Representing the UAE, Lablibell Bajarias defeated 20 national champions to win the 2026 Lavazza Barista Challenge, earning international recognition for a coffee inspired by Emirati hospitality.
The UAE has claimed a major international coffee title after Lablibell Bajarias was crowned champion at the 2026 International Finals of the Lavazza Barista Challenge in Turin, Italy.
Competing against 20 national champions from around the world, Bajarias secured first place with a signature coffee creation that combined sustainability, innovation, and the spirit of Emirati hospitality.
In addition to winning the global title, she also received the Community Prize, an award voted for by members of the international Lavazza network. South Africa’s Daniel Smith finished second, while Japan’s Hiroto Suzuki claimed third place.
A Winning Cup Inspired by the UAE
Bajarias impressed the judges with her signature beverage, “Il Bosco” (The Forest), a coffee designed to highlight both sustainability and flavour.
The drink featured ingredients such as zero-waste dates, coffee saccharum, lacto-fermented strawberry, cascara infusion, and butter-infused coffee, showcasing creative techniques while reducing food waste.
For Bajarias, however, the story behind the coffee was just as important as its flavour.
She said the inspiration came from the UAE’s tradition of welcoming guests with coffee, describing it as a symbol of warmth, generosity, and respect.
Through her presentation, she aimed to share that culture of hospitality with an international audience and demonstrate how coffee can bring people together across different cultures.
A Journey Built in the UAE
Originally from the Philippines, Bajarias moved to the UAE in 2013 in search of new opportunities.
What began as a job eventually developed into a passion for specialty coffee, with the UAE providing opportunities to learn, compete, and grow within the country’s thriving coffee community.
She said representing the UAE on the global stage was one of the proudest moments of her career, adding that the country’s multicultural environment played a significant role in her professional development.
Although she was not born in the UAE, Bajarias said the country had given her the platform to develop her skills and pursue international competitions.
Months of Preparation
Winning the championship required months of preparation while balancing a full-time job.
Bajarias spent long hours refining her recipe, rehearsing her presentation, and perfecting every detail of her performance.
She said the demanding schedule often meant sacrificing sleep, but the effort ultimately paid off.
Facing some of the world’s best baristas, she focused on creating a presentation that would stand out not only for its technical execution but also for the story it told.
Reflecting on the experience, Bajarias said the biggest lesson was that success comes through continuous improvement rather than perfection.
Inspiring Others
Now a world champion, Bajarias hopes her journey will encourage others pursuing their ambitions in the UAE.
She believes the country offers opportunities to anyone willing to work hard, continue learning, and step outside their comfort zone.
According to Bajarias, success is not determined by where someone comes from but by their commitment, perseverance, and willingness to keep moving forward despite challenges.
Her victory also highlights the growing international reputation of the UAE’s specialty coffee industry, which continues to gain recognition through talented professionals competing on the global stage.
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Source: Gulf News
