From TikTok trends to the perfect Yamamasa Koyamaen brew, explore her journey. Discover the art of matcha by Léna Bordi.
There are daily habits that simply pass the time, and then there are rituals that transform one’s well-being. Léna Bordi did not expect a vibrant green powder to change her morning routine so drastically, but since 2020, it has become her primary source of balance. What began as a curious scroll through digital trends during the lockdown eventually evolved into a deep appreciation for Japanese tea culture. For her, this journey was about more than just a drink; it was about finding a calm energy in a world that had suddenly slowed down.
<h2>The pandemic discovery of Léna Bordi</h2>
A TikTok trend that sparked curiosity
It was 2020. The days blurred together. Léna Bordi found herself scrolling endlessly through TikTok when she kept seeing the same thing: aesthetic, frothy green lattes in minimalist kitchens. They looked dreamy, serene, almost healing. So she tried to recreate one. It was… bad, bitter, clumpy, slightly traumatic, if we’re honest. But she didn’t give up. She realized she didn’t hate the tea; she just didn’t know how to treat it properly, and that changed everything.
The art of the trial and error process
Determined to fix her technique, she began a months-long experiment with water temperatures and tools. Léna Bordi learned that boiling water is the enemy of flavor, as it burns the delicate leaves. She tested various whisking methods, moving from a basic milk frother to a traditional bamboo whisk. This period of testing became a laboratory for her palate, as she documented which combo of ingredients produced the smoothest results without the need for too much sugar.
<h2>Finding the ultimate Yamamasa Koyamaen combo</h2>
The gift that changed everything
The true turning point occurred when her best friend returned from a trip to Asia with a very special gift: a 1kg bag of Yamamasa Koyamaen. This specific brand is legendary among connoisseurs for its vibrant color and deep umami flavor. For Léna Bordi, trying this high-grade powder was a revelation; the bitterness she once hated was replaced by a creamy, vegetal sweetness that felt luxurious and authentic.
<h2>Mapping the Parisian coffee shop scene</h2>
A curated list of local favorites
Beyond her home kitchen, she has developed an extensive list of Parisian spots to visit. Léna Bordi has spent the last few years exploring the capital’s best terraces, from the iconic Mini Café at Hotel de Ville to the specialized Oats Coffee in the 8th. Her list serves as a roadmap for quality, distinguishing the places that treat the tea with respect from those that serve it as a simple afterthought.
New spots on the horizon
The journey is far from over, as her list of “places to try” continues to grow with the city’s evolving café culture. Léna Bordi is currently eyeing newer additions like Source or the traditional Kiji coffee shops. Each visit is an opportunity to compare their teas against her favorite Yamamasa Koyamaen type. This constant exploration keeps her passion alive and ensures she is always at the forefront of the Parisian tea scene.
Conclusion
Léna Bordi didn’t plan to switch from coffee to matcha. It happened slowly, naturally, one better cup at a time. What she found wasn’t just a new drink: it was a lifestyle. A way to start her mornings with intention instead of urgency. Whether she’s whisking her bowl at home or ticking off another Paris café from her list, the ritual remains the same: patience, quality, presence. All from a vibrant green powder she once almost gave up on.