Mariam Erin, a 31-year-old Filipina barista, has triumphed at the 2024 UAE National Brewers Cup Championship, held from November 26 to 28 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC). The prestigious event, part of the Abu Dhabi International Food Exhibition (ADIFE), gathered 14 elite brewers from across the region to showcase their skills in specialty coffee.
From Food Technology to Brewing Passion
Mariam Erin’s journey into the world of specialty coffee began with a degree in Food Technology from the Philippines. After working in food labs and manufacturing, she sought a more dynamic career and found her calling in the food service industry. “I wanted something more creative, and the UAE’s growing coffee culture provided the perfect environment to explore coffee,” she shared. Erin moved to the UAE eight years ago, where she deepened her passion for brewing, eventually transitioning into a role as a trainer and content creator at Brewing Gadgets.
Teamwork and Innovation Behind the Win
Though Erin’s brewing talent was key to her success, she emphasizes that her victory was a collective effort. “Preparation was 100% a team effort,” she said, crediting her team at Brewing Gadgets, her coach Bagus from White Mantis, and collaborators from the wider coffee community. Together, they selected the coffee, refined roasting techniques, and crafted innovative brewing tools. Erin also mentioned the role of cultural adaptability in her brewing approach, blending her Filipino heritage with the UAE’s diverse coffee culture.
Future Goals: World Brewers Cup and New Coffee Projects
Looking ahead, Erin is preparing for the 2025 World Brewers Cup Championship in Indonesia. "Training starts soon, and I’m excited for the challenges ahead," she said. She is also involved in café projects in both the Philippines and the UAE, continuing her mission to give back to the coffee community and inspire the next generation of coffee professionals.
