Cups filled with love
Contestants create heart-shaped milk froth
MOST say it with flowers. Some with teddy bears and chocolates. Yet others use the milky froth atop a humble cuppa, as a medium to express ‘love’.
The internationally-recognised heart-shaped symbol was a common denominator in cups of coffee freshly brewed by participants of the Battle of the Baristas — Love Latte Art Championship at Gurney Plaza, Penang.
For the average person, a cup of coffee is nothing more than a beverage. But for the contest’s 10 finalists, it is serious business involving many steps and techniques.
Starting with the grinding of coffee beans and ending with pouring milk in just the right way, the baristas brewed and ‘painted’ works of art, with white ripples shaped liked hearts atop a rich caramel-coloured surface.
Competing far from home, Cheah Wai Kit, 18, from Skudai in Johor, emerged champion, walking away with prizes worth RM1,900, among them a coffee machine.
Currently a full-time barista at a cafe there, he attributed his success to constant practice, something he gets a lot of.
On an average, he makes around 40 cups of coffee a day for customers, each imbued with unique motifs on top.
“As I pour the milk into the coffee, the beautiful swirls just come naturally. I try to watch videos whenever I can, to further improve my skills.
“I’m delighted, but now all my money is gone, as I promised my friends beforehand, to give them a treat if I won!” he quipped after the recently held contest.
Runner-up Kenny Foo Zhi Wei, 20, from Kulai, Johor, reflected on a fruitful outing all the way up north. Having learnt of the contest, he didn’t think twice about making the journey.
“I knew I should take part. Besides gaining valuable exposure competing against other skilled baristas, I also get to meet new friends. I’m very happy and had luck on my side.
“It’s a hard skill to master. You need to practise everyday, and drink lots of coffee!” said Foo, who works in his uncle’s cafe.
Wong Wai Yee, 23, of Kuala Lumpur, the only female participant, achieved her ambition of being on the podium by finishing third, a feat she is rightly proud of.
A coffee consultant with a company in the Klang Valley, she had only been in the industry for about a year.
“Before that, I never really drank coffee. But after getting this job, I’ve learnt a lot and developed an interest.
“As my work involves lab sessions, I get ample opportunities to hone my coffee-making skills,” she said.
Foo and Wong won prizes worth RM850 and RM750 respectively.
The mall’s ‘All About Love’ programme for the month of February will culminate with the final of the Love Solo/duet Competition on Saturday. Get into the rhythm of love as eager songbirds belt out melodies at the New Wing Atrium beginning 2pm.