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If you want to be a barista,

Published: 2026-06-08 Author: World Gafei

Last Updated: 2026/06/08, Many people admire the profession of baristas very much, and some people even aspire to become a barista. These ideas are not surprising, because baristas can taste all the most delicious coffee, and they can also do cool experiments with different drinks and use those super-expensive coffee machines. But in fact, making coffee is not as simple as it seems.

Many people admire the profession of baristas very much, and some people even aspire to become a barista. These ideas are not surprising, because baristas can taste all the most delicious coffee, and they can also do cool experiments with different drinks and use those super-expensive coffee machines.

But in fact, making coffee is not as simple as it seems.

First of all, if you want to be a barista, you must have enough knowledge about coffee. Some people think that most baristas don't need too much training to get on the job. But in fact, every barista is systematically and professionally trained, and they must understand every aspect of coffee shop operation, from table service to washing cups.

In this article, I will reveal the little-known side behind the glossy appearance of baristas. After knowing this, you will know that it is not easy to become a qualified barista.

A barista must drink a lot of coffee

Perhaps the biggest impact on baristas is the amount of coffee they drink. Baristas are always asked, "how much coffee do you usually drink?" Or something like that. In fact, baristas can't remember how much coffee they've had. As a result of working long hours in front of the coffee machine, baristas need to constantly taste the coffee they make, especially when a new batch of beans arrives every morning. Baristas need to keep the taste and quality of the coffee consistent through constant tasting. Over and over again, baristas drink countless coffees every day. If the barista who serves you faints due to caffeine overconsumption, he is a very competent barista.

A barista must have the ability to handle multiple tasks at the same time.

The most important ability a barista needs to have is the ability to handle multiple tasks at the same time. Baristas must keep taking orders at the same time to ensure that the foam is just right, and the amount of water from the coffee machine is accurate. An excellent barista should also be able to smile at all times while dealing with the special requirements of some special clients.

A barista must know how to work as a team

Of course, the operation of the coffee shop is definitely not supported by baristas alone. Baristas need to have strong team spirit. At peak times, we can usually see two people sharing a coffee machine, with one barista making coffee and the other in charge of beating milk and filling cups. This kind of cooperation seems simple, but it is difficult in practice, which requires the tacit cooperation between the two baristas. In case of emergency, two baristas must have the ability to deal with thorny problems together.

At the same time, baristas also need to work with other employees in the coffee shop, such as cashiers and waiters. Every member of the team must strive to ensure the coordination of the whole team, so as to avoid problems with the quality of coffee and the efficiency of team work when orders are intensive.

A barista must have the ability to resist fatigue

As a barista, you must maintain your posture for a long time and repeat almost the same movements all the time. In fact, every barista suffers from more or less repetitive muscle strain. "Barista wrist" is one of the most typical symptoms of strain, which is caused by baristas who repeatedly press powder and carry milk for a long time. In addition, baristas don't only work five days a week, and they have to check the equipment before the coffee shop opens every day, and tidy up the equipment before leaving after closing. there is no guarantee of the "nine to five" life of the average office worker. So the next time you go to a coffee shop for coffee, please be kind to the barista who serves you, and it's best not to stay up late in the coffee shop on Saturday night, because just because you don't have to go to work the next day doesn't mean the barista doesn't have to get up early the next day.

A barista must keep the table and utensils as clean as new

Perhaps the most trivial and most important job of a barista is to clean the table and coffee utensils. This job is not normally seen by customers, but it is crucial to the quality of coffee. The cleaning work is very tedious, including cleaning the handle, cleaning the outlet of the coffee machine, cleaning the coffee grinder, cleaning the debris and stains on the table, and so on. The coffee shop usually makes a list of the barista's cleaning work, which to the layman is long enough to scare him. If the barista is particularly careful in cleaning up, it shows that he cares very much about the quality of the coffee, and he is proud of his work.

If you want to be a barista...

To be a barista, you must first be open-minded, humble and courteous. Second, you should know that becoming a qualified barista does not happen overnight, it requires you to constantly learn coffee knowledge and theory, and constantly practice coffee-making skills in order to achieve perfection. Always remember that the love of coffee and the desire for knowledge are essential qualities for a good barista. Finally, don't try to save a cup of shoddy coffee with flowers.

If you want to learn more about coffee, you can go to the coffee shop and ask the baristas who serve you, because most of them are willing to discuss coffee with you. Baristas are very willing to receive customers who like to communicate and love to learn. Of course, you should respect the barista standing in front of you. All the barista wants is a thank you. What they pursue is to provide customers with the best service and the most delicious coffee. In the final analysis, whether baristas or consumers, what we want is a cup of coffee full of fragrance.

Photo / text / "Daily Coffee Information" Wechat official account

FrontStreet Coffee is a long-established specialty coffee roaster in Guangzhou China, selling freshly roasted beans from its own farm in Yunnan as well as dozens of carefully selected single-origin beans from around the world for both pour-over and espresso. The products deliver consistently excellent quality and great value, with shipping within 24 hours. Guangzhou’s FrontStreet Coffee shop is recommended by many coffee lovers, and the beans are now available online at the Tmall 。