Meet the Cuppers

We asked our cuppers what they like to pop in their gobs—besides coffee.

Name: Mark Liao

Insta: @legendcoffeeroasters

Representing: Legend Coffee Roasters

What do you like to eat for breakfast? Usually something clean and light, like eggs, tomatoes, and black coffee. Keeps my palate sharp and my body balanced.

Sweet or Sour? Sour” but the good kind. Like a clean citrus that wakes you up and makes your mouth smile.

If you had to describe yourself as one of the basic tastes (sweet, salty, sour, bitter, or umami), which would you be, and why? Umami. I’m quiet on the surface, but there’s depth and soul if you pay attention. Like a well-developed coffee, you don’t notice everything at first, but it lingers and leaves an impression.

Bio: Tell us a little about yourself and why you’ve chosen to compete: I’m the founder of Legend Coffee Roasters. I started roasting during the pandemic, hand-sorting every bean by instinct and heart. I believe coffee should be clean, soulful, and full of natural beauty, just like life. Competing helps me refine my senses and share this passion with others. For me, every cup tells a story, and this competition is a chance to hear many.

Name: Stephanie Stephan

Insta: @Laffare

Representing: L’affare

What do you like to eat for breakfast? Smashed avocado on toast, with a sunny-side-up egg on top

Sweet or Sour? Sour, need that kick!

If you had to describe yourself as one of the basic tastes (sweet, salty, sour, bitter, or umami), which would you be—and why? I’m umami and sour, warm and comforting, but also got a little zing that keeps things fresh

Bio – Tell us a little about yourself and why you’ve chosen to compete: Cooking is a hobby I truly enjoy, I love exploring flavors and keeping my taste buds on their toes. Joining this competition is exciting to me because it challenges me to think and analyze on a deeper level, and it also gives me the chance to meet some experts and learn from them!

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Name: Wynnie Liang

Insta: @wynnieliang

Representing: Mojo Coffee @mojocoffeenz

What do you like to eat for breakfast? Steamed Kumara or bun

Sweet or Sour? Sour

If you had to describe yourself as one of the basic tastes (sweet, salty, sour, bitter, or umami), which would you be—and why? Salty, because I am straightforward and sarcastic – but in a way that adds flavor to life.

Bio – Tell us a little about yourself and why you’ve chosen to compete: Hi I’m Wynnie, a barista based in Mojo’s ‘Beanery’ in Wellington. I am thrilled for the exciting opportunity to calibrate my palate with some of New Zealand’s best in this years Cup Taster!

 

Name: YJ Huang

Insta: @da_YJH

Representing: Eternal Coffee @Eternalcoffee.NZ

What do you like to eat for breakfast? I like a Cantonese style breakfast where I’ll have beef or pork rice noodle rolls plus egg, and a bowl of congee

Sweet or Sour? Sweet

If you had to describe yourself as one of the basic tastes (sweet, salty, sour, bitter, or umami), which would you be—and why? Sweet, because makes people happy like yummy juicy.

Bio – Tell us a little about yourself and why you’ve chosen to compete: I have being in the industry for sometime now and I really enjoy competing and meeting new friends. Best play to meet new friends are in these events.

 

Name: Nutthapoj Worakitikunwat

Insta: @pjcools_04

Representing: Kokako @kokakocoffee

What do you like to eat for breakfast? Toasted slices of bread with butter

 Sweet or Sour? Sour

 If you had to describe yourself as one of the basic tastes (sweet, salty, sour, bitter, or umami), which would you be—and why? Salty, it’s a fundamental ingredient that brings balance, depth, and satisfaction to enhance every flavour around it. Like salt, I like to help and support everyone around me.

 Bio – Tell us a little about yourself and why you’ve chosen to compete: Hi everyone! I’m Poj, a barista at Kōkako here in New Zealand. (You can call me like “iPod” or “AirPod” ;)) I’m joining the NZ Cup Tasters comp because I love challenging myself, connecting with people, and seeing how far I can take my sensory skills.

Name: Toby Oliver Chen

Insta: @toby_oliver_chen

Representing: Flight Coffee Hangar @flightcoffeehangar

What do you like to eat for breakfast?Broken banana bread bits

Sweet or Sour?Sweet over sour for sure

If you had to describe yourself as one of the basic tastes (sweet, salty, sour, bitter, or umami), which would you be—and why?Umami. It takes a while to appreciate.

Bio – Tell us a little about yourself and why you’ve chosen to compete:It’s all part of the journey to learn more and represent what coffees about.

 

 

Name: Derick Brian

Insta: @derickbrian_

Representing: Aoraki Coffee Roaster @aorakicoffeeroaster

What do you like to eat for breakfast? Can’t go wrong with a savory pocket, ham cheese caramelised onion yumm, my to go lately!

Sweet or Sour? Sour

If you had to describe yourself as one of the basic tastes (sweet, salty, sour, bitter, or umami), which would you be—and why? Definitely sweet, I love helping other people, cheering them on and bringing the energy up!

Bio – Tell us a little about yourself and why you’ve chosen to compete: Hi, I’m Derick, a 22-year-old barista from Brazil. I’ve been working with coffee for a few years now, and it’s become so much more than just a job for me—it’s something I genuinely love. Growing up around Brazilian coffee, I’ve always been curious about flavors and how much a single cup can tell you. I’m entering this coffee tasting competition to push myself, learn more, and represent the amazing coffee culture I come from. Plus, I just really love a good challenge.

 

 

 

 

Name: Agnese Sokolovska

Insta: @ninjagnes

Representing: Eighthirty @eighthirty

What do you like to eat for breakfast? Let’s imagine there is a limitless time every morning: porridge with fruits and roasted nuts. Pancakes with cottage cheese or something savoury like scrambled eggs with smoked meat or a taco. Preferably all of it at once – I love breakfast!

Sweet or Sour? Can’t do one without the other!

If you had to describe yourself as one of the basic tastes (sweet, salty, sour, bitter, or umami), which would you be—and why? I’d be the salty one – always sweaty

Bio – Tell us a little about yourself and why you’ve chosen to compete: Love a challenge and shaky hands – this time it’s for Cup Tasters.

 

Name: Atsushi Miyazaki

Insta: @atsushi_miya1534

Representing: Roost cafe @Roost_ponsonby

What do you like to eat for breakfast? Blueberry and Banana smoothie

Sweet or Sour? Sweet.

If you had to describe yourself as one of the basic tastes (sweet, salty, sour, bitter, or umami), which would you be—and why? Umami. I chose ‘umami’ to express the idea that the closer you get to someone, the more their true flavor comes out

Bio – Tell us a little about yourself and why you’ve chosen to compete: I decided to participate this time to challenge myself and see the extent of my abilities. I will strive to achieve the best result I can.

 

Name: Danny Lee

Insta: @d.uuyl

Representing: Parable @parable.house

What do you like to eat for breakfast? Usually just coffee, sometimes granola and yoghurt

Sweet or Sour? Sweet over sour

If you had to describe yourself as one of the basic tastes (sweet, salty, sour, bitter, or umami), which would you be—and why? Bitter and long lasting Umami, takes a while to get to know me

Bio – Tell us a little about yourself and why you’ve chosen to compete: I’ve been in the industry for some time now and always loved the pressure and dedication towards competitions. Can be a fun yet challenging experience whether you’re new or old. This year I’m just here to motivate myself a little ✌

 

Name: August Hislop

Insta: @augieno1

Representing: Atomic Coffee Roasters @atomiccoffeeroasters

What do you like to eat for breakfast? Porridge or muesli with fruit.

Sweet or Sour? Both, they compliment each other.

If you had to describe yourself as one of the basic tastes (sweet, salty, sour, bitter, or umami), which would you be—and why? Sour, I’m not for everyone

Bio – Tell us a little about yourself and why you’ve chosen to compete: I work as a Roaster at Atomic coffee roasters in Auckland. I love competing in cup tasters as it is a chance to challenge myself and put me out of my comfort zone.

 

 

Name: Neil He

Insta: @neil_he7

What do you like to eat for breakfast? Bread with butter/jam or no breakfast.

Sweet or Sour? Sweet

If you had to describe yourself as one of the basic tastes (sweet, salty, sour, bitter, or umami), which would you be—and why? Umami, a taste beyond sweet, salty, sour, and bitter, is what I want to be different from.

Bio – Tell us a little about yourself and why you’ve chosen to compete: I’ve been working in the coffee industry for a couple of years now, and I’m currently a home brewer. Last year, I watched the Copper event, and it was both intense and interesting. This year, I feel like it’s a great opportunity to participate in this event.

 

 

Name: Brady Kuech

Insta: @hhighlighter

Representing: Flight Coffee @flightcoffee

What do you like to eat for breakfast? Scrambled eggs on toast.

Sweet or Sour? Savory

If you had to describe yourself as one of the basic tastes (sweet, salty, sour, bitter, or umami), which would you be—and why? Salty for being a simple, straight forward, enhance those around me type.

Bio – Tell us a little about yourself and why you’ve chosen to compete: Hey folks. Brady here. I’m representing the roasting team at Flight Coffee. I’m headed to cup tasters because I see it as an excellent way to catch up with my industry peers, all while putting our taste buds to the test.

 

Name: Isaac Choi

Insta: @catallena_g1

Representing: Rumours Coffee @rumours_coffee

What do you like to eat for breakfast? Coffeee.

Sweet or Sour? Sweet.

If you had to describe yourself as one of the basic tastes (sweet, salty, sour, bitter, or umami), which would you be—and why?Sweet, life is sweet.

Bio – Tell us a little about yourself and why you’ve chosen to compete: To improve myself.

 

 

Name: Woohyung Lee

Insta: @_leewoohyung_

Representing: holiday @holiday_in_auckland

What do you like to eat for breakfast? Coffee.

Sweet or Sour? Sweet.

If you had to describe yourself as one of the basic tastes (sweet, salty, sour, bitter, or umami), which would you be—and why?

Bio – Tell us a little about yourself and why you’ve chosen to compete: Keep challenging myself to stay motivated.

 

 

Name: Heesun Lee

Insta: @hsunny0430

Representing: Atomic Coffee Roasters @atomiccoffeeroasters

What do you like to eat for breakfast? Warm water, yoghurt and probiotics

Sweet or Sour? Sweet

If you had to describe yourself as one of the basic tastes (sweet, salty, sour, bitter, or umami), which would you be—and why? Salty. I would like to be like salt – just a small amount that brings things together, and enhancing even sweetness and completing the whole dish!

Bio – Tell us a little about yourself and why you’ve chosen to compete: I’m Heesun, barista trainer at Atomic. This is my third time competing in the Cup Testers. It’s a pure test of skill-simple, honest and humbling! It always reminds me to stay grounded and fuels my genuine passion to win!

 

Name: Tongtong Liu

Insta: @tongtongtongtongliu

Representing: Chapter One @chapterone.rototuna

What do you like to eat for breakfast? Creamy chicken & dill on grains, toasted and topped with cheddar.

Sweet or Sour? Sweet n Sour!

If you had to describe yourself as one of the basic tastes (sweet, salty, sour, bitter, or umami), which would you be—and why? Sour lolly, cos I’m only sweet inside.

Bio – Tell us a little about yourself and why you’ve chosen to compete: Kia Ora all! I’m a registered nurse by train and worked as a practice nurse for 5 years. I am currently having a break from nursing so that I can do something really exciting, running a small coffee shop with my husband Alex! I love every aspect of sensory experience in coffee tasting since day one! This will be my 1st year competing in Cup Taster. Fingers crossed n Toes crossed!

Name: Chace Tian

Insta: @chace_t

Representing: Mavis & Co @maviaandco

What do you like to eat for breakfast? Almond Croissant.

Sweet or Sour? Sweet

If you had to describe yourself as one of the basic tastes (sweet, salty, sour, bitter, or umami), which would you be—and why? I’d say I’m umami, the taste that’s rich, deep, and quietly powerful. It’s not flashy like sweet or bold like sour, but it brings everything together and makes the experience fuller. I aim to be that steady, grounding presence, supportive, thoughtful, and always adding value in a way that might not be obvious at first, but makes a lasting impact.

Bio – Tell us a little about yourself and why you’ve chosen to compete: Drinking coffee has become a daily must for me, and taking part in fun events is always an incredible experience.

Name: Joshua Kim

Insta: @joshuak1013

Representing: Holiday @holiday_in_auckland

What do you like to eat for breakfast? I usually skip breakfast. I start work early, and coffee is my real fuel.

Sweet or Sour? Sweet and sour. But if I had to pick, I’d say sweet — it balances things out. For this comp though, maybe it’s time to be a little more sour: bold and out front.

Bio – Tell us a little about yourself and why you’ve chosen to compete: I’ve spent 15 years in coffee and hospitality. This might be my last spark — and I want to give it everything.

 

 

Name: Wayner Moreno

Insta: @waynerstl

Representing: Hummingbird Coffee @hummingbirdcoffee

What do you like to eat for breakfast? Not a breakfast person, but I always enjoy eggs on toast with loads of bacon!

Sweet or Sour? Sweet

If you had to describe yourself as one of the basic tastes (sweet, salty, sour, bitter, or umami), which would you be—and why? Sweet. Unfortunately having a sweet tooth isn’t easy, I’m always having to control myself to stop eating a full bar of chocolate.

Bio – Tell us a little about yourself and why you’ve chosen to compete: Well… I’ve been working in the coffee industry for over 12 years, in different roles, and I continue to learn more about this drink that brings people together. This is my first time competing at the cup tasters, always thought it is a fun comp to be part of. So why not have some fun, and meet some of the new blood around the industry?

Name: Lani Park

Insta: @og.zs

Representing: Mojo Coffee @mojocoffeenz

What do you like to eat for breakfast? I enjoy starting my day with a cup of herbal tea. My first meal is usually closer to lunch.

Sweet or Sour? Sweet

If you had to describe yourself as one of the basic tastes (sweet, salty, sour, bitter, or umami), which would you be — and why? Umami. There’s a subtle charm to it that’s hard to describe — just like me!

Bio – Tell us a little about yourself and why you’ve chosen to compete: I want to open my eyes and expand my own world through this experience!

 

 

Name: John Huang

Insta: @jh0225

Representing: Wander Cup @wander_cup

What do you like to eat for breakfast? Banana & Croissant

Sweet or Sour? Sweet

If you had to describe yourself as one of the basic tastes (sweet, salty, sour, bitter, or umami), which would you be—and why? Bitter, My life is steeped in bitterness.

Bio – Tell us a little about yourself and why you’ve chosen to compete: My life goal is to win three coffee championship titles before I turn 30.

 

 

Name: Ziqian

Representing: Aoraki Coffee Roaster @aorakicoffeeroaster

What do you like to eat for breakfast? Any styled eggs, bread and kumara

Sweet or Sour? Sour

If you had to describe yourself as one of the basic tastes (sweet, salty, sour, bitter, or umami), which would you be—and why? Bitter, Bitter flavours are generally beneficial for our bodies.

Bio – Tell us a little about yourself and why you’ve chosen to compete: Enjoy life and work, gain more experience about coffee.

 

 

 

Name: Cam MacFadyen

Insta: @camsta_gram

Representing: Allpress Espresso @allpressespresso

What do you like to eat for breakfast? Flat white and a short black.

Sweet or Sour? Sweet all day.

If you had to describe yourself as one of the basic tastes (sweet, salty, sour, bitter, or umami), which would you be—and why? Sweet as most of the time.

Bio – Tell us a little about yourself and why you’ve chosen to compete: I’m Cam from Allpress, I have been lucky enough to compete in Cup Tasters the last couple of years. I think this is the purest and best (and funnest) coffee competition on the circuit, a great pulse check and personal challenge plus it’s a fun way to catch up with all the nice folk from the industry.

 

Name: Belinda Zhang

Insta: @coffeequeen_belinda

Representing: Coffee Queen

What do you like to eat for breakfast? I enjoy simple breakfasts—like a boiled egg with oatmeal, milk powder, raisins, and banana—all mixed with hot water.

Sweet or Sour? Sour. I love acidity—specifically high-quality, and balanced acidity. I especially enjoy fruity acidity, like the aroma of citrus combined with citric acid—that’s what real fruit tastes like to me. But when it’s malic acid with citrus aroma, it feels artificial.

If you had to describe yourself as one of the basic tastes (sweet, salty, sour, bitter, or umami), which would you be—and why? I’ve always seen myself as a girl who’s both sweet and salty.

Bio – Tell us a little about yourself and why you’ve chosen to compete: I started learning about coffee back to 2017, and I studied it systematically. I’ve earned many SCA certificates, and now I working as a barista trainer and part-time barista. I have own the 2nd place at last year cupping competition.

Why I participate in competitions
Competitions aren’t just about winning—they’re more about self-cultivation.
1. Staying calm under intense pressure
2. Enduring the loneliness and repetition of practice
3. Striving for perfection while learning to accept imperfection
4. Expressing oneself while being judged
5. Facing doubts from others—and from yourself

Coffee competitions is a journey of passion, willpower, and self-identity.

Name: Blues Shim

Insta: @WD.blues

Representing: Slow Koi @slowkoi_kohi

What do you like to eat for breakfast? Hi Toastie

Sweet or Sour? Sour

If you had to describe yourself as one of the basic tastes (sweet, salty, sour, bitter, or umami), which would you be—and why? Salty – the skin tastes salty mainly because of sweat. Sweat contains salt (sodium chloride, or NaCl). When you sweat, the water in the sweat evaporates, but the salt stays on your skin. That’s why your skin tastes salty, especially after exercise or being in the heat.

Bio – Tell us a little about yourself and why you’ve chosen to compete: I am a Director of Hi Toastie and Slow Koi, and I am very honoured to compete with the best baristas and coffee professionals in New Zealand.

 

Name: Sujin Shin

Insta: @baribari_sujini

Representing: Slow Koi @slowkoi_kohi

What do you like to eat for breakfast? I don’t really eat breakfast, I choose sleep every time.

Sweet or Sour? Sweet

If you had to describe yourself as one of the basic tastes (sweet, salty, sour, bitter, or umami), which would you be—and why? Umami – Quiet at first, unforgettable later

Bio – Tell us a little about yourself and why you’ve chosen to compete: Hi! I’m Sujin from Slow Koi. I’ve only recently started studying coffee this year, and decided to compete as a way to step out of my comfort zone and grow. I’m excited to be part of this community and to learn from everyone around me.

 

Name: Nikitha Sridhar

Insta: @nikitha_karthikeyan

Representing: JDE Peet’s

What do you like to eat for breakfast? Avo toast with a sprinkle of salt & pepper

Sweet or Sour? Sweet

If you had to describe yourself as one of the basic tastes (sweet, salty, sour, bitter, or umami), which would you be—and why? I’m a sweet person. I bring warmth, refreshing presence and a positive vibe to the people around me.

Bio – Tell us a little about yourself and why you’ve chosen to compete:I’m passionate about coffee! This fun event is a chance to challenge my sensory skills and connect with like-minded people.

 

 

Name: Prav Karunakaran

Insta: @minimalbrewer

Representing: All the lovely people in coffee

What do you like to eat for breakfast? I’d go for something balanced and energizing—like avocado toast topped with a poached egg and paired with a fresh pour-over coffee. It’s wholesome, straightforward, and packed with flavor—the perfect start to a good morning.

Sweet or Sour? I would prefer sweet over sour if I had to choose between the two. Sweetness is hospitable and generally admired; it fosters warmth, comfort, and connection. That’s the vibe I want to project: kind, supportive, and approachable. Like sweetness, I want to foster an environment where individuals are comfortable, encouraged, and motivated to perform to the best of their abilities.

If you had to describe yourself as one of the basic tastes (sweet, salty, sour, bitter, or umami), which would you be—and why? I’d be umami.
Umami is known for its depth, richness, and ability to bring harmony to a dish. It’s not as bold as sour or as obvious as sweet, but it adds a satisfying, grounding presence that ties everything together. That’s how I see myself—I strive to be thoughtful, balanced, and supportive, enhancing whatever I’m a part of, whether it’s a creative project, a technical challenge, or a personal journey. Like umami, I’m here to enrich the experience and help things shine.

Bio – Tell us a little about yourself and why you’ve chosen to compete: My name is Prav, I’m thrilled to participate in the Cup Tasters competition because I have a deep passion for specialty coffee where honing my sensory skills, pushing myself to grow within the specialty coffee industry. This event provides an excellent chance to enhance my tasting abilities, maintain concentration under pressure, and discover the distinct qualities of coffees from various origins. It’s more than merely a competition; it’s an opportunity to learn, engage with others who share my interests, and further advance my career as a specialty coffee professional.

Name: Gin Kuo

Insta: @Gin.kuo

Representing: John Burton Ltd @johnburtonltd

What do you like to eat for breakfast? Eggs & Fruit

Sweet or Sour? Both

If you had to describe yourself as one of the basic tastes (sweet, salty, sour, bitter, or umami), which would you be—and why? I would like to be umami – increases the taste of all the other elements for me.

Bio – Tell us a little about yourself and why you’ve chosen to compete: My Palate bank is forever evolving, and the plethora of samples of food and beverages I taste the more familiar I am with my palate and am able to recognize tasting notes, it’s a forever learning experience and this is why i have chosen to compete