Mafia Matcha: Irish Brand, Yame and Aichi Lots

Mafia Matcha was founded by Liza Takvarava, who has publicly described starting the brand to address the amount of low-quality matcha reaching the market. The brand is based in Ireland and sells both direct to customers and wholesale to cafés and retailers, offering training alongside supply.

Two named regions. Yame in Fukuoka Prefecture supplies two 50 g single-cultivar pouches — Saemidori and Okumidori — and Aichi, home of the Nishio matcha district, supplies three 30 g tins: Mitsu, Kaze and Sora. The House Blend is not tied to one named region, and the hojicha powder is associated with Shizuoka.

Both come from Yame, so the growing region is held constant and the difference is the cultivar. Saemidori is valued for a sweet, low-astringency profile and a vivid green colour. Okumidori is a later-harvesting variety known for deep colour and a smooth, rounded character. Buying both is a direct way to taste what cultivar alone contributes.

The Matcha Station essentials kit bundles the preparation tools the brand sells individually — its chasen bamboo whisk, bowl, sifter, whisk holder and measuring spoon are all available separately. It is aimed at buyers starting from nothing who would otherwise have to source each item on its own.