How to Use Genmaicha in Bubble Tea and Boba Drinks

Genmaicha is one of the most distinctive teas you can add to a boba menu. Most customers don't expect the nutty, toasty notes from roasted rice blended with green tea — and that surprise is exactly what makes it memorable.

WAO Genmaicha is made with Vietnamese highland green tea blended with roasted Japanese-style rice. It brews a golden cup with a mellow, savory-sweet character that works well both straight and with milk.

Brewing Genmaicha for Boba

Genmaicha brews best at lower temperatures than black tea.

• Temperature: 75–80°C (165–175°F)
• Ratio: 8–10g per 200ml water
• Steep time: 3 minutes

Don't overbrew it — extended steeping makes genmaicha bitter and grassy. Pull the leaves on time and you'll get a clean, nutty base.

Genmaicha Milk Tea

One of the simplest drinks to build:

1. Brew 10g genmaicha in 200ml water at 78°C for 3 minutes.
2. Strain and cool the tea.
3. Combine with 40ml whole milk or oat milk over ice.
4. Sweeten with brown sugar syrup — it complements the roasted notes really well.
5. Top with cooked tapioca or clear boba.

Genmaicha Latte

For a warmer, café-style drink:

1. Brew a concentrated 15g per 150ml at 78°C for 3.5 minutes.
2. Strain into a mug.
3. Steam 180ml oat milk and pour over the concentrate.
4. Sweeten to taste.

Menu Positioning

Genmaicha works best as a specialty or seasonal menu item rather than a flagship drink. Customers who know it will seek it out; customers who don't know it will often try it once you explain the roasted rice element. It pairs particularly well with savory food menus if your shop does light bites.

WAO Genmaicha ships in 1kg wholesale bags. Contact us about wholesale pricing or request a sample to test in your kitchen before ordering.