Local barista takes coffee art to the next level

Order a cappuccino and a good barista will serve it with a foamy heart or rose, or a smiley emoji. But when Watiko Miti is behind the coffee machine, it’s a different story. His coffee art blows customers away.

If there’s one thing that makes him happy, it’s seeing someone else smile. And it’s a moment he’s created, time and again.

Serving a cup of coffee with a touch of Africa

From intricate drawings of animals to beautiful landscapes and African sunsets, Watkin’s masterpieces have been captivating customers and spreading joy, one cup at a time.

He is presently a regional beverage manager for coffee franchise Wiesenhof. The food and beverage industry has always been in his blood, and Watiko has previously managed and supervised out-lets in the hospitality industry.

His journey as a barista began in 2016, when he stumbled upon a job opportunity while searching for work in Cape Town after moving to South Africa from Malawi.

Initially aiming for a managerial position, Watiko’s lack of coffee knowledge presented a hurdle when he applied for a job at a purist coffee shop. ‘I didn’t know much about coffee when I first applied. I thought it was just about serving a cup of tea or a regular coffee,” Watiko recalled.

But his interview at the coffee shop took an unexpected turn when the potential employer realised his passion for the hospitality industry was infectious.

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The art of coffee

He got the job, but not as a manager. They offered him a chance to start as a regular staff member, first as a busboy, then taking orders, serving customers, and gradually learning the art of coffee.

At first, I was simply cleaning tables and delivering coffee. But the coffee shop had a strict policy of educating its staff about the origins and flavours of the different coffees we served.”

Determined to get ahead, he immersed himself in learning about coffee’s origins, understanding flavours, and then explaining the nuances to customers.

After nearly eight months of clearing tables and diligent observation and learning, fate moved the pieces on the chessboard, again.

One day, when the assigned barista couldn’t make it to work, Watiko was asked to step in. With no formal training, he took up the challenge and learnt how to make coffee.

His first day steaming cappuccinos and pouring Americanos lasted twelve hours. It was a lesson at the coalface, jumping in at the deep end.

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Trial by fire

“It was a trial by fire, but I embraced the opportunity. I taught myself how to make lattes and mastered the art of frothing milk. It was an exhausting day, but I proved to myself that I could do it,” he said.

The owner of the coffee shop recognised Miti’s effort and promoted him to a full-time barista position. This marked the turning point in his career, as he started honing his skills.

While many baristas are con-tent with creating limited art on cups, Watiko decided to push the boundaries. Seeking to delight customers, he began experimenting with chocolate powder as his medium.

By mixing it with water, he created a paste-like consistency, enabling him to draw intricate designs on the foam of the coffee. It was worth the months of practice.

“People love the element of surprise. When they receive their coffee and see a beautiful design on top, it brings an instant smile to their faces.”

Today Miti’s designs range from simple shapes to intricate animals such as giraffes, elephants, and lions.

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Lockdown

During lockdown, when people were socially distanced, Miti said that he used his art to communicate a sense of hope to customers. “It was then that it dawned on me that just a little extra effort for someone can make a huge difference to that person’s day.”

He said that it was his way of talking to people while masked. The process of creating these coffee masterpieces varies depending on the design.

Some designs take just a few seconds, while more elaborate ones can take up to a minute and a half. That’s still super-fast, and the coffee never arrives cold at the table.

Sometimes customers now have specific requests of what picture they’d like on their coffee. They bring their own pictures for replication.

He said: ‘It can be daunting when someone asks me to draw something I’ve never tried before. But with practice and dedication, I strive to bring their vision to life.”

“I never imagined that my passion for coffee and art would lead to such amazing opportunities. I’ve been invited to participate in coffee art competitions and collaborate with other talented baristas,” Miti said.

He hopes to continue growing his skills, connecting with fellow coffee enthusiasts, and spreading happiness through his creations. Looking ahead, Miti dreams of opening his own coffee shop, where he can showcase his unique designs.

He envisions a space where people can enjoy a great coffee and also experience the joy of being served extraordinary art. – news@citizen.co.za