A barista working at a coffee bar, handling espresso tools and preparing a high-quality drink in a warm, modern café environment.

Dubai – Qahwa World

Qahwa World continues its “Barista Terminology” series, reaching the seventeenth episode of this educational journey dedicated to enhancing baristas’ professional and cultural knowledge. In this episode, we explore and analyze a key aspect of the barista’s role: understanding customers and guiding them toward the right coffee choice.

A skilled barista does more than prepare excellent coffee — they also act as a guide who helps customers find a drink that suits their taste. Understanding preferences and offering thoughtful recommendations can turn occasional visitors into loyal regulars.

Today, we highlight 8 essential duties every barista should master and consistently apply:

1. Ask the Right Questions

Start with simple, open-ended questions such as:
• “Do you prefer a light or strong drink?”
• “Do you enjoy sweeter flavors or stronger ones?”
• “Do you usually take your coffee with milk?”

2. Understand Flavor Profiles

Match drinks to taste preferences:
• Fruity & light → Drip-brew coffees from African origins
• Bold & rich → Espresso-based drinks or darker roasts
• Creamy & sweet → Milk-based drinks like flat white or latte

3. Recommend Based on Time & Mood

• Morning: Balanced and energizing drinks such as cappuccino or filtered coffee
• Afternoon: Cold and refreshing choices like iced coffee or cold brew
• Evening: Decaf or low-acidity options

4. Offer Customization Options

Explain available adjustments:
• Milk types: cow’s milk, oat, soy, almond
• Sweetness levels: none, light, regular
• Temperature: extra hot, warm
• Strength: single or double shot, ristretto, lungo

5. Share Light Information

When the customer is curious, offer brief and helpful insights:
• “This coffee is from Yemen and has grape-like acidity.”
• “We use a slow brewing method to enhance clarity.”

6. Respect Individual Taste

There is no “wrong” taste in coffee. A professional barista respects personal preferences and avoids judging sweetened or flavored choices.

7. Recommend Signature Drinks

If the café has a special drink, highlight it with confidence:
• “We have a honey-cinnamon latte that is one of our most popular drinks.”

8. Remember Regular Customers

When a customer returns, try to recall their previous order. This adds a personal touch and strengthens customer loyalty.

Related Stories:

 

Barista Terminology | Episode 16: Common Coffee Brewing Mistakes and How to Fix Them

Barista Terminology | Episode 14: Coffee Origins and Their Flavour Profiles

Barista Terminology | Episode 13: Espresso Machine Components Explained

Barista Terminology | Episode 12: Brewing Equipment Maintenance & Hygiene

Barista Terminology | Episode 11: Milk-Based Coffee Drinks

Barista Terminology | Episode 10: Advanced Concepts

Barista Terminology | Episode 9: Sensory Evaluation

Barista Terminology | Episode 8: Customer Service Language in the Café

Barista Terminology | Episode 7: Water & Temperature Control

Barista Terminology | Episode 6: Grind & Extraction Variables

Barista Terminology | Episode 5: Milk Texturing & Latte Art

Barista Terminology | Episode 4: Brew Methods Explained

Barista Terminology | Episode 1: The Coffee Bean – From Seed to Roast

Barista Terminology | Episode 2: Barista Tools & Equipment

Barista Terminology | Episode 3: Espresso Basics

The post Barista Terminology | Episode 17: Understanding Customer Preferences & Making Recommendations appeared first on Qahwa World.