Richard Wolak interviews Benyapa Naowan, Winner Thailand Barista Championship of 2009.
How long did you train for the 2009 World Barista Championship in Atlanta?
I started the training since I won National Thailand Barista Championship in Thailand (NTBC) from February 23rd to April 13th.
As for this year, the WBC starts earlier than usual, normally in June, so there is not enough time for my training.
Which Barista Championship did you win prior to your participation in the World Barista Championship? and how were you chosen to be in that championship?
I won the National Thailand Barista Championship (NTBC) 2009. It was the competition for the best representative from Thailand to participate in the WBC. Before that I had won a company’s internal competition (Black Canyon Coffee) so I was qualified for the NTBC.
What is your role in the coffee industry in your city/country?
My role is to work as a barista for Black Canyon Coffee (Thailand) to serve the best coffee to my customers. I am proud to present the best quality of Thai coffee brewed from my heart to all my customers. As a barista, I always improve my knowledge and skills as well as train new generation of baristas to further develop high-quality baristas for Black Canyon Coffee and coffee industry in Thailand.
Where and when was the first Barista championship you competed in? and what were the other Barista competitions you have competed?
My first competition was the NTBC in 2008 which was the competition searching for representative to join the WBC competition in Denmark.
I was the second runner-up. In the same year, I participated in Thailand Barista Championship (TBC).
In 2009, I joined the NTBC competition again and was the first winner. Therefore, I represented Thailand champion to participate in the WBC in Atlanta, USA. One month after that I joined the TBC competition and was the first winner again.
How did it feel to win 1st place at the Thailand Barista Championship, both on a personal and professional level?
I felt great and was proud to earn the title because I regard it as the greatest award for myself and also the greatest achievement for Barista career. My next target is to win the World Championship which I will have to put my great effort on it.
Describe the drink you created as your "custom" drink in the World Barista Championship in 2009.
The ingredients are whip cream, Thai Sai-Nam-Pueng orange juice, icing and ground bananas to be blended together until it becomes a bit creamy and then pour it on the top of espresso shot. I chose this drink because I wanted to present the freshness of fruits and also the Sai-Nam-Pueng oranges which are famous from Chiangrai, the northern province of Thailand.
What is the Cafe culture and coffee scene like in Thailand?
The majority of coffee lovers in Thailand like strong coffee taste and texture. As for ice coffee, the most popular one is coffee with milk that tastes sweet. Some Thais like to drink traditional coffee which has special characteristic of coffee i.e. sweet black coffee. There are various styles of coffee shops in Thailand such as roadside coffee store, coffee trolley and also luxurious coffee shop where customers would go for their individual styles depending on their tastes and habits.
What advice/tips do you have for Baristas just getting started in your country?
You should set your own target, love the job with all your heart and you must be ambitious with aspiration for the job. Moreover, you must be yourself and have your own style rather than imitating from others’. You should also acquire new knowledge all the time.
What was it like competing with all the other Barista Champions in the WBC in Atlanta?
I gained lots of experience and made a lot of new friends who are Barista champions from around the world. I felt excited and proud that once in my life, I had the opportunity to participate in the world class competition among Barista Champions from all over the world. It is an unforgettable experience for me.
What is your favorite food to complement your favorite espresso beverage?
I love cakes, especially brownies filled with chocolate chips and wipe cream on top together with espresso coffee. I love it!
What did you do before becoming a Barista?
I had been a restaurant manager for 3 years and after that I started my own business, running a restaurant with my family for another 2 years. Then, I applied for the manager at Black Canyon Coffee where I have been a barista since then.
Do you have any mentors in the coffee industry and if so, who and why?
Yes, of course. Mr. Supot Lesuwathanakool, a National Thailand Barista Champion 2006, is my mentor. Due to his experience as Thailand Champion attending the WBC 2006 in Seattle, USA, he has always been my counselor and role model. I have gained a lot of knowledge and advice about barista from him that I applied in my previous competitions.
What interests do you have outside of the coffee business?
Apart from coffee business, I would like to do business in restaurants, hotels, and tourism.
POSTED: Friday, May 29, 2009