WBC Countdown: Barista Champion of Hong Kong Kapo Chiu

KAPU CHIU
BARISTA CHAMPION OF HONG KONG
@thecuppingroom

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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.

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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!

About Sarah 929 Articles
Sarah Allen (she/her) is co-founder and editor of Barista Magazine, the international trade magazine for coffee professionals. A passionate advocate for baristas, quality, and the coffee community, Sarah has traveled widely to research stories, interact with readers, and present on a variety of topics affecting specialty coffee. She also loves animals, swimming, ice cream, and living in Portland, Oregon.