Not all matcha is the same.
For a long time, I felt we were being sold an idea—matcha that promised quality but delivered bitterness, flatness, and little substance. No clarity, no standard, just nice packaging.

AHLQEN started from a need to do things differently.
I’ve spent years searching—tasting, asking questions, learning—until I found producers in Japan who truly care. Small-scale growers who value tradition and quality over trends.

The matcha we offer is fresh, vibrant, and full of umami.
It’s made with care and meant to be part of something simple: a clear head, a small pause, a moment that’s yours.

There’s a difference between good matcha and real matcha.
You’ll notice.

Making Space for Creativity

AHLQEN isn’t just about finely ground green tea. It’s about making space—space for clarity, for creativity, and for small rituals that support everyday life.

For years, coffee was part of my routine. I drank it without thinking, not realizing how much it contributed to the anxiety I was feeling. The restlessness, the tightness, the constant buzz–I thought that was just me. But when I stopped, I understood it wasn’t.

Letting go of coffee wasn’t about swapping one habit for another. It was about stepping away from something that never really worked for me. Still, I missed the ritual. I wanted something that gave energy without the crash, something that supported, rather than pushed.

That’s where matcha came in.
It became a way to feel calm and focused at the same time. No highs or lows—just a quiet kind of clarity. It doesn’t overpower. It supports. And in that, it makes room for what actually matters.

Founders words

This philosophy stems from my childhood. Growing up in a highly creative, do-it-yourself family inspired by true craftsmanship, I was always making something, like carving wood, sketching designs, coding websites, drawing. I learned early on that inspiration isn’t forced; it happens when you make space for it.

And who am I? My name is Hanna, and it is truly a pleasure to meet you here. Born and raised in the suburbs of Stockholm, I've lived in Prague for a while and now have my space in a tiny studio in Södermalm. Currently also occupied by my boyfriend before he moves to Vienna this autumn—but until then, we are rocking the compact living together. I work full-time at another small (yet eight times bigger than this) company, so AHLQEN is my part-time heart project, which I dedicate every other second to when I'm not working at my other job or sleeping. The dream is, of course, to be doing AHLQEN full-time, but the way there is a lot, and lots, of matcha tins.

I invite you to that moment of balance—to help you create space for creativity, clarity, and presence.

Join Us 

Whether you're new to matcha or a long-time enthusiast, we invite you to experience matcha as it should be. No shortcuts, no misleading labels, just the highest quality matcha, sourced with care and served with integrity.

Welcome to AHLQEN—we are so incredibly happy to have you here.

[Learn more about our sourcing here.]

Welcome to AHLQEN – we are so incredibly happy to have you here.