Botebote Tea
Embark on a flavorful journey through Shimane’s tradition with this frothy tea experience

About Botebote Tea

Botebote Tea (ぼてぼて茶, Botebote cha) is a traditional light meal from Matsue City in Shimane Prefecture. It involves frothing bancha tea with a bamboo whisk and enjoying it with toppings like sticky rice, boiled beans, diced dried tofu, and pickles. The name “Botebote” is said to come from the sound made while whisking the tea into foam.

This unique dish has a rich history—it was once eaten as nourishment for tatara ironworkers in Okuizumo, as a meal during Matsudaira Fumai’s falconry outings, as emergency food during famines, and as a drink of the common people in contrast to the sophisticated tea ceremonies of the upper classes. Today, visitors can still enjoy Botebote Tea at teahouses near Matsue Castle, making it a delightful way to experience Shimane’s heritage.

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