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Herbal (tisane) · Roasted buckwheat

Sobacha (Buckwheat Tea)

そば茶, buckwheat tea, memil-cha, kuqiao-cha

7.3/10 editor's score

A caffeine-free infusion of roasted buckwheat, called soba-cha in Japan, memil-cha in Korea and kuqiao-cha in China. It can be drunk warm or cold.

Caffeine-freeRoastedJapan
↓ Jump to brew guideAbout this herbCompare

Tisane, not from Camellia sinensis. Based on published sources, not yet tasted.

Roasted buckwheat for sobacha, top-down

What you need

5 g roasted buckwheatSobacha (Buckwheat Tea)
250 ml water90°C
Steep 2:002 steeps
InfusionPale amber
Served inMug or cup

At a glance

A caffeine-free infusion of roasted buckwheat, called soba-cha in Japan, memil-cha in Korea and kuqiao-cha in China.

CaffeineCaffeine-free
Beginner fit9.0 / 10From the editor's score
HarvestBuckwheat harvestRoasted kernels keep, so it is drunk all year.
Pairs withRice dishes, Soba noodles, Light mealsLess good with sweet desserts
Grown asFarmlandVarious regions, Japan, Korea and China
Served inMug or cupA general choice

About Sobacha (Buckwheat Tea)

What sources say about the taste

Sources note that tartary buckwheat makes a nuttier tea 1.

01 · Aroma

First sip

Lift the cup and smell before you drink.

02 · Taste

Middle

Let it sit on the tongue for a moment.

03 · Finish

Finish

What stays after you swallow.

Hover or tap a noteBigger image and more dots mean a stronger note.

Notes and intensities are an editor's summary of published tasting notes, not our own tasting.

Where it is grown

Various regionsJapan, Korea and ChinaJAPAN
Made from
Roasted buckwheat 1
Names
Soba-cha, memil-cha, kuqiao-cha 1
Served
Warm or cold 1
Ratio
1 part buckwheat to 10 parts water 1

More from Various regions and Japan.

History and culture

Like other traditional Korean teas, memil-cha is sometimes served in place of water 1.

Tartary buckwheat from Gangwon Province has become popular for memil-cha 1.

Editor's score

7.3/10

Weighted across six criteria: flavour 30%, heritage 20%, availability 15%, value 15%, beginners 10%, versatility 10%.

Based on published sources, not yet tasted. Rates the plant, not a brand. How we score →

1086Flavour & complexity: 6.0Origin & heritage: 6.5Availability: 7.5Value: 9.0Beginner-friendliness: 9.0Versatility: 8.5Flavour 6.0Heritage 6.5Availability 7.5Value 9.0Beginners 9.0Versatility 8.5
Taste profile and caffeine

Profile is an editor's summary of published tasting notes, not a lab measurement or our own tasting.

Caffeine

Brewed coffee~95 mg
Black tea (average)~47 mg
Green tea (average)~28 mg
Sobacha (Buckwheat Tea)0 mg

Buckwheat contains no caffeine. Per 8 fl oz (240 ml) cup. Coffee and tea averages from Mayo ClinicC.

Harvest calendar

Our general guide. Tap a month or a season.

The plant

Buckwheat, husked, cooked, dried and pan-fried without oil 1.

How it is made
01Husking

Husked 1.

02Cooking

Cooked and dried 1.

03Roasting

Pan-fried without oil 1.

Dry herb and infusion
Dry buckwheatSmall golden-brown kernels.
LiquorPale amber.
After steeping
Wet leafSwollen soft kernels.

The colour swatch is an approximate guide, not a photograph.

Food pairings and storage

Works well

  • Rice dishes
  • Soba noodles
  • Light meals

Best avoided

  • Sweet desserts

Pairings are general suggestions from the tea's style, not tested matches.

Storage

  • Airtight, opaque container, away from light, heat and moisture.
  • Dried flowers and leaves lose aroma within about a year.
  • Buy small amounts and keep away from spices and coffee, which taint the smell.
Quality and buying

Common or tartary buckwheat 1.

Buying tips

  1. Region shown is an approximate area.
  2. Keep sealed.
FAQ
Does sobacha have caffeine?

No. It is made from buckwheat, not tea leaves.

Find it inHerbal infusionsTeas from JapanVarious regionsCaffeine-freeRoastedJapan

Sources

  1. Wikipedia, "Buckwheat tea". en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buckwheat_tea
  2. Mayo Clinic, "Caffeine content for coffee, tea, soda and more". www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/caffeine/art-20049372

Scores and content updated 30 Oct 2026.