I visited Lisata Ginseng-Matcha - located on Princess between Wellington and King - this month and met the founder, Hana Thai. She led me around the shop, sharing endless knowledge on Matcha and which regions in Japan each variety comes from. I learned so much!

Thai originally owned a tea shop in Toronto and built a strong reputation as a matcha expert. After a visit to Kingston, she was charmed by our community and decided to close her doors in Toronto and settle into being a downtown Kingston shop owner.

Thai shares, “Lisata began with the idea of introducing authentic Japanese matcha and premium herbal teas, including ginseng, to our community. Ginseng is one of our most valued herbal infusions — known for its natural energy and immune-boosting benefits. We started by carefully sourcing high-quality matcha directly from Japan, focusing on purity, taste, and consistency, while keeping it accessible at an affordable price. Over time, Lisata has grown into both a retail space and a local supplier for those who appreciate the art of tea.” While Thai imports the matcha, the ginseng is grown on a farm right here in Ontario. They even carry Ginseng honey (something I am excited to try on my next visit!).

There is something for everyone in Lisata. You don’t need to be a seasoned matcha or ginseng enthusiast to benefit from a visit. “For newcomers, we recommend starting with a Matcha Latte or Sweet Matcha, which offer a smooth, approachable flavor while preserving the essence of authentic Japanese matcha. For ginseng, our Ginseng Herbal Tea is naturally caffeine-free and provides a gentle, energizing effect — perfect for those looking for wellness without bitterness,” says Thai.

And for those who have a matcha ritual, Thai has so much to teach you about the many varieties when you visit. Japan’s major tea-producing regions each contribute a unique identity to the nation’s tea culture. Thai explains, “ Shizuoka, located along the Pacific coast, produces nearly half of Japan’s tea and is celebrated for the complexity of flavour that comes from its harsher weather patterns. Kyoto, especially the historic Uji region, is revered as the home of ceremonial Matcha and refined Gyokuro. Further south, Kagoshima in Kyushu offers a warmer subtropical environment, making it one of the fastest-growing and most modernized tea regions. Smaller areas such as Nara and Mie are known for everyday Sencha and Kabusecha enjoyed locally and nationwide.”

In today’s fast-paced culture, a tea ritual can go a long way in our search for calm. “Having a tea ritual brings calm and clarity to everyday life. Beyond its health benefits — like antioxidants, focus, and relaxation — tea encourages mindfulness and self-connection. It’s a moment to pause, breathe, and find peace in the present,” shares Thai.

And if you’re reading this as a coffee shop owner in search of good quality wholesale matcha, Thai can help you with that, too. “Lisata is currently expanding into wholesale matcha supply, and we’re hoping to connect with local coffee shops and cafés interested in serving authentic, high-quality Japanese matcha. We guarantee premium quality, stable pricing, and consistent availability — helping local partners deliver the same reliability and excellence their customers expect,” she shares.