Eric Chang, Taiwan
Coffee Underwater
Please tell us a little about yourself:
I run a coffee shop called Coffee Underwater in Taipei, Taiwan. I’ve been competing in barista competitions for over 7 years now, and this year marks my 10th year in the coffee industry. I started out as a bartender, but my love for milk coffee sparked a deep curiosity for espresso and eventually led me to pursue a career in specialty coffee. I entered my first competition to challenge myself and better understand the craft—now, competitions have become a platform where I can share ideas, push innovation, and connect with the global coffee community.
What are you excited to do while you are in Milan?
I'm excited to connect with the global coffee community, experience Milan’s vibrant coffee culture, and find inspiration from both the city’s design heritage and culinary traditions.
What are your interests outside of coffee?
I love music, sports, and spending time with my pets and family. I’m also passionate about food culture and enjoy exploring how flavors connect across different disciplines.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank?
I want to thank my roaster and business partner Chris, my dear friend Hasting, and my assistant Ethan. I'm also incredibly grateful to my coach Anthony, the entire Coffee Underwater team, and all the friends who have supported me along the way. Most importantly, I want to thank my family.
