Mohd Afsar, India
Roastery Coffee House
Please tell us a little about yourself:
Hi, I’m Mohd Afsar, National Coffee Mentor at Roastery Coffee House. My journey in coffee began in 2017, and I joined Roastery in 2022. Over the years, I've developed a strong foundation in service and brewing, eventually transitioning into specialty coffee, where I focus on techniques, training, and quality.
At Roastery, my role involves training baristas, leading quality control, and shaping the guest experience. For me, latte art is about balance and precision – every shot, every froth, every movement matters. As I pour, I imagine the design taking shape, and the art comes together slowly, beautifully.
Competing in latte art has been a significant part of my journey, and I'm proud to have become India's first-ever Latte Art Champion in 2023, followed by a first runner-up title in 2024, and reclaiming the championship in 2025.
What motivated you to compete?
Competitions push me to grow and think creatively. Latte art isn’t just a skill; it’s a way for me to express my journey and passion. Each pour tells a story, and competing gives me the chance to share that with others.
What are you excited to do while you are in Geneva?
This is my first time visiting Switzerland, and I’m excited to explore the local culture and coffee scene. I’m looking forward to meeting baristas from around the world, learning from them, and getting inspired. I’m also happy to be in a new place, soaking it all in.
What are your interests outside of coffee?
Outside of coffee, I’m passionate about learning how people think and grow. I enjoy reading about emotional intelligence, leadership, and team dynamics. I also love watching shows like Shark Tank and the Discovery Channel; they inspire me to think creatively and solve problems. And whenever I can, I enjoy relaxing by watching movies in the theater.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank?
Yes, first, I want to thank Nishant Sir and Nilesh Sir at Roastery Coffee House. Their support and belief in me have meant a lot. I also want to thank my team; we learn from each other every day, and their encouragement keeps me going. And finally, I’m grateful to the Indian coffee community for helping raise the standard of what we do and motivating all of us to keep growing.
