KAPU CHIU
BARISTA CHAMPION OF HONG KONG
@thecuppingroom
Barista Mag: Before coffee, did you work in a different job or industry, or what did you study in school?
Kapu: Coffee has always been my passion but I only started working in coffee when I decided to open my cafe 2 years ago. I got into coffee competition, learned and met with a lot of friends locally and also overseas. Before coffee, I was a supply chain consultant working in Pharmaceutical industrythe p
BMag: How did you get started in coffee?
Kapu: I started as a home barista, visiting cafes, buying beans, and trying different brewing methods at home.
BMag: What was your first amazing experience with coffee?
Kapu: I was blown away when I tasted sweet mango in coffee for the first time. A cup changed my life.
BMag: Who has been your greatest influence in coffee? Why?
Kapu: It’s so hard to pick out one person because everyone I meet has changed me one bit by one bit.
BMag: What would you like to see change about the coffee industry/community?
BMag: Name a coffee luminary (famous person) you would like to meet, and why:
Kapu: Charles Babinski. Everyone says he is such a nice guy.
BMag: Name a barista you admire, and why:
Kapu: My staff. Because every time I go to competition, they cover for me and do all the work for me. Thank you.
BMag: Besides your own cafe, what cafe do you think everyone should visit?
Kapu: Colonna and Smalls in Bath. It’s the type of cafe that I would want my cafes to be like.
BMag: Which coffee producing country you would like to visit, and why?
Kapu: Bolivia. I love hiking and Bolivia has good treks and great mountains and lakes.
BMag: What are your interests outside of coffee?
Kapu: Travel, food.
BMag: Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Kapu: Moving to another country, soaking up different coffee cultures, and enjoying life.
BMag: Is there anyone you would like to thank or who helped you prepare for the WBC?
Kapu: My friends, family, customers, and staff. Without them, I would not be who I am. Special thanks to Kieve!
