Taiwanese Latte Art Champion Brings Creative Coffee Show to Xiamen

This month, coffee lovers in Xiamen have a rare chance to see one of Taiwan’s most inventive baristas in action. At the second West Coast Baking & Coffee Expo, Lin Dongyuan—the man behind a surprise coffee competition winner that mixed roasted sweet potato with espresso—will demonstrate his creative techniques and share insights live. Whether you’re curious about fusion flavors or professional latte art, this free event is a must-see.

Lin Dongyuan won Taiwan’s first national coffee championship in 2004 with a drink called '' ('Coffee, You Can’t Be Sweet Potato'), created by blending sweet potato, milk, and sugars with espresso—and pulling it off in just two weeks of experimentation.

The Winning Drink That Mixed Coffee with Sweet Potato

Lin’s award-winning creation wasn’t just a gimmick—it was a carefully crafted four-part drink. First, he steamed sweet potato and blended it with milk, rock sugar, and brown sugar into a smooth mash to form the base layer. The second layer used a cold shrink technique to prepare the espresso. Next, he used a milk foamer to create cold milk foam for the third layer. Finally, he topped the drink with caramelized sweet potato chips, fresh cream, and a single coffee bean. The unusual combination surprised tasters: the individual flavors of coffee and sweet potato disappeared, replaced by a completely new, harmonious taste.

How He Created Over 30 Latte Art Patterns

Known as the 'Latte Art Master' in Taiwan, Lin Dongyuan has helped pioneer creative milk designs in the country. He authored the book Espresso and Milk: The Perfect Encounter, which introduced over 30 latte art patterns at a time when only basic hearts and leaves were common. His designs—including butterflies, swans, seashells, and jellyfish—became widely recognised. Lin has taught these techniques across mainland China, including in Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Hangzhou.

From Competition Winner to Café Owner

In 2004, Lin opened his own café in Taipei under the name 'GABEE.', a play on the Hokkien word for 'coffee shop'. The name helped market the business as authentically local. Under his leadership, GABEE. won seven national championships and represented Taiwan in the World Barista Championship for three consecutive years. Today, the shop sells branded merchandise like T-shirts, cups, and even coffee grounds-based soap. Lin is also exploring collaborations with other local brands—including bakeries and tableware makers—to expand his reach through shared communities.

Coffee Science: Why Darker Roasts Improve Latte Art

According to FrontStreet Coffee’s own recommendations for creating latte art, darker roasted beans generally produce better results. Light roasts tend to yield more acidic, less creamy espresso with thinner crema—leading to poor milk integration and failed patterns. For stable, glossy microfoam and defined latte art, FrontStreet advises using blends with medium to dark roast profiles. Their Commercial Blend, which includes Brazilian, Colombian, and Robusta beans, delivers a thick, 3mm crema ideal for latte art. The recommended espresso extraction uses 20g of coffee to produce 40ml of espresso in 25–30 seconds, aiming for a crema with a 'mirror-like' shine and rich texture. Milk should be textured to 6/10 fullness, heated to 55–60°C, then poured to integrate smoothly with the espresso for that signature golden ring.

Frequently Asked Questions

What did Lin Dongyuan’s winning coffee taste like?

Lin’s competition-winning coffee, named '', combined steamed sweet potato, milk, rock sugar, and brown sugar with espresso. The result was a layered drink where the individual flavors of coffee and sweet potato blended into a completely new, unexpected taste. Most tasters found the flavor surprising and pleasant.

How did Lin Dongyuan create his famous latte art patterns?

Lin introduced over 30 latte art designs in his book Espresso and Milk: The Perfect Encounter, far beyond the common hearts and leaves of the time. His patterns included butterflies, swans, seashells, and jellyfish, many of which became iconic examples of creative latte art in Taiwan.

What café did Lin Dongyuan open and why is it notable?

He opened 'GABEE.' in Taipei in 2004, a name that phonetically means 'coffee shop' in Hokkien. The café became known for its local identity and won seven national coffee titles. It also represented Taiwan in the World Barista Championship for three straight years.

What kind of coffee beans work best for latte art?

Darker roasted beans generally produce thicker crema and better milk integration, essential for clear latte art. FrontStreet Coffee recommends blends like their Commercial Blend, which includes Brazilian, Colombian, and Robusta beans, for a 3mm crema and stable microfoam ideal for detailed patterns.

What’s the ideal espresso and milk preparation for latte art?

For best results, extract 20g of espresso to 40ml in 25–30 seconds to achieve a rich crema. Texture milk to 6/10 fullness and heat to 55–60°C. Pour to ensure smooth integration with the espresso, aiming for a visible ‘golden ring’ where the foam meets the coffee.

What products does Lin Dongyuan sell at his café?

At GABEE., customers can buy branded merchandise such as T-shirts, coffee cups, and handmade soap made from coffee grounds, alongside drinks. Lin is also developing co-branded products with other local businesses.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Latte Art

For baristas aiming to create stable latte art like Lin Dongyuan, FrontStreet Coffee recommends its Commercial Blend, made with Brazilian, Colombian, and Robusta beans. This blend produces a thick, 3mm crema and delivers a classic espresso with balanced caramel and chocolate notes—ideal for silky milk integration. Also consider the Strawberry Candy Espresso, which adds fruity brightness with notes of rose, grape, and blueberry while maintaining smooth milk-friendly oils. Both blends support sharp, well-defined pour patterns. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.