Taiwanese barista Lin Shao-sing (林紹興) has won the World Latte Art Championship in California, putting Taiwan on the global coffee map with his latest international title.
Lin, also known as Bala, secured the victory after three days of competition at the World Coffee Championships’ World Latte Art Championship, held from April 10 to 12 in San Diego. A total of 33 competitors from around the world took part.
The 37-year-old won with latte art designs featuring a raccoon, a giraffe and red pandas.
Photo: Tien Yu-hua, Taipei Times
He said the victory reflected the strength of Taiwan’s coffee industry, of which he is proud to be a part.
The competition consists of preliminary and final rounds. In the preliminary stage, contestants prepare four drinks for two judges within eight minutes, with two drinks required to use oat milk. In the final round, competitors prepare six drinks for three judges within 10 minutes.
Lin’s preliminary designs featured a raccoon and a French bulldog, while his final-round entries included a raccoon, a giraffe and red pandas.
Photo: Tien Yu-hua, Taipei Times
“It is important to pursue something you love to the highest level, which can open up opportunities,” he said after his win.
At a news conference in Taipei yesterday, Lin said he first discovered latte art 12 years ago while working as a guesthouse manager in Hualien. A customer requested milk tea topped with foam, prompting him to search online for how to froth milk and videos introduced him to latte art, sparking his interest in the craft, he said.
Lin later ented the coffee sector and began competing in 2018.
He said the path was not always smooth, but he was encouraged after judges at his first competition showed strong interest in his designs and presentations.
He said that many domestic and international baristas later imitated and adapted his work.
“Apparently my designs had an influence on many people,” he said.
Lin said he often bases his competition designs on animals, inspired by childhood visits to the zoo with his family.
Latte art adds a visual dimension to the coffee experience, he said.
However, in competition settings, baristas use lower milk-foam temperatures to ensure designs remain stable, he said.
Although he had only four months to prepare for this year’s championship, team support was crucial, Lin said.
Including sponsors, coaches, family and friends, Lin had the backing of a team of about 100 people, Taiwan Coffee Association chairwoman Wu Yi-ling (吳怡玲) said.
“Some contributed their effort, while others contributed financially,” she said, adding that their support helped Taiwan’s baristas shine on the world stage.
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