Matcha green tea has a rich history, with origins that can be traced back to China’s Tang Dynasty (618-907).

However it was not until the mid-18th century with the invention of the uji process that matcha became more readily available and almost 300 years later its popularity is continuing to grow.

Michelle Puyane is so passionate about matcha that she left her job in finance to focus full-time on bringing it to New Yorkers.

After studying culinary management at ICE while training and working as a barista at Little Collins, Michelle started Chalait – a café serving both espresso and matcha – in January 2015 with her husband Ramon Puyane.
 

At the festival

Visit Chalait in the festival Village and try their traditional matcha green tea with a modern twist.

Visitors will also be able to discover the health benefits of matcha and find out how to make it at home.

In the Lab

Chalait will also be taking part in the festival’s Lab program, offering a Matcha Masterclass on Saturday, September 26th.