A little language lesson: “Ocha” or お茶 means literally “tea” in Japanese, but specifically refers to Japanese tea, which is by default Japanese green tea. Since sencha is the most common type of green tea in Japan, the word generally refers to sencha.
The “O” in “ocha” (pronounced “oh”) is an honorific prefix, but in the case of daily items that are common as well as important to your daily life, the “o” is added. The same goes for telephone: “o-denwa” お電話: “Mom, you have a phone call.” becomes “お母さん、お電話ですよ。”
Ocha shimasenka?
“Would you like to have some tea?” This is a common phrase in Japan, and is also known as the stereotypical pick-up line. In fact, you might say it and then go have coffee. (Oh, the horror of Westernization!)
When you have a Japanese guest over to your house, serving a good cup of sencha will impress them very much. Most Japanese are surprisingly not very versed in what is high quality sencha, but can definitely tell a good quality cup of ocha when they taste it. Our Yunomi House Blend Premium Grade is a good place to start.
Shop Yunomi House Blend Premium Grade
If you'd like to explore more, but you don't know where to start. Get some sampler set from our Collection For Starters. This collection was built as a curated selection for tea drinkers at different levels.
