Hong Kong Barista Hasting Ng Wins DaVinci Gourmet Asia Pacific Championship Ahead of Global Finals in Bangkok

Singapore became the center of coffee creativity and fierce competition as some of the region’s most talented baristas gathered for the DaVinci Gourmet Barista Craft Championship Asia Pacific Regionals 2025–26.

Under the vibrant theme “Espresso Your Flavour,” competitors transformed espresso into deeply personal stories, blending culture, technique, and innovation into every cup.

Held during Food & Hospitality Asia (FHA) on 29 April 2026, the regional finals delivered a full day of high-stakes performances where eight national champions from across Asia Pacific battled for a coveted place at the global finals in Bangkok, Thailand.

At the end of the competition, Hong Kong’s Hasting Ng emerged as the Asia Pacific champion, earning the top title and securing his spot at the DaVinci Gourmet Barista Craft Championship Global Final on 9 May 2026 at World of Coffee Bangkok.

Hasting Ng Captures the Asia Pacific Title

Hasting Ng impressed judges with two standout espresso-based beverages that combined technical mastery with storytelling and bold flavor direction. His winning presentation featured a non-alcoholic spiced mulled coffee alongside a creative nasi lemak-inspired espresso drink infused with pandan, lychee, and rice syrup.

The judges praised his precision, balance, and ability to create beverages that felt both innovative and deeply personal.

Reflecting on his victory, Hasting shared that the championship represented more than just competition.

“Winning this final has been a meaningful moment because it reflects the journey I’ve taken to find my own voice as a barista. DaVinci Gourmet gave me the space and tools to explore that with confidence, and to create drinks that feel simple and true to my style,” he said.

Hasting, who is also a respected barista coach, trainer, and consultant, previously earned first runner-up honors at the 2025 Hong Kong Coffee in Good Spirit Championship. He will now represent Asia Pacific on the world stage in Bangkok, where he will compete against regional champions from Latin America and the Middle East, India Subcontinent, and Africa.

Asia Pacific’s Rising Coffee Talents Shine

The regional finals highlighted the growing influence of Asia Pacific in the global specialty coffee scene. Vietnam’s Tuan Hai Khu secured first runner-up after presenting refined coffee creations featuring Kenyan espresso, raspberry, hibiscus, and shortbread foam, paired with a sophisticated tea-inspired signature beverage.

Indonesia’s Michael Reinhard claimed second runner-up with bold flavor contrasts that moved from vibrant botanical elements to rich heritage-inspired espresso creations topped with aromatic cream.

Representing the Philippines, John Joseph C. San Juan delivered one of the competition’s most memorable presentations. His tropical-inspired drinks celebrated Filipino flavors through an ube-based creation with clarified halo-halo and banana cream, alongside a milk-washed espresso beverage layered with mango, peach, and passionfruit.

The competition showcased how today’s baristas are pushing café culture forward by combining local ingredients, modern techniques, and storytelling that resonates beyond the cup.

Espresso Meets Culture and Creativity

This year’s “Espresso Your Flavour” theme encouraged competitors to express individuality through coffee craftsmanship. More than simply preparing drinks, contestants were challenged to communicate identity, heritage, and creativity through flavor.

Throughout the competition floor, audiences witnessed espresso transformed into cultural narratives. Familiar regional desserts, nostalgic flavors, and sustainable concepts all found their way into the presentations, revealing how Asia Pacific’s café scene continues to evolve with originality and sophistication.

Competitors were evaluated by both technical and sensory judges on flavor balance, presentation, workflow, consistency, cleanliness, and overall execution. Each finalist had to craft two beverages within a strict time limit while maintaining professional precision under pressure.

DaVinci Gourmet Expands Its Commitment to Coffee Innovation

The 2025–26 championship follows a four-stage journey that began with national digital submissions before progressing through country-level competitions, regional finals, and ultimately the global championship.

Building on the success of its inaugural 2024 edition, DaVinci Gourmet continues to strengthen its role in supporting baristas as creative professionals while inspiring innovation across the café industry.

Adding further prestige to the event was the presence of 2024 World Barista Champion Mikael Jasin, who returned as DaVinci Gourmet’s first brand ambassador for Asia Pacific, Middle East, and Africa. Jasin mentored competitors during the event and will also serve on the judging panel for the global finals in Bangkok.

Eloise Dubuisson, General Manager for Food Service Brands at Kerry Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa, emphasized the remarkable growth of this year’s competition.

“Asia Pacific continues to be a global epicentre of coffee and beverage innovation. This year’s championships demonstrated just how high the standard has become, with competitors showcasing not only technical skill but also the ability to express identity through flavour,” she said.

Road to the Global Finals in Bangkok

With the Asia Pacific regionals complete, all eyes now turn to Bangkok, Thailand, where Hasting Ng will compete for the global title at World of Coffee on 9 May 2026.

As coffee culture continues to evolve across Asia and beyond, the DaVinci Gourmet Barista Craft Championship has become more than a competition. It is now a global platform celebrating creativity, craftsmanship, and the next generation of beverage innovation.