Zhanlu Coffee

Each cup served to a customer at Zhanlu Coffee embodies more than just coffee—it also represents the careful roasting and blending of flavors, reflecting the barista's commitment to excellence. Mie Akiyama from Japan, majoring in Philosophy; Celine Yapiter from Indonesia, majoring in Psychology; and Yi Jhen Liu from Taiwan, majoring in Foreign Languages and Literatures, interned at Zhanlu Coffee through the NTU International Mentorship Program 2023. Guided by Founder and Chairman, Graham Liao, they embarked on their first foray into the world of specialty coffee.

Driven by a love for coffee, the trio immersed themselves in a rich blend of theory and hands-on practice at Zhanlu Coffee. They gained insights into coffee bean cultivation and processing methods, crafted hand drip coffee and espresso, and delved into the nuances of brewing—such as water temperature, pressure, and brewing time—that influence coffee flavors. Despite being interns, Mie, Celine, and Yi-Jhen strived to meet Zhanlu's rigorous standards for full-time baristas, aiming for consistent coffee quality and flavor. They also explored the realm of customer service, adopting professional protocols and collaborating with colleagues to elevate the customer experience. Throughout their journey, they received support and guidance from their colleagues, who provided unreserved advice, and from Mr. Liao, who illuminated the scientific principles that shape coffee flavors.

Inspired by Mr. Liao's vision, Mie, Celine, and Yi-Jhen have become ambassadors for specialty coffee. Dedicated to the art and science of coffee, they realized that being a great barista goes beyond brewing excellent coffee—it's also about building connections with customers through the shared language of coffee. Over the course of three months, they savored a journey filled with sweetness, acidity, and bitterness, and the lasting impressions from this experience will guide them as they continue their career pursuits.

【For more information】
NTU IMP: https://oiainternship.ntu.edu.tw/
Zhanlu Coffee: https://oiainternship.ntu.edu.tw/sector/view/0890349E3fa9