The coffee scene in the United Arab Emirates reaches its peak excitement today as the Lavazza UAE Barista Finals 2024 take place at the prestigious Grosvenor House in Dubai Marina. Among the 12 talented baristas competing for the top prize, four exceptional Filipino talents are ready to showcase their skills and passion for coffee-making: Carlo Bernabe of Llama Cafe, Cristina of Occasion Restaurant and Coffee Shop, Nino Calim of Peet’s Coffee Dubai Hills, and Nolan Joshua Lobidica of Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort & Spa.
The Lavazza Barista Challenge 2024, an esteemed competition known for celebrating excellence in coffee craftsmanship, has drawn baristas from across the UAE to demonstrate their expertise in coffee-making techniques and creativity. Following the rigorous semi-finals held on November 8 at the International Centre for Culinary Arts (ICCA) in Knowledge Village, Dubai, today’s finals will determine who stands out as the UAE’s finest barista.
The competition is fierce, as the stakes are high. The winner will secure an all-expenses-paid trip to Turin, Italy, to represent the UAE at the World Lavazza Barista Championship in April 2025. This comes with the unique opportunity to participate in the Lavazza Masters Coffee Course at the company’s headquarters, along with a cash prize of AED 7,000 and a professional coffee machine. The second, third, fourth, and fifth places will also be rewarded with a mix of cash prizes, espresso machines, and barista kits, showcasing the event’s commitment to nurturing talent in the coffee industry.
