BANGKOK — A Chiang Mai barista brought woodland critters to life in fancy foam to claim victory Thursday as the world’s best latte artist.
Besting more than 40 baristas worldwide, Arnon “Tong” Thitiprasert, the owner of Ristr8to cafe in Chiang Mai, won the World Latte Art Championship in Budapest, Hungary. Four competitions were held Tuesday through Thursday: the World Latte Art Championship, World Brewers Cup, World Coffee in Good Spirit Championship and World Cup Tasters Championship.
It was the latest accolade won by Tong, who has picked up awards worldwide for his skill. He started working as a barista in 2007 in Sydney before opening Ristr8to on Nimmanhaemin Road in Chiang Mai city.