Bangkok is buzzing with excitement as the ‘Taste Of Tea 2025’ matcha festival kicks off today at CentralWorld, bringing together over 20 local tea vendors eager to showcase their premium offerings. The event, which promises to be a paradise for matcha lovers, runs until March 17, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM daily and is being held at the Eden area on the first floor.
There’s no entry fee, and attendees can indulge their senses with various activities, including hands-on workshops teaching traditional tea brewing methods. Renowned brands such as Ksana, Midori Sun, Midori Hayate, Toku Dessert, and others will offer unique matcha items to explore, making it an excellent opportunity for enthusiasts and newbies alike to discover their favorite flavors.
Despite the vibrant celebration of matcha, the tea community has faced sadness with the recent announcement from TSUJIRI, the iconic green tea shop with roots tracing back 163 years to Kyoto, Japan. The company revealed on March 8, 2025, through their Facebook page, plans to close all branches throughout Thailand on March 31, 2025. This closure adds to the bittersweet tone of the matcha scene as the community eagerly welcomes one celebration yet bids farewell to another.
“With great regret, we inform you of the closure of TSUJIRI Thailand,” the announcement stated. “It has been our honor to share authentic Japanese green tea flavors with everyone, and we sincerely thank you for your support and love for TSUJIRI. Every order, review, and visit has been precious memories for us,” the statement read. The tweet highlighted several popular locations including EmQuartier, Siam Paragon, Icon Siam, and CentralWorld, drawing attention to the importance of these hubs for the local tea culture.
While the matcha festival rejoices with tastings and workshops, the departure of TSUJIRI leaves many fans within the Thai tea-loving community feeling reflective and nostalgic. Known for their artisan blend of traditional and contemporary green tea products, TSUJIRI’s presence has been instrumental over the years, impacting how tea is perceived and enjoyed by many.
The juxtaposition of both events creates a notable atmosphere where attendees might face both new adventures and reminiscences of the past. That said, as one door closes with TSUJIRI, another opens at ‘Taste Of Tea 2025’ where the culture of tea continues to thrive, transforming not just preferences but also experiences.
At ‘Taste Of Tea 2025’, shoppers and tea lovers will find plenty of curated collections from each participating vendor, encouraging them to explore various flavors. Specialty matcha drinks, traditional desserts, and unique snacks are set to light up visitors’ palates, ensuring everyone walks away with newfound favorites.
Beyond the tastings, the festival aims to bridge community ties and promote wholesome interactions among tea lovers. The excitement surrounding the event indicates its potential to reignite interest within the local community and beyond, particularly following the transitions faced by shops such as TSUJIRI which have shaped the phenomenon.
“We believe ‘Taste Of Tea 2025’ will be not just about enjoying amazing tea but also crafting new memories and celebrating our love for matcha,” shared one vendor at the festival.
So, whether it’s seeking out the perfect cup or the recent closures on the horizon, the relationship between the market and consumers continues to evolve, reflecting changing tastes and preferences. People are encouraged to cherish these experiences and keep the conversation about matcha alive.
For enthusiasts searching for the best ways to celebrate matcha, or even for those wanting to just enjoy some treats, the festival at CentralWorld is where the tea renaissance begins, right now!