Filipino Barista Shines in UAE Latte Art Championships

A Filipino barista has claimed the top honour at the UAE National Latte Art Competition 2026, emerging as champion during the country’s national coffee championships held in January at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

Jhomar Morales, 31, a senior barista at Benchmark Coffee, secured first place in the latte art category at the UAE National Barista, Latte Art, and Roasting Championships, staged from January 18 to 20 as part of World of Coffee Dubai 2026.

The annual competition brought together baristas from across the UAE to compete in disciplines testing precision, symmetry, contrast, technical execution and overall presentation in milk-and-espresso artistry.

“Everything felt surreal”

Reflecting on his victory, Morales described the announcement as an emotional milestone.

“When my name was announced as the champion of the UAE National Latte Art Competition 2026, everything felt surreal. For a few seconds, I couldn’t move. I just remembered all the early mornings, the failed pours, the pressure, the self-doubt, and the sacrifices. I felt overwhelming gratitude for everyone who supported me, especially my teams from Benchmark Coffee and Archers Coffee. Both companies always provided a platform for us employees to hone our skills as coffee people, not just baristas in hospitality, who contribute to a wider community with a passion for this craft. That moment wasn’t just about winning. It was proof that believing in practice and team effort will lead you to be better,” he shared with The Global Filipibo Magazine.

Precision and performance under pressure

The UAE National Latte Art Championship evaluates competitors on technical accuracy and artistic interpretation, with strict judging criteria covering symmetry, contrast and stage presentation.

Morales credited his daily work in a high-volume café environment at Benchmark Coffee as crucial preparation for the competition. Managing consistent output under time pressure helped sharpen the discipline and focus required on stage.

While technical pouring techniques can be refined through repetition, Morales noted that performing under scrutiny posed one of the biggest challenges. To prepare, he incorporated timed practice sessions and simulated competition scenarios to build confidence and mental resilience.

His victory marks a significant achievement for the Filipino coffee community in the UAE and highlights the growing prominence of specialty coffee competitions in Dubai’s expanding café industry.