How We Verify

We start from what a cafe publishes: its menu, website and ordering pages. We copy the exact wording and link the page. Anything we cannot find is shown as “Not published,” never guessed. A claim from a news story or a retailer is shown separately and does not count toward a stamp.

What does Entered mean?

The cafe is listed because its own menu, site or ordering page shows matcha. We have not confirmed its sourcing.

What does Sourced mean?

The cafe's own published pages name the supplier or brand of its matcha.

What does Ledger Verified mean?

The cafe confirmed its brand, region and preparation to us, we checked the answers against a source such as the supplier, and we record the date. Stamps expire after 12 months.

What does Koicha Grade mean?

The cafe is Ledger Verified and its supplier states that the powder suits koicha, thick tea.

Can a cafe pay for a stamp?

No. Listing is free. Sponsors and ads never change a stamp.

Why not use the word certified?

There is no single official matcha grade standard, so nobody can certify one. We record what is claimed and what backs it up.

Fix a mistake

If something is wrong, report it. We correct confirmed errors within 7 days.