Ondřej Cihlář, Czech Republic
Café Datel, Kmen Coffee Roasters
Please tell us a little about yourself:
My name is Ondřej, and I’m a barista and bartender from a small town in South Bohemia, currently working at Café Datel. I also serve as the quality manager and roaster at Kmen Coffee Roasters. Though I’ve been in the industry professionally for just over two years, my passion for coffee goes back much further. I’ve competed in several bartending competitions, and this is now my second time stepping onto the world stage—an experience I value deeply and am excited to grow from.
What are you excited to do while you are in Geneva?
Even with a packed competition schedule, I’d love to explore some local restaurants and bars. And no matter how busy it gets, I’ll make sure to take a walk by the beautiful Lac Léman to soak in the atmosphere.
What are your interests outside of coffee?
Outside of coffee, I’m drawn to nature—I enjoy hiking, running, and photography. I’m also a passionate food lover and love discovering new flavors, cuisines, and dining experiences.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank?
I’m incredibly grateful to my teammates at Café Datel and Kmen Coffee Roasters—we’re more like family than colleagues. A special thanks goes to Natka, Alča, and Honza for giving me the opportunity to grow and thrive at Café Datel. I also want to thank my friends, family, and the Czech coffee community for their unwavering support throughout my journey