Aldy Nugroho, United Arab Emirates
The Espresso Lab
Please tell us a little about yourself:
I've been working at The Espresso Lab for the past five years. I started competing in Brewers competitions in 2018 in Indonesia, and three years ago, I entered my first Barista competition. My journey began with a 7th place finish, then 4th place, and most recently, I achieved 1st place. In the past, I often said, “I like the version of myself when I'm competing.” It made me more disciplined, more driven, and helped me build better habits. But now, as a father to a one-year-old son, my motivation has shifted. I want to be someone he can look up to. I want him to grow up knowing that whatever path he chooses, he should give it 1000% every single day—and strive to be great at it. I'm more into family man rather than coffee man. Is it fun enough? haha or boring. I don't know coffee is just a path for me to become use for others. Or I really like sambal? It's a spicy sauce from Indonesia. Start working at very small cafe in my Uni during a part time at 2016.
What are you excited to do while you are in Milan?
Strolling around with my fams to downtown of Milan.
What are your interests outside of coffee?
I love movies—there’s something powerful about a well-told story. I believe films can teach you a lot about life. Also, I'm a passionate Arsenal FC fan—it's in my heartbeat.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank?
My wife. Ibrahim my Boss or Coach in Life, Seno and Fajar as my Coach and Isman to create a very special milk for me. And all The Espresso Lab team back home in Dubai.
