30 October 2013 – The first Monin Coffee Creativity Cup was held in the studio in Rawang, Malaysia. Freshly brewed coffee with a 10ml of Monin syrup was presented by every 19 contestants; compete to gain the place to represent Malaysia in the Asian Coffee Creativity Cup final in 2015.

There was only one aim, the 4 hospitality students and 15 industry professional must impress one of the two panels of judges with their preparation in terms of taste. The winner of the day would walk away with RM2,000 and a trophy.
 

From left: Victor Leong (Lighthouse Coffee), Chef Ryan (Nourish Magazine) and Juno Yong Meng Chun (Monin Malaysia)

From left: Arsenio Mariano (The Cantaloupe), Cheryl Lee (Malaysia Barista Champion 2008 & 2010) and SK Leng (Flavours Magazine)

We were surprised that the champion title was taken down by a student but this was not the case for the judges, who have tasted her drink. Eshia’s Spiced Delight combined the flavour of rose and chocolate with a kick from the chili powder. We can only speculate the taste and hopefully get to try it in the future.
 

Let’s not be disappointed too quickly as the first and second runner up are professionals. Visit them at work and maybe put in a request for their winning drinks. Here are their recipes:
 

Champion
Eshia Kar Mun – Berjaya University College of Hospitality

Spiced Delight

10ml Monin Rose Syrup
2.5ml Monin Dark Chocolate Sauce
2 pieces of Cardamom
chili powder
cocoa powder
Top with milk

First Runner-up
Ang Yee Siang – Coffee Stain

Pick You Up

10ml Monin Chocolate Syrup
30ml espresso
15ml cooking cream
chocolate powder

Second Runner-up
Ronald Raymond – Marini’s On 57

Mud Dew

15ml Monin Dark Chocolate Sauce
30ml espresso
1 chuck honey dew fruit
whipping creampandan leaf

The rest of the contestants were creative with their recipes, using dragon fruit, coconut, dates, cendul and flavours that we have not seen used to be mixed with coffee. For more event photos, please visit Monin Facebook page.
 

During the competition, the contestants and media took a tour to the Monin factory. Monin Malaysia will be expanding their factory and warehouse in the coming year. We will be welcoming the place to be double the size by 2015.
 

Latte art performance by baristas from Coffee Stain while waiting for the final results.