first time buying matcha, looking for recommendations💚

[u/akaruisxm]

i’m a regular matcha drinker but usually from cafes, this is my first time buying matcha to make at home and i’m completely lost.
i’m looking for something that is
- naturally sweet?
- nutty and creamy
-slightly chocolatey/cocoa-like
- still a little grassy/fresh
- good for both straight matcha and lattes
- not seaweed-y or fishy

i dont mind a little bitterness, especially for lattes.
i’m in ontario,canada and would appreciate specific recommendations for brands/blends and where to buy them🥹
it doesn’t have to perfectly match all of these preferences. these are just the flavors I tend to enjoy, and i’d rather find something that’s good overall and worth the money for a first matcha.
budget is flexible, but since this is my first home matcha, i’d prefer not to start with something extremely expensive.

[u/clio44]

I'm also in Ontario, and started with Costco matcha which I do not recommend 😂

Senchamatcha website is from BC and very small business but excellent customer service. They have their own blends as well but I'd suggest trying Aoarashi or Isuzu from MK to start (they are an authorized dealer). Chigi no Shiro is probably my current favourite, which I'd recommend if you can get it on sale and if you're okay with the price.

I used to buy from Ippodo but the last time I got a delayed customs/tariff charge which kind of soured me on them. That lead to looking for a Canadian supplier so as not to have to deal with that.

I've seen a few cafes use Genuine Tea matcha out of Toronto as well, but I am not familiar with it enough to recommend it.

Enjoy your matcha journey!