- Description
Premium Houjicha is a high-grade roasted Japanese green tea from Uji, Kyoto, produced by Shogyokuen - a family-run tea factory established in 1827. Unlike unroasted green teas, houjicha is pan-roasted at high heat, which transforms the leaf character entirely: catechins and caffeine reduce sharply, while toasty, caramel, and lightly smoky notes emerge. The result is a warm, deeply comforting cup with very low caffeine - one of the most accessible and widely enjoyed Japanese teas across all ages and times of day.
About Premium Houjicha
Premium Houjicha is part of our Japanese Tea collection. At the premium level, Shogyokuen selects better leaf material before roasting - the starting quality of the green tea affects the roasted character directly. Premium Houjicha shows a cleaner, more refined roast: less bitterness, smoother body, and a more complex caramel and toasted grain depth compared to lower-grade options.
Houjicha's most distinctive quality is its extremely low caffeine content relative to other Japanese teas. Roasting degrades caffeine significantly, making houjicha one of the few Japanese green teas that is genuinely suitable for children, the elderly, and evening drinking. In Thailand's year-round warmth, it also cold brews beautifully - a chilled houjicha is one of the most refreshing options in the Chaseki range.
Taste Profile
Liquor: Clear amber-brown Mouthfeel: Light to medium, smooth Finish: Short to medium, warming Character: Toasty, caramel, lightly smoky Flavor NotesPremium Houjicha brews a clear amber-brown liquor with a light to medium, smooth body and a short-to-medium, warming finish. Toasted grain leads the entry - warm, familiar, and immediately comforting. Caramel sweetness develops across the mid-palate, rounded and soft. A subtle smokiness sits in the background, adding depth without heaviness. The overall profile is warm, clean, and deeply approachable - the tea equivalent of a good cup of coffee for those who want warmth without caffeine intensity.
How to Brew Premium Houjicha
Recommended brewing parameters:- Leaf: 5-6g per 200ml
- Water temperature: 80-100°C
- Steeping time: 30-60 seconds
- Infusions: 2-3
Houjicha is forgiving - it tolerates a wide range of water temperatures without becoming bitter. Pour fully after each infusion. For cold brew: 10-12g per 500ml of cold water, steep in the fridge 6-8 hours. Houjicha cold brew is exceptional - the caramel notes become sweeter and more pronounced when chilled.
Equipment: Any teapot, kyusu, or infuser works. Houjicha is one of the easiest Japanese teas to brew well.How Premium Houjicha Compares
At the premium level, Shogyokuen's houjicha is noticeably cleaner and more refined than standard houjicha - smoother body, more complex caramel, less roughness in the roast. For those who want an even more intense roast character, Houjicha Powder Deep Roast offers a powder form for lattes and mixing with a deeper, more concentrated roast flavor. For a milder roast, Houjicha Powder Medium Roast is the softer option in powder form.
Origin & Sourcing
Produced by Shogyokuen, established 1827, master blender Hiroshi Kobayashi. Uji, Kyoto provenance. Chaseki exclusive Thailand distributor for the full Shogyokuen range.
Trusted by Thailand's Tea Community
Chaseki, specialist since November 2018. Supplying Thailand's professional tea industry since 2020. Over 2,500 students trained.
Sizes & Packaging: 100g, 250g, 500g, 1,000g from THB 345 per 100g.
Houjicha FAQ Block
What is houjicha?
Houjicha (ほうじ茶) is a Japanese green tea that has been roasted at high heat. Unlike most Japanese green teas which are steamed and dried, houjicha undergoes a roasting process that dramatically changes its character - reducing caffeine and astringency while producing warm toasty, caramel, and lightly smoky notes. It is one of Japan's most popular everyday teas.
Is houjicha low in caffeine?
Yes. Roasting significantly reduces caffeine content, making houjicha one of the lowest-caffeine Japanese teas. It is commonly served to children and the elderly in Japan and is a popular choice for evening drinking. It is not caffeine-free, but the level is substantially lower than sencha, matcha, or gyokuro.
How does houjicha compare to regular green tea?
Houjicha starts as green tea (usually sencha or bancha leaves) but the roasting process changes it completely. Regular green tea is fresh, grassy, and moderately astringent. Houjicha is warm, toasty, low in astringency, and low in caffeine. They come from the same plant but taste and behave very differently.
How do I brew houjicha?
Use 5-6g per 200ml at 80-100°C. Steep 30-60 seconds. Houjicha is very forgiving - it tolerates a wide range of temperatures without turning bitter. 2-3 infusions. Cold brew: 10-12g per 500ml, fridge 6-8 hours.
Is houjicha good for cold brew?
Yes - excellent. The caramel notes become sweeter and more pronounced when cold brewed. One of the best cold brew options in the Chaseki Japanese tea range.
Is Chaseki houjicha sourced directly from Japan?
Yes. All from Shogyokuen, Uji Kyoto, established 1827. Direct producer relationship, consistent quality.
How should I store houjicha?
Cool, dry, dark, airtight container. Consume within 3-4 months of opening. Houjicha is more tolerant of storage conditions than unroasted green teas.
What teaware do I need for houjicha?
Any teapot, kyusu, or infuser works well. Houjicha is one of the most forgiving Japanese teas to brew.
Is Chaseki houjicha suitable for cafes?
Yes. Available in larger formats. Houjicha lattes and cold brews are increasingly popular on specialty café menus in Thailand. Contact us for wholesale pricing.
Can I use houjicha in cooking or baking?
Yes. Houjicha adds a warm, smoky-caramel flavor to baked goods, ice cream, and desserts. Houjicha powder (available in Deep Roast and Medium Roast) is particularly convenient for culinary applications.
- Houjicha Powder Deep Roast - powder form for lattes and baking, deeper roast
- Houjicha Powder Medium Roast - powder form, softer roast
- Premium Genmaicha - roasted rice green tea blend, similarly accessible character
- How to Brew Houjicha