SINGAPORE – Mr John Ryan Ting took home the title of the nation’s best barista at this year’s Singapore National Barista Championship (SNBC) on Saturday (Jan 31).
He beat 15 other contestants in a two-day competition held at the Marina Bay Sands Convention Centre. Contestants were required to serve judges an espresso shot, a cappuccino and their signature drink, in the order of their choice.
By winning the competition, he won the right to represent Singapore at the World Barista Championship, which will be held in Seattle from Apr 9 to 12.
The first day saw 16 baristas battling for the title. On Saturday, six contestants took part in the showdown. Besides Mr Ting, the finalists were defending champion Ms Loke Xinyi from Common Man Coffee Roasters; Mr Dennis Tang from Nylon Coffee; Ms Regina Tay and Ms Zenn Soon from Strangers Reunion; and Mr Lee Hee Wei from Olla Specialty Coffee.
Specialty coffee has been gaining popularity in Singapore in the last few years, report local media.
