>","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":5860,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"swell_btn_cv_data":"","ssp_meta_description":"2020\u5e74\u4ee3\u304b\u3089\u6025\u6210\u9577\u4e2d\u306e\u30d9\u30c8\u30ca\u30e0\u62b9\u8336\u3002\u300c\u8336\u306e\u90fd\u300d\u30d0\u30aa\u30ed\u30c3\u30af\u767a\u306eDoi Dep\u304c\u65e5\u672c\u5f0f\u88ab\u8986\u683d\u57f9\u3067\u672c\u683c\u62b9\u8336\u3092\u751f\u7523\u3057\u3066\u3044\u307e\u3059\u3002\u65e5\u672c\u7523\u3068\u306e\u9055\u3044\u3001\u73fe\u5730\u30ab\u30d5\u30a7\u4f53\u9a13\u3001\u304a\u571f\u7523\u3068\u3057\u3066\u8cb7\u3048\u308b\u30d6\u30e9\u30f3\u30c9\u3068\u4fa1\u683c\u30fb\u8cfc\u5165\u5834\u6240\u307e\u3067\u5728\u4f4f\u8005\u304c\u89e3\u8aac\u3057\u307e\u3059\u3002","ssp_meta_keyword":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[18],"tags":[],"purpose":[],"keyword":[],"location":[],"class_list":["post-2337","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-column"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/vietnam-gift.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2337","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/vietnam-gift.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/vietnam-gift.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vietnam-gift.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vietnam-gift.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2337"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/vietnam-gift.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2337\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5861,"href":"https:\/\/vietnam-gift.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2337\/revisions\/5861"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vietnam-gift.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/5860"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/vietnam-gift.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2337"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vietnam-gift.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2337"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vietnam-gift.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2337"},{"taxonomy":"purpose","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vietnam-gift.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/purpose?post=2337"},{"taxonomy":"keyword","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vietnam-gift.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/keyword?post=2337"},{"taxonomy":"location","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vietnam-gift.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/location?post=2337"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}