Kiwi chases coffee art dream to Milan

Barista Sam Low is off to Milan to take part in a workshop on coffee art. Photo / Zara Mattsen.

Most of Sam Low's customers don't know what they're missing. That's because Low - rated the world's sixth-best practitioner of coffee art - sells mainly covered takeaways out of Bump, his hole-in-the-wall shop in Kent St, Newmarket.

The 23-year-old barista isn't bothered. Art got him into the industry but it's the coffee he's passionate about.

"It's a hobby rather than a selling point," he says of the intricate designs that grace his lattes and flat whites. "It's the coffee itself I fell in love with."

Low's been experimenting with softer brewing methods to get the best out of the beans. But his pursuit of the perfect cup will have to wait. Next week, the New Zealand champ is off to a three-day workshop in Milan, where he'll again rub shoulders with the world's best coffee artists as they hone their techniques.

The trip coincides with this year's national championships, meaning Low won't be able to defend his title.

As there's only so much you can do pouring milk from a jug into a cup, coffee art is as much about execution as originality. Designs vary on three themes - the tulip, rosetta and heart.

Contestants are judged on symmetry, contrast, harmony and difficulty. Low focuses on simple designs done perfectly, an approach that put him up with the best in the world.

The New Zealand Latte Art Championship is on at Food for Thought Café, Massey University - Albany Campus on Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 April, free entry. Applications to compete are still open and can be made at www.nzcra.org.nz.