Symbolizing hospitality in Japan, sobacha has now become a part of the traditional Eastern tea ceremony in the West. Treat yourself to an exotic taste experience with a steaming or iced cup of roasted buckwheat infusion. (Re)discover sobacha at our French tea house, a creator of high-quality teas and herbal infusions since 1919.

The History of Sobacha: Roasted Buckwheat Infusion from Japan

Originating from the northeastern part of Asia, sobacha proudly claims its place in Japanese culinary heritage, as reflected in its name. "Sobacha" combines “soba,” the Japanese word for buckwheat, with “cha,” meaning tea.

However, sobacha is not technically a tea—it is an infusion made from roasted buckwheat seeds, caffeine-free, and perfect for sipping throughout the day.

In Japan, sobacha is one of the most popular beverages, alongside the famous matcha tea. Originally, the buckwheat plant spread throughout Japan due to new cultivation techniques. First used to make flour and noodles, roasted buckwheat seeds were later used to create a naturally sweet elixir with rounded, nutty flavors.

As a convivial drink, sobacha is perfect for welcoming guests at any time of day. Be captivated by its unique flavor through a hot or iced infusion. Great news for sobacha lovers: roasted buckwheat seeds are also used in cooking to make cakes (like chocolate-sobacha tart), porridges, and salads with a light smoky flavor. Enjoy a cup of sobacha during a meal, paired with onigiri for a 100% Japanese food-and-tea pairing, or with a fruity dessert for a moment of sweet harmony.

Sobacha Infusion by Betjeman & Barton

Respecting tradition, our more-than-century-old tea house honors the authenticity of Japanese sobacha with our roasted buckwheat infusion.

Our sobacha is carefully crafted using an ancient recipe that will satisfy the most discerning tea enthusiasts. For optimal enjoyment, this herbal tea with a delightful roasted hazelnut flavor should be infused for 4 to 5 minutes in water at 90°C.

Available in loose leaf format in 100g, 500g, or 1kg sizes, our sobacha fits all preferences and occasions: choose the 100g version to try buckwheat infusion for the first time, the 500g version for a precious gift for a herbal tea lover, or the 1kg version to stock up on your favorite caffeine-free beverage.

Also, don’t miss our other Japanese teas for a perfect immersion in the Land of the Rising Sun. From the green tea “Genmaicha” with roasted rice and puffed rice to “Sencha Natural Leaf” from the Kyushu region, or the black tea “Japon Kanzan” with cherry blossoms, find the perfect companion for your moments of relaxation at home.